The Lotus Elan Plus 2S/130 was the final and most powerful evolution of the Elan Plus 2 family. Introduced in 1971, it combined the luxury and practicality of the Plus 2S with the high-performance “Big Valve” version of the Lotus Twin Cam engine. Production continued until 1975, outlasting the two-seat Elan by two years and serving as the ultimate expression of the Type 50 platform.
The model was visually distinguished by its silver roof treatment and mechanically by its upgraded engine specification. Later examples could be equipped with an Austin Maxi–based five-speed gearbox, creating the Plus 2S 130/5 variant and significantly improving long-distance cruising capability.
History
The Plus 2S/130 emerged from Lotus’ desire to revitalize the Plus 2 range while utilizing a growing inventory of unsold vehicles. The solution involved fitting the newly developed Big Valve engine and visually differentiating the cars through a distinctive silver roof treatment.
The model was announced in October 1970, although customer deliveries did not begin until February 1971. The Big Valve engine transformed the performance of the Plus 2 platform and elevated the car into direct competition with significantly more expensive grand touring machines.
In October 1972, Lotus introduced an optional five-speed gearbox based on Austin Maxi components. This version became known as the Plus 2S 130/5 and was aimed at buyers seeking more relaxed high-speed cruising.
The Plus 2 family remained in production until 1975, when changing type-approval requirements and Lotus’ strategic focus on newer models brought production to an end.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Lotus Elan Plus 2S/130 |
| Type Number | Type 50 |
| Production Years | 1971–1975 |
| Body Style | 2+2 Fixed Head Coupe |
| Engine | Lotus Twin Cam Big Valve |
| Capacity | 1,558 cc |
| Power | 126 bhp |
| Carburetion | Weber, Stromberg, or Dellorto depending on specification |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual or optional 5-speed |
| Top Speed | Approximately 120–121 mph |
| Distinguishing Feature | Silver roof treatment |
Production Notes
| Date | Type 50 | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| VIN Format | 71.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) |
| 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. |
The Plus 2S/130 was created by combining the established Plus 2S platform with the Big Valve engine specification.
Notable production characteristics included:
- Silver roof treatment unique to the model.
- Strengthened driveline components.
- Revised differential mounting structure.
- Improved driveshaft couplings.
- Continued development of luxury interior appointments.
- Optional five-speed transmission from October 1972.
Production continued through several annual VIN series, beginning with the 7101 prefix introduced in February 1971.
Unit Numbers
Available production information identifies the following chassis milestones:
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Introduction | VIN Prefix 7101 |
| 1972 Series | VIN Prefix 7201 |
| 1973 Series | VIN Prefix 7301 |
| Production Period | 1971–1975 |
The source material does not provide a confirmed standalone production total for the Plus 2S/130.
Engines
The defining feature of the Plus 2S/130 was the Big Valve version of the Lotus Twin Cam engine.
Big Valve Engine Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Twin Cam |
| Capacity | 1,558 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 82.55 x 72.75 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Carburettors | 2 x Weber 40 DCOE |
| Power | 126 bhp at 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 113 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm |
| Main Bearings | 5 |
| Cooling | Water |
| Oil Capacity | 7.5 pints |
Major engineering changes included:
- Larger 1.6-inch inlet valves.
- D-type camshafts.
- Increased compression ratio.
- Strengthened driveline components.
Depending on market and production period, the engine was equipped with Weber, Stromberg, or Dellorto carburettors.
Chassis, Body, and Design
The Plus 2S/130 retained the Lotus backbone chassis and fiberglass body construction that defined the entire Elan family.
Key chassis and structural features included:
- Central steel backbone chassis.
- Separate fiberglass body.
- Strengthened differential mounting area.
- Revised driveshaft splines.
- Stronger Rotoflex couplings.
- Vacuum-operated headlamp system.
The car retained the practical 2+2 fixed-head coupe layout while incorporating the signature silver roof treatment that visually distinguished it from earlier Plus 2 variants.
Interior and Driving Environment
The Plus 2S/130 represented the most luxurious Elan derivative produced by Lotus.
Interior features included:
- Fully instrumented dashboard.
- Wood fascia.
- Electric windows.
- Reclining seats.
- Locking glove compartment.
- Fresh-air ventilation.
- Multiple warning systems.
- Extensive upholstery throughout the cabin.
Period reviewers noted that the rear seats remained most suitable for children, although the generous luggage compartment enhanced touring practicality.
The Harold Radford special interior specification extended trim materials to the dashboard underside, steering wheel, instrument binnacle, gear lever gaiter, and ashtray.
Options
Factory options included:
- Five-speed gearbox.
- Centre-lock alloy wheels.
- Heated rear screen.
- Tinted glass.
- Sundym glass.
- Philips Turnolock radio.
- Metallic paint.
- Workshop Manual.
By late production, alloy wheels became standard equipment on some vehicles.
Performance Data
Big Valve 4-Speed Performance
| Performance Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| 0–60 mph | 7.4 sec |
| 0–80 mph | 12.7 sec |
| 0–100 mph | 21.8 sec |
| Quarter Mile | 15.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 121 mph |
Plus 2S 130/5 Performance
| Performance Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| 0–60 mph | 7.5 sec |
| 0–80 mph | 13.9 sec |
| 0–100 mph | 23.6 sec |
| Quarter Mile | 16.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 120–121 mph |
Fuel Economy
| Condition | Economy |
|---|---|
| Typical Driving | Approximately 25–28 mpg |
| Careful Driving | Approximately 30 mpg |
| Constant 60 mph | 38.1 mpg |
| Constant 100 mph | 23.8 mpg |
Technical Data
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1,558cc Big Valve Twin Cam |
| Power | 126 bhp |
| Torque | 113 lb-ft |
| Wheelbase | 96 in |
| Length | 168–169 in |
| Width | Approximately 66 in |
| Height | 47 in |
| Kerb Weight | Approximately 1,954–1,997 lb |
| Fuel Capacity | 13–13.5 gallons |
| Brakes | Servo-assisted discs all round |
| Wheels | 5.5J x 13 |
| Tires | Dunlop SP Sport 165-13 |
| Steering | Rack and pinion |
| Lock-to-Lock | 2.6–2.7 turns |
Pricing
Factory Pricing
| Date | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Plus 2S/130 | £2,626–£2,676 |
| October 1972 | Plus 2S/130 | £2,594.65 |
| October 1972 | Plus 2S/130/5 Tested | £2,826.65 |
| January 1974 | Plus 2S 130/5 Tested | £3,390.29 |
Typical Options Pricing (October 1972)
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Heated Rear Screen | £19.33 |
| Radio | £43.50 |
| Sports Wheels | £67.67 |
| Five-Speed Gearbox | £120.83 |
Road Test Impressions
Contemporary reviewers regarded the Plus 2S/130 as one of the finest grand touring cars of its era, combining exceptional handling with practicality and comfort.
Road tests consistently praised:
- Outstanding cornering ability.
- Neutral handling balance.
- Precise steering.
- Powerful four-wheel disc brakes.
- Comfortable ride quality.
- Strong Big Valve engine performance.
- Excellent fuel economy relative to performance.
Reviewers frequently described the car as capable of cornering “as if on rails” while maintaining a supple ride over rough roads.
The Big Valve engine was praised for its flexibility, ability to pull from low speeds, and strong acceleration. Drivers noted that meaningful performance arrived from around 3,000 rpm while the engine remained tractable in everyday driving.
Criticisms included:
- High-speed twitchiness in crosswinds.
- Delayed operation of the pop-up headlamps.
- Some driveline surge associated with Rotoflex couplings.
- Occasional gearbox baulking on five-speed cars.
- Continuing concerns about Lotus reliability and perceived fragility.
Despite these reservations, period assessments concluded that the Plus 2S/130 delivered road manners, handling precision, and performance that remained difficult to match. Later specialist evaluations described it as a true grand tourer—quieter, more relaxed, and better suited to long-distance travel than the Sprint while retaining the essential Lotus character.
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