1973 Lotus Elan +2S 130/5

To our mind the Elan +2S 130/5 is the greatest car in the classic Lotus range. Not to discount the charming Elan Sprint DHC or the beautiful Elite S1, but, at prices north of £45,000 for the former and more than £70,000 for the latter the +2S punches well above its weight in looks and performance at a more modest outlay. Indeed, the recent sale of the ex-Ronnie Petersen +2S at £72,000 shows that we're not the only ones who recognise the potential of the sporty +2S.

Resplendent in Lotus Yellow with Oatmeal leatherette seats, our car has been the subject of a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration by a skilled private restorer earning the car top marks from the folks at Paul Matty Sports Cars who supplied many of the parts used in the rebuild. Completed in 2015 after close to twenty years in slumber, this car now wants for nothing but the open road. Indeed, the car has covered just c1000 miles since its restoration and is performing faultlessly on song!

Built from a new spider chassis, the car was fully stripped with many parts either replaced, or reconditioned and returned to the car during the build. The engine was fully stripped, the cylinder walls honed, and new rings put on. New seals, gaskets, water pump and timing chain were also added. The compression test before stripping confirmed that the pistons were in good order, so these were cleaned and refitted. The transmission specialist, Graham Boulton, who worked for Lotus on these cars in period, was entrusted to rebuild the 5-speed gearbox and diff in April 2014 before it was married to the car later in the restoration.

Cosmetically, the car received a new dashboard, fully refurbished instruments (including an upgrade on the rev counter to accommodate an electronic ignition in the future), new carpets, original seats in oatmeal, and of course, a full repaint in the Lotus Yellow which so suits this era and style of sports car.

Receipts and invoices which accompany the car total close to £10,000 for parts alone, although with labour charges plus the cost of buying the "donor' car it's easy to see where significantly more than £30,000 could be spent in trying to recreate such a car today. The current MOT is valid until February, 2017.

An eyeful to behold and a delight to drive with predictable handling, pin-sharp steering, and a throaty roar from the big valve engine. The driving experience is 'pure Lotus' and unparalleled at this price level. The +2S 130/5 is as good as it gets when it comes to Elans, and this bright yellow example is as good a +2S as you'll find.