- Auctions
- The Autumn Sale 2023
- 1968 Lotus Elan Plus 2 (BDA)
1968 Lotus Elan Plus 2 (BDA)
Lot Number: 779
1968 Lotus Elan Plus 2 (BDA)
A very significant BDA-engined Lotus with a fascinating history, on offer from the Estate of the late Kevin Whittle, much respected Lotus Historian.
- Sold for: £18,563
LIVE AUCTION: This lot was auctioned on Saturday 30th September, 2023 at 11.00am BST at Warwickshire Event Centre, CV31 1XN
-
BODY COLOUR
Carnival Red -
DRIVE
RHD -
REG NUMBER
BGU 407G -
ODOMETER READING
58826 Miles
SUMMARY
A very significant BDA-engined Lotus with a fascinating history, on offer from the Estate of the late Kevin Whittle, much respected Lotus Historian.
DESCRIPTION
- This is a two-previous-owner, Plus 2, upgraded with a BDA engine fitted in 1971/72 by Dave Smith Engineering to showcase their race and rally engine build expertise. This was one of the first, if not the first, Elan to be fitted with the Cosworth BDA, and was written up in Motoring news in 1973 where it was received with great enthusiasm
- The engine was rebuilt in 1984, refreshed in 1997 and Dyno'd, with less that 1,000 miles covered since then
- Fully repainted in Carnival Red with fresh chrome as part of a cosmetic restoration along with a mechanical overhaul in 2000
- In 2018, the car was bought by Kevin Whittle, the well known Lotus historian and author, and was rebuilt so that he could enjoy it as a fast road car with occasional hill climbing. The car inspired Kevin to write a book about the Elan Plus 2, where this car's restoration is featured and it appears on the book cover. Sadly, Kevin passed away in 2022, hence the car is now for sale
- There is a considerable amount of documentation with the car, including the original order, Lotus Sales Invoice, kit delivery instructions, test certificate from Cheshunt Lotus Centre, many letters between Lotus and the owner, invoices for work completed and old MOTs. The original handbook and service record are also present
- The full story of #500770 runs to four or five A4 pages and can be found in the following link.
Further details about the story
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 779
- Make
- LOTUS
- Model
- ELAN PLUS 2
- Registration Number
- BGU 407G
- MOT Expiry
- Exempt
- Chassis Number
- 500770
- Engine Number
- 12913
- Transmission
- Manual
- Body Colour
- Carnival Red
GALLERY
CONSIGNOR
Stacey Williams
- Car Specialist
- 07472 250306
- stacey@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Stacey.
CONTACTSCORE:
108 / 135
Exterior
Bodywork:
Glass:
Paint:
Chrome:
Trim:
Remarks
During 2000, the body was stripped and repainted to original colour (Carnival Red) All brightwork was re-chromed New sill strengthening bars were fitted The paintwork is still very good after the body renovation 23 years ago, with no gel coat cracks or micro-blisters, There are a couple of very small stone-chip size marks.
Interior
Door-Cards:
Carpets:
Seating:
Headlining:
Dashboard:
Boot:
Remarks
Again in 2000, new dashboard and switchgear fitted with a new tachometer and new headlining fitted along with new windscreen. The interior is largely original, with some small marks on the seats, and a small split at the rear of the driver's seat base.
Engine
Components:
Appearance:
Starting:
Running:
Remarks
Rebuilt in 1984 to below specification: 1700cc BDA in an AX Block (original block still with car) Accralite 83.5mm forged pistons BD3 camshafts 1.070 Exhaust Valves 1.220 Inlet Valves Tuftrided crankshaft Original BDA DCOE 40 Type 48 carbs with jets and chokes determined by rolling road analysis. Custom Built 'Mike The Pipe' exhaust manifold. Opus Ignition (also from the 70s, as used on the works Escort BDAs) 8000 rpm redline. The car was only used for 100 miles or so in the next 10 years, when the engine was refreshed (head off, valves checked, new clutch) and set up on a dyno at the Lotus Service Centre at the end of 1993. This shows 166.25 bhp @ 7000 rpm, with 139.1 lb/.ft torque @ 5000 rpm.
Transmission
Gears:
Clutch:
Drive-Shaft:
Remarks
The original gearbox was stripped and fitted with new bearings and seals and a new mounting.
Running Gear
Axles:
Chassis:
Suspension:
Bearings:
Brakes:
Wheels & Tyres:
Remarks
2018-19: The front suspension was completely overhauled with new ball joints, trunions and bearings with the wishbones blasted, painted and new bushes fitted. Adjustable shock absorbers were fitted with new springs, and the anti-roll bar blasted and powder coated and fitted with new rubbers. The five steel wheels were blasted and powder coated to their original silver colour, and fitted with new Toyo R888R 185-60-13 tyres. The rear suspension was completely overhauled with new bearings, new shorter springs, adjustable spring seats and adjustable shock absorbers. The suspension units were blasted and painted, along with the wishbones which were also fitted with new bushes. All new suspension nuts and bolts were fitted. A new steering rack was fitted with new ball-joints, column UJ and rack-mounts. The brakes were fully overhauled, with new discs, rebuilt callipers, rebuilt master cylinder, new brake pipes and braided flexible pipes. A new handbrake cable was fitted and the handbrake mechanism overhauled.
Electrics
Minor:
Major:
Remarks
Before the body was re-united with the chassis, the dashboard was removed to check the wiring, replace the heater matrix and overhaul the wiper motor. The wiring turned out to have had some modifications, so for future reliability, the dash looms and the engine bay loom were replace with new items.
Vehicle History
Remarks
Extensive history folder, along with story of the vehicle. This vehicle has been off road for the last 2 years, though regularly started not driven
About the Seller Rating
A lot's rating is compiled based on information provided by the seller of the lot. We strongly recommend viewing a lot prior to bidding as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by the seller. We will not entertain any disputes over seller rating details.
Poor Numerous faults / Extensive damage / Many missing parts / Project or donor car
Fair Basic condition / Requires attention mechanically & cosmetically / Some damage / Some missing parts
Good Everyday useable classic car / Driven & enjoyed / Commensurate with age & mileage / Drives and looks as it should / Some vehicle history
Very good Almost pristine / Mechanically & cosmetically sound / Driven only occasionally / Extensive vehicle history
Excellent Pristine / Original / Documented nut & bolt ground-up restoration / Stored professionally / Trailered only / Complete vehicle history
Vehicles can be collected from the Warwickshire Event Centre, CV31 1XN on Sunday 1st October between 10am and 3pm and Monday 2nd October between 9am and 1pm.
Our transport partner, EM Rogers, can assist with collection and delivery. Please contact them on 01604 755511 or trafficdesk@emrogers.co.uk for a quote.
Due to venue restrictions we need to be clear of the WEC by 1pm on Monday 2nd therefore any motor vehicles not collected by this time will be taken to our transport partners storage facility in Northampton for a fee of £150 plus VAT. Storage will be charged at £10 plus VAT per day.
Did you know that you may be able to finance your upcoming auction purchase? Our exclusive finance partner Apollo Capital are able to organise fast pre-approval for car funding on the latest interest rates and terms, minimum £50k lend.
An agreement in principle could see you arrange a finance package so the funds are ready to be paid out when you’ve bought your dream auction purchase. Please speak to their experts for a quote on 01423 590242 or visit apollocapitalgroup.co.uk/iconicauctioneers/.
A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
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