The Lotus Elan Plus 2 (Type 50) was introduced in June 1967 as a larger and more luxurious evolution of the two-seat Elan. Built on the same backbone chassis and mechanical platform, it featured a longer wheelbase, wider track, and a 2+2 seating arrangement intended to accommodate a family rather than a couple. Lotus positioned the model as a refined grand touring car capable of transporting two adults, two children, and their luggage over long distances in comfort.
Contemporary observers noted that the Plus 2 represented a shift in Lotus philosophy. Rather than being viewed as a lightweight specialist sports car, it reflected the company’s ambition to be recognized as a mainstream automobile manufacturer. Period road testers consistently praised the model’s combination of performance, handling, comfort, and practicality.
History
Development of the Plus 2 can be traced back to concepts explored as early as 1961 by Ron Hickman. The project evolved through multiple design studies, including the M28 “3-in-1” proposal that envisioned a coupe, estate, and convertible sharing a common structure.
By 1962, Lotus management was actively pursuing a stretched Elan concept. Development continued through numerous styling revisions, engineering studies, aerodynamic testing, and drivetrain evaluations. The project experienced delays due to competing Lotus programs and production challenges elsewhere in the company.
The final design was largely the work of Ron Hickman and his team. Colin Chapman directed that the car combine elements of the Elan and Elite while offering significantly improved passenger accommodation. Development included wind tunnel testing, crash testing at MIRA, extensive prototype evaluation, and consideration of no fewer than eleven different engine possibilities before the Lotus-Ford Twin Cam was retained.
Production commenced in June 1967 and continued until December 1969, after which the Plus 2S succeeded the original model.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type Number | Type 50 |
| Production Years | 1967–1969 |
| Body Style | 2+2 Fixed Head Coupe |
| Engine | 1,558cc Lotus Twin Cam |
| Advertised Power | 118 bhp |
| Wheelbase | 96 in (2,438 mm) |
| Length | 169 in (4,293 mm) |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.30 |
| Weight Distribution | 48% Front / 52% Rear |
| Production Total | Approximately 1,592–1,600 units |
Production Notes
| Date | 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 1st +2S) | Last +2 |
Unit Numbers
Production is generally reported at approximately 1,592 to 1,600 vehicles between June 1967 and December 1969.
Reported chassis numbering began with 50/0001. Contemporary sources also reference multiple chassis series including 7001, 7101, 7201, 7301, and 7401.
The original Plus 2 concluded production in December 1969 before being replaced by the Plus 2S.
Engines
Throughout development, Lotus evaluated eleven potential engines ranging from Ford pushrod fours to Rover and Daimler V8s.
The production Plus 2 retained the Lotus-Ford Twin Cam engine.
Production Engine
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Lotus Twin Cam |
| Capacity | 1,558 cc |
| Advertised Output | 118 bhp |
| Carburetion | Twin Weber carburetors |
| Gearbox | 4-speed manual |
| Final Drive | 3.77:1 |
The production engine incorporated specification changes derived from the Lotus Cortina SE engine, including revised pistons, larger exhaust valves, and carburetor revisions.
Chassis, Body, and Design
The Plus 2 retained the Lotus backbone chassis and fiberglass body construction that defined the Elan.
Major dimensional changes included:
- 12-inch wheelbase increase.
- Approximately 23-inch increase in overall length.
- Wider track and body structure.
- Accommodation for two rear seats.
The design underwent extensive aerodynamic development. Wind tunnel testing established a drag coefficient of approximately 0.30, an impressive figure for the period.
Several production components were sourced from other manufacturers:
- Ford Capri windscreen assembly.
- Ford Anglia front bumper.
- Wolseley Hornet rear bumper sections.
- Alfa Romeo Giulia rear lamp assemblies.
- Later production examples adopted alternative lamp assemblies.
Distinctive design features included:
- Pop-up headlights.
- Bonded windscreen construction.
- Tilted side window geometry.
- Aerodynamically faired body contours.
- Wider nose section introduced during final development.
Interior and Driving Environment
The interior was designed to create a significantly more luxurious atmosphere than the two-seat Elan.
Period road tests praised:
- Increased elbow room.
- Comprehensive instrumentation.
- Veneered dashboard.
- Effective heating and ventilation.
- Excellent long-distance comfort.
- Reduced interior noise levels.
The rear seats were intended primarily for children, although they could accommodate adults on shorter journeys. Many owners found the rear compartment useful as supplementary luggage space.
Additional interior features included:
- Lockable glove compartment.
- Electric windows.
- Through-flow ventilation.
- One-key operation for locks and ignition.
- Luggage compartment with concealed storage beneath the floor.
Options
Factory-listed options included:
- Heated rear screen.
- Special-order paint colors.
- Dunlop SP Sport tires.
- Close-ratio gearbox.
- Optional 3.55:1 final drive ratio.
Various pre-production and experimental vehicles also appeared with:
- Magnesium wheels.
- Integrated headrest seats.
- Rear brake dust shields.
- Alternative paint treatments.
Performance Data
Factory Claims
| Performance Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 120 mph |
| 0–60 mph | 7.9–8.2 seconds |
Contemporary Road Test Results
| Publication | 0–60 mph | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Motor (1967) | 8.2 sec | 122.5 mph |
| Autocar (1968) | 8.9 sec | 118 mph |
| Autosport (1968) | 8.4 sec | 122 mph |
Road testers consistently praised the car’s handling, steering precision, ride quality, and high-speed touring ability.
Technical Data
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 96.0 in |
| Length | 169.0 in |
| Width | 66.0 in |
| Height | 47.0 in |
| Weight | Approximately 1,848–1,960 lb |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | Chapman Strut |
| Front Brakes | Disc with Servo Assistance |
| Tires | 165 x 13 |
| Turning Circle | 34 ft |
The Plus 2 retained the Elan’s fundamental chassis and suspension philosophy while being re-engineered to carry additional weight and passengers.
Pricing
| Price | Amount |
|---|---|
| Launch Price (assembled) | £1,923 |
| Launch Price (kit form) | £1,672 |
At introduction, the Plus 2 cost £797 more than the contemporary MGB GT.
Road Test Impressions
Period reviews were overwhelmingly positive.
Motor magazine described the Plus 2 as a landmark road test vehicle and praised its cornering ability as equal to or better than any production car they had previously driven. Reviewers highlighted the combination of four-seat practicality and sports-car performance.
The steering received universal praise for being light, responsive, and exceptionally precise. Ride quality was considered outstanding, especially on long European journeys and rough secondary roads.
Reviewers also noted:
- Excellent high-speed touring capability.
- Strong sound insulation.
- Comfortable front seating.
- Effective heating and ventilation.
- Outstanding road holding.
Criticisms focused primarily on:
- Limited rear-seat accommodation for adults.
- Vacuum-operated headlamp behavior.
- Gearbox characteristics.
- Wind buffeting at high speed.
- Minor ergonomic issues involving controls and luggage-compartment access.
Despite these criticisms, contemporary assessments consistently concluded that the Plus 2 successfully combined Lotus performance and handling with comfort and practicality in a way few rivals could match.
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