The Lotus Elan Plus 2S was introduced as a more luxurious development of the Elan Plus 2. Sharing the Type 50 designation and the same fundamental mechanical platform, the Plus 2S focused on refinement, comfort, equipment, and presentation rather than major mechanical changes. The model represented Lotus’ continued movement toward the grand touring market, combining the handling characteristics of the Elan family with a richer interior environment and additional convenience features.
The Plus 2S retained the Lotus Twin Cam engine and Weber carburettors while introducing upgraded trim, improved instrumentation, alloy wheel availability, fog lamps, and numerous detail improvements. Contemporary Lotus advertising described the car as a high-performance sports car that combined luxury with traditional Lotus handling.
History
The Plus 2S emerged as an evolution of the original Plus 2 rather than an entirely new model. Sources differ regarding the exact introduction date, with references indicating either October 1968 or March 1969. Regardless of the precise launch timing, the Plus 2S quickly became the preferred version of the Plus 2 range.
Lotus developed the model in response to demand for a more luxurious and better-equipped grand touring car. The objective was not to alter the core engineering package but to enhance the ownership experience through improved trim, greater equipment levels, and increased refinement.
The introduction of the Plus 2S coincided with continued development of Lotus production quality. Martin Drury, a former Rolls-Royce apprentice, was recruited to improve wiring loom quality, an increasingly important challenge due to the growing number of electrical accessories installed in the vehicle.
Demand for the Plus 2S eventually exceeded demand for the original Plus 2, leading to the discontinuation of the earlier model in December 1969.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Lotus Elan Plus 2S |
| Type Number | Type 50 |
| Production Period | 1968–1971 |
| Body Style | 2+2 Fixed Head Coupe |
| Engine | 1,558cc Lotus Twin Cam |
| Carburetion | Weber Carburettors |
| Introduction Point | Unit 1593 (source reference) |
| Drive Configuration | Shared Plus 2 mechanical platform |
| Position in Range | Luxury development of the Plus 2 |
Production Notes
| Date | Type 50 | Type 50 | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. Production of +2S ended |
Unit Numbers
Available production information indicates:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Introduction Unit | 1593 |
| Final Old-Format Chassis Number | 50/2536 |
| VIN Suffix Change | January 1970 |
| Production Figure Mentioned | Approximately 3,000 Plus 2S and Plus 2S 130 models combined (source note) |
The source material notes uncertainty regarding exact production totals and identifies several conflicts requiring further confirmation.
Engines
The Plus 2S retained the established Lotus Twin Cam engine used in the Plus 2.
Engine Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Lotus Twin Cam |
| Capacity | 1,558 cc |
| Carburettors | Weber |
| Configuration | Shared with Plus 2 platform |
Unlike some contemporary Elan variants, the Plus 2S retained Weber carburettors rather than adopting Stromberg carburettors.
Chassis, Body, and Design
Mechanically, the Plus 2S remained closely related to the original Plus 2. The primary changes focused on presentation and equipment rather than structural redesign.
Design and equipment highlights included:
- Fixed-head coupe body.
- Wider-track grand touring layout inherited from the Plus 2.
- Standard fog lamps.
- Alloy wheel development.
- Refined trim and detailing.
- Enhanced instrumentation.
Period references indicate that GKN invested significant effort developing the distinctive alloy wheel design associated with the model.
The Plus 2S continued Lotus’ philosophy of combining lightweight fiberglass construction with sophisticated suspension and handling characteristics.
Interior and Driving Environment
Interior refinement was one of the defining characteristics of the Plus 2S.
Compared with the original Plus 2, the Plus 2S featured:
- Improved interior trim.
- More comprehensive instrumentation.
- Additional luxury appointments.
- Greater emphasis on touring comfort.
Lotus marketing positioned the car as offering limousine-like luxury while maintaining traditional Lotus driving characteristics.
The increasing electrical content of the interior required substantial wiring complexity, leading Lotus to place additional emphasis on loom quality and reliability.
Options
Factory options available on the Plus 2S included:
- Aluminium alloy wheels.
- Tinted windscreen.
- Full tinted glazing.
- Heated rear screen.
- Rear seat belts.
- Special-order paint colours.
- Workshop Manual.
- Sundym tinted glass specification.
These options reflected the model’s position as the luxury-oriented member of the Elan family.
Performance Data
Factory Brochure Claims
| Performance Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| 0–60 mph | 7.4 sec |
| 0–100 mph | 21.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 121 mph |
Autocar Test Figures
| Performance Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| 0–60 mph | 8.9 sec |
| 0–80 mph | 15.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph |
Wheels Test Figures
| Performance Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| 0–60 mph | 10.15 sec |
| 0–80 mph | 15.95 sec |
| Quarter Mile | 16.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 119.8 mph |
Technical Data
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Style | 2+2 Fixed Head Coupe |
| Engine | 1,558cc Lotus Twin Cam |
| Carburetion | Weber |
| Weight | 2,086 lb |
| Wheel Type | 5½J Centre-Lock |
| Tire Size | 165 x 13 |
The Plus 2S retained the proven chassis and suspension architecture of the Plus 2 while emphasizing refinement and usability.
Pricing
Recorded Pricing
| Date | Price |
|---|---|
| March 1968 | £2,133 |
| August 1969 | £2,375.88 |
The pricing positioned the Plus 2S as a premium sporting grand tourer with a significantly higher equipment level than the original Plus 2.
Road Test Impressions
Period road tests presented a balanced view of the Plus 2S, highlighting both its exceptional dynamic abilities and its shortcomings.
Reviewers praised:
- Strong performance.
- Smooth and willing engine characteristics.
- Excellent balance.
- Precise handling.
- Well-spaced gearbox ratios.
- Effective ride and damping compromise.
- Traditional Lotus steering feel.
Road testers frequently commented that the car demanded precision from the driver. The handling was described as delicately balanced and capable of responding immediately to driver inputs.
Criticisms focused on:
- Rotoflex driveline surge and jerkiness.
- Quality-control inconsistencies.
- Electrical issues.
- Door lock reliability.
- Instrument faults.
- Ineffective heater performance in some test vehicles.
Despite these concerns, the Plus 2S was widely recognized as successfully combining luxury, performance, and Lotus handling characteristics. Contemporary marketing themes such as “Luxury with a Racing Pedigree” and “Speed in Style” reflected how the model was positioned during its production life.
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