Elan Plus 2 Opinions

[trifecta99]

Elan aficionados,

I would like to have some opinions of the 73 plus 2 in the images below. I am cotemplating making it my own although I have not owned an elan before. Of course, I have read through some of the threads and appreciate the beauty and desireability is clearly relative to each of our perspectives.

Let me have some feedback. FYI - This is a restored car.
CJ

[RoadDad]

I looked at that car awhile ago. I have a lot of info about it if you want it. PM me your email and I can get you the info that I have. The car is not quite how it is presented by the website or the sales people.

I passed on the car.

[BUELL XB12R]

I have always liked the plus 2 and this one looks awesome. I have been looking at it for awhile, but do not have the space
for it right now. I have only seen it in pics so I would talk to RoadDad about it.

[trifecta99]

PM sent roadDad.

Any comments about +2s in general would also be helpful.

[RoadDad]

Start here if you haven't already: LotusElan.net: Your Complete Lotus Elan Information Source. and here: Lotus Elan Forum Index , in particular this section: Plus 2

[RoadDad]

FWIW, this Help with purchasing an Elan +2 was the end of my general research and beginning of getting info specific to the car you are asking about.

[kestrel74]

Wow...it's just about the same color as my Europa !

[DeanG]

The Plus 2 has room for AC and with a tall block twincam it certainly has the torque to run it. That could be the deciding factor in Florida.

Hm, classic lines, great handling, room for 2 and luggage, good ride quality, the possibility of AC. 1/10 the cost of a comparable Ferrari in both purchase and running costs.

Go for it if you can.

Of course I say this about all Lotus.

[RHC]

This is my first post so I hope I am doing it correctly and that this works.

I too have been looking at these two plus 2s, the blue one and the red one. Both look nice, so I would be very intersted to hear what the problems are with the blue one - all I can see from the photos is that the radio is missing, which is trivial. And as far as the red one is concerned, one windshield wiper is missing - also trivial.

Is it possible on photos of this size to see the paintwork crazing that is common in these cars, or do you have to actually see the car itself?

If my questions sound naive, I apologise - I've been a fan of Elans for 40 years, but am only just now in a position to contemplate buying one.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Rob

[elancoupe]

Photos of Elan paintwork can be deceiving. My suggestion would be to examine any potential cars in person, and have someone who knows Elans go with you.

[DeanG]

Originally Posted by RHC

...If my questions sound naive, I apologise - I've been a fan of Elans for 40 years, but am only just now in a position to contemplate buying one.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Rob

Where are you located? Local support is important for a new owner. Look for a local club. Try the Lotus Ltd site as a start Lotus Limited, ltd -- Lotus car Club, Club, Car Club, Elise, Europa, Esprit, Elan, Eclat, Elite, Lotus Ltd

Elan's are simple cars, although the wiring in a +2 is much more involved than that of other English cars of the 60's.

[MattSB]

+2s are very nice cars, but they do drive differently than the 2 seater Elans. They're wider and heavier.

I'm not discouraging anyone if they're looking for a 4 seater Elan. But don't read Elan reviews and expect the same from a +2.

[RoadDad]

RHC,

If the "red one" that you are referring to is in Reno, then I have looked at both of the cars at which you are looking. I have just about all of the existing info on both cars. I have passed on both with good reason.

Buy either if you so choose, but PLEASE do your homework first so that you know exactly what you are getting and getting yourself into. There will be MUCH $$ put into either of these vehicles after the sale.

[goldengatehornet]

Those who have owned both say that the +2 has better handling because of the wider track and longer wheel base. Same engine in a heavier car, though. Practical Classics mag ran a series on dropping the Z-tec in one for more power. Cramped inside; low resale value, cost to restore more than a DHC Elan. Sorry, but I gutted mine and sold many of the parts.

[RoadDad]

Originally Posted by goldengatehornet

Sorry, but I gutted mine and sold many of the parts.

That seems to happen to far too many +2s .

[RHC]

Originally Posted by RoadDad

RHC,

If the "red one" that you are referring to is in Reno, then I have looked at both of the cars at which you are looking. I have just about all of the existing info on both cars. I have passed on both with good reason.

Buy either if you so choose, but PLEASE do your homework first so that you know exactly what you are getting and getting yourself into. There will be MUCH $$ put into either of these vehicles after the sale.

Thanks "RoadDad" for this. Yes, the Reno red one. I e-mailed the dealer who replied that they had an "an asking price of $13500.00. We just spent $1066.00 on the car and have receipts for about anouther $8000.00 from the previous owner". No other details offered. Does that match with what you learned about the car? So what exactly were your reasons for passing on both cars? Again, I apologise for my inexperience, but I really want to find a good plus 2 - beautiful cars though I do understand the difference between the plus 2 and the 'regular' Elan.

Rob

[RHC]

Originally Posted by DeanG

Where are you located? Local support is important for a new owner. Look for a local club. Try the Lotus Ltd site as a start Lotus Limited, ltd -- Lotus car Club, Club, Car Club, Elise, Europa, Esprit, Elan, Eclat, Elite, Lotus Ltd

Elan's are simple cars, although the wiring in a +2 is much more involved than that of other English cars of the 60's.

I'm in Hawaii. We have a marvellous British Car Club but no Lotus specific club, just two or three fairly knowledgeable people - so I need all the help I can get - and travelling to see these cars is not easy from here ($$$$).

Rob

[RoadDad]

Rob,

You have a PM.