1973 Lotus Elan +2 S 130 (Type 50)

Remarks

The Lotus Type 50 Elan +2 offered for sale is an example of the most desirable family man’s Elan, the +2S, 130, which features the 126bhp big-valve head variant of Lotus’ famed ‘Twink’. The more powerful engine was introduced in February 1971, four years into the Type 50’s production life, and examples are easily identified by their metallic silver roof. This particular car was built at Lotus’ Hethel factory, Norfolk, and despatched on 24th May, 1973, to G.S. Cars, Warmley, Nr.Bristol, to be their dealer demonstrator. G.S. Cars had a close association with Lotus and are well known because of the modified GS Europa’s they produced. Around 5,200 Type 50s were manufactured between 1967 and 1974, 2,088 of which were 130s. This example has been fitted with a 5-speed gearbox, making it far more usable on modern roads. It is fresh from being comprehensively refurbished by Ant Anstead and his team for a new TV series. It was purchased in good original condition, making it ideal for the show, but it had been standing for some years so needed recommissioning. Ant and the team began by carefully stripping the interior, to retain as much of it as possible because it was so charmingly original. The seats and other components were then deep cleaned, carefully repaired, then refitted, with new carpets in both the cabin and boot, towards the end of the restoration. The chassis was thoroughly inspected and found to be in very good condition retaining the factory chassis/body interface, which is only ever original once. The suspension had a complete overhaul and was restored to a high quality with only the front lower wishbones requiring replacement with new items. The brake system was rebuilt with new callipers, discs, pads and hoses. The timing chain was replaced and engine fitted with a new head gasket. During this process it was noted it had been previously gas flowed to a high standard, meaning it picks up revs even more eagerly. The fibreglass bodyshell, which so often cracks, was in unusually good condition and has been repainted to a high standard in the original colours, metallic silver over lagoon blue; so redolent of the era. The original Lotus alloy wheels have been refurbished and diamond cut before being fitted with new tyres. Ant Anstead sums up the car, “Chapman was so innovative and achieved so much in so little time and working on the Type 50 has been a joy because you can see how his fertile mind worked to keep everything so lightweight. I love the noise that twin-cam makes as well! I’m proud of this car it is ready to be enjoyed but retains its charming interior patina and feel.”