Lotus Elan +2 130S 1971 - World Of Classic Cars -

Lotus Elan +2 130S 1971

Upon its launch in 1967, the Lotus Elan +2 fitted very snugly between British sports car manufacturers such as Marcos, TVR and major manufacturers such as Triumph and MG. The Elan +2 was a development and evolution from the original Elan of 1962 and saw a totally new closed coupé body designed to accommodate a couple of children or useful storage for shopping. The two Elans, the original still being produced alongside the +2, had many interchangeable parts except for the body; this was a benefit to the +2 as the mechanical parts had proven very reliable. The Lotus Elan +2 was also sold in kit form, as was the original Elan, but to get away from the heritage of kit cars, Lotus introduced an improved Elan a year later which was only available to buy factory built. The improvements were a more luxurious interior and fog lamps fitted under the front bumpers, and the vehicle was designated the Lotus Elan +2S. The next major change was in 1971 when a big valve engine was offered, resulting in the Lotus Elan +2 130S, with another option of a very attractive metal-flake roof paint job. The last major change was in 1972 when a five speed gearbox was fitted turning the car into the Lotus Elan +2S 130/5.