The Lotus Elan +2 was introduced in 1967 with a longer wheelbase and two more rear seats. The Elan +2 embodied the Lotus spirit: It was a fast and agile sport coupe, with very elegant lines. It combined the performance and reliability of the Elan “Coupe” with genuine 2+2 passenger comfort. Well, as long as the +2 do not have legs or are normal size people.
The chassis was a stretched steel backbone chassis for increased interior space—the lightweight fiberglass body retained the agility and performance of the original Elan. The interior has luxurious touches, including wood veneer dashboards and upgraded upholstery—additionally, the improved soundproofing and a more spacious cabin for added comfort.
The Plus 2 retained the same power train as the Elan and was powered by the 1.6-liter Lotus-Ford twin-cam engine, delivering between 118 and 126 horsepower, depending on the variant, with a standard 4-speed manual gearbox with optional upgrades. The Plus 2 had a fully independent suspension for exceptional handling and disc brakes on all four wheels for reliable stopping power.
Despite being larger and heavier than the two-seater Elan, the Plus 2 maintained agile handling and spirited performance with 0-60 mph times ranged from 8 to 9 seconds, depending on the engine specification. The Plus 2 achieved speeds of over 120 mph in higher-performance variants while retaining the iconic Lotus driving dynamics, with precise steering and exceptional cornering ability.
History
Plus 2 (1967-1969)
Aimed at drivers needing a family-friendly sports car.Features:
- Stretched chassis with a 2+2 seating configuration.
- Fiberglass body on a steel backbone chassis.
- Luxurious interior with wood veneer trim.
- 1.6-liter twin-cam engine producing ~118 horsepower.
Known for blending practicality with agility.
Plus 2S (1969-1970)
Enhanced refinement and luxury over the original Plus 2.Features:
- Upgraded upholstery and electric windows.
- Same 1.6-liter twin-cam engine.
- Added comfort and sophistication for long drives.
Plus 2S/130 (1971-1974)
High-performance version of the Plus 2 range.Features:
- “Big-valve” 1.6-liter twin-cam engine with 126 horsepower.
- Improved acceleration and top speed.
- Alloy wheels, refined instrumentation, and unique badging.
- Considered the pinnacle of the Plus 2 lineup for performance and luxury.
Racing
Special Models
JPS
Chis Neil Convertible
Awards
Production
Lotus primary focus was on racing with building road cars as a way to finance racing. Accounting and detail tracking of car production figures was not a high priority. Production figures for the Elan +2 vary from 4526 to 5228. This is based on a variety of published reports. The general belief was approximately 4,600 Plus 2’s were built.
| Date | Type 50 | Type 50 | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 1967 | 50/0001 | +2 Introduced | |
| March 1968 | 50/0857 | +2 Federal version available in USA | |
| April 1968 | 50/0929 | +2 Federal version available in all markets | |
| December 1968 | 50/1280 | ||
| March 1969 | 50/1593 | +2S Introduced | |
| November 1969 | 50/2447 | +2S Federal version available | |
| December 1969 | 50/2536 | Last +2S on old VIN system | |
| January 1970 | 70.xx.yy.0001z | xx – Month of Production yy – Batch Number z – Car Type Identity L – +2S & +2S/130 UK Market M – +2S & +2S/130 Export N – +2S & +2S/130 Federal (USA) | |
| January 1971 | 71.xx | See January 1970 explanation. | |
| February 1971 | 71.02 | +2S/130 Introduced | |
| January 1972 | 72.xx.0001z | See January 1970 explanation. | |
| October 1972 | 72.10 | +2S 130/5 Introduced | |
| January 1973 | 73.01.1132z | See January 1970 explanation. | |
| January 1974 | 74.xx.0001z | See January 1970 explanation. | |
| December 1974 | 74.12.1990 | +2S 130 Production ceased. |