1970 Lotus Elan +2 Plus 2

Description

I purchased this car from a guy in the State of Washington a few years ago (October, 2013) in running condition but needing some restoration. I converted the drive train to CV joints replacing the original rubber doughnuts and installed new rear Spax struts inserts. I also discovered that the frame rails hidden within the rocker panels had been badly corroded even though the main frame of the car was solid. I sourced and replaced those frame rails. The installation of those parts required the stripping out of much of the carpeting and upholstery which I have not replaced other than to lay the carpeting in place for these pictures. This Lotus has hard paint bubbles over several areas of the surface even though the fiberglass is solid and uncracked throughout. So my project has been stalled at that point for months while I have been distracted by other automotive projects..

Additional photos of the car may be viewed at:https://www.flickr.com/photos/58427540@N05/albums/72157636918648526

here is the video that sold me on the car:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8mtZ8vvmGA

Note the bounciness of the rear in one drive-by shot that encouraged me to replace the rear struts.

I took several shots of the floor and trunk before I stuck the carpeting pieces and trunk floor pieces and passenger seat in place to enable you to see them as they exist.

Also included shots of paint deficiencies. These are high resolution; in the Flickr album you can click on the individual photos to enlarge to larger sizes.

The power brake boosters had been removed by the previous owner, but the unassisted brakes work fine with a firm pedal action.

See in the Flickr album a picture of the damaged threads on the left rear hub. The knockoff on that hub threads on and torques down without problem and has obviously been this way for some time but would be good to get replaced. Another picture is attached showing the right rear wheel with undamaged threads (fronts also not damaged).

The hard paint bubbles occur on the top of both front fenders, hood, top of left rear fender, top surface of driver door, and slight amount on the trunk lid; unfortunately, pretty pervasive; to completely remedy it will require complete repaint. These paint bubbles are hard to capture in the pictures but I have included the highest resolution pictures as originally shot in order to allow zooming in for detail.

I don't see a paint code on the car, and I don't have any touch up paint. I believe this is an original Lotus color. In outdoor lighting it appears somewhat lighter than these indoor photos.

Those pictured manuals would go with the car.

Spare items that are included in the sale include: In addition to the wrench used for knockoffs there are a couple of boxes of pieces:

• spare intake manifold

spThe special wrench for removing the knockoffs is included. It requires a 1 1/2" socket and breaker bar (not included) to drive it.

The title is free and clear in my name. Illinois does not require notarizing, but that could easily be done if your state requires it. I can send a picture of the title and the VIN on the car in advance of any transaction.

This Lotus would be a restoration project of variable magnitude depending upon the level of perfection desired. It will require reassembly or replacement of some carpeting and possibly headliner; you may want to repaint it ; some engine tuning will be required as a result of not having been driven in so long. You would probably want to replace that hub even though I and the previous owner have been driving it in its current condition. You could sink a lot more money in it if you seek pristine originality by re-doing the dash, improving the window windup speed, re-installing the brake boosters, wiring cleanup, reverting to original air intake, etc., etc. On the other hand, Lotus owners are generally not as picky about originality, and functional improvements to a Lotus do not usually detract from its value. This would be an easy winter project to tack the existing carpeting back into place and drive as is in the springtime.

Buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. Car is available for inspection in Springfield, Illinois.