Introduction
Darren Rungasamy
A race-bred 4-seater GT with an iconic pedigree.
The iconic Elan had served Lotus since 1962, offering a masterclass in sporting character, thanks to Colin Chapman's vision and ability to harness Motorsport dynamics in a practical and fun car. The clever combination of utilising Ford engines with Lotus heads, installed in a pretty fibre-glass body on top of a steel backbone chassis proved to be a hit with the public. As Lotus developed the car, they became more comfortable and refined, yet never diluted the appeal of the original. The Elan +2S followed in 1968, gaining useful dimensions to accommodate two rear seats and a bigger boot. Yet, its performance and agility were still very evident and marked the start of the progression of the upmarket shift of the Elan. Notable for being the first Elan to be completely factory built and not available to be bought in component form, the plush, spacious interior with a plethora of features was complemented by the inclusion of the Big Valve twin-cam 1.6-litre Ford engine in 1970. The final incarnation of the Elan, the 130/5, saw the introduction of a 5-speed gearbox. Setting the template for the modern-era Lotus, the Elan +2 130/5 offered space, luxury and refinement with tremendous performance.
This beautifully presented 1973 "Carnival Red" car with an "Oatmeal" interior, has been in the hands of its current owner for ~20 years and has ~80,786 miles on the clock. It has seen an engine rebuild and overhauled gearbox in the last ~5 years. It is sold with an impressive file of invoices since 2005, an owner's handbook, the original lotus workshop manual, the original tool kit, and two keys and is road tax and MOT exempt.
This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Graham the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
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We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.
Full Transparency
8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.
Vehicle Delivery
We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.
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REGISTER SIMILARAsk Questions
Does it run on unleaded?
In the rebuild – do you know if it had a new chassis
Yes, it was a Lotus replacement chassis not Spyder.
Thanks for taking time to show me the car, then further investigate and explain any foibles/questions about it. Also done some research and original type windscreen rubbers are available, which are one piece, as removing mastic used to fix screen in place would be first on my list to rectify if I win. Alternatively you can also get the generic windscreen rubbers and cut to length, much cheaper, but perhaps more importantly much easier to fit, so less risk of breaking the glass.
Thanks again,
Possible I could see car if you are available tomorrow afternoon/ evening depending when I finish work. Not sure how we’d arrange though with this site perhaps not set up for private messaging.
I can be available tomorrow or any other day this week, whenever suits you. You can arrange viewings through the auction site by sending an email to: hello@tradeclassics.com. I look forward to meeting you.
Regards
Graham
Hi,
I know I said I could make any day this week, however, I overlooked an appointment on Wednesday between 12.00 and 3.00pm. I’m fine outside those times.
Have you managed to get in touch with Trade Classics yet?
Graham
Sent an email, but not seen a reply. Would be tomorrow not Wednesday.
Hi,
Sorry I’ve been out all night. Yes tomorrow, Tuesday 10th June would be fine. Are you still thinking about the afternoon? If so, what time?
Graham
Text from email sent to hello@tradeclassics.com twice now ;
Good Afternoon Graham
I’m interested in viewing your Lotus tomorrow if possible. I will be working in Chatham but hope to finish mid afternoon, then I could head across to Woking. Unfortunately I can’t be precise about time as dependent upon not only how long the job takes, but also navigating the M25. It is likely to be around teatime which obviously isn’t the most convenient, but I then have well over 2 hours drive home to north of Peterborough.
Let me know if this could work,
Thanks
Giles
Hi Giles,
I’ve replied to your email with more detail on the checks, I’ll get the visit arranged once these have been completed.
Thanks,
Colin.
Are you still keen to see the car today? After 3.00pm would be preferable.
Graham
Graham,
ColinB sent me an email at 9:30 this morning which I’ve responded to, as long as he sends your address soon, then yes, I’ll see you later.
Thanks Graham,
Can see damage to sill around access hole in shell, but any other significant faults on fibreglass ?
Where wiring loom runs across bulkhead in engine bay it has cable ties holding it in place. And also cable ties around pipe. Would have been a “P” clip or two originally, is this similar reason to floor, holes have become too enlarged for screw / bolt ?
Hi,
Are you talking about a jacking point? If so, it was like that when I purchased the car and never really worried about it as it is generally not obvious as it is so low down on the vehicle.
As mentioned in the text, apart from the small blemish on the C pillar, the star crack on the head lamp pod, (only visible when the light pods are lifted) and slight bubbling on the passenger door, which hard to see unless you are at eye level with the door, there are no other imperfections on the paintwork.
The cable ties holding the loom across the bulkhead were there when I bought the car so probably put in place by the company that restored the car. It was a neat enough solution and I did not know it would have had P clips originally. I’m happy for you to come and visit to check these points out.
Regards
Graham
What are the new looking bolts through the floor that can be seen underneath the car near driver’s seat ?
Hi, Thanks for your interest. The small bolts are for the part of the carpet fittings that are secured to the floor. I managed to obtain a new (old stock) driver’s side carpet and fitted it with new sound proofing felt underneath. The original holes in the fibreglass floor had become enlarged and so I had to use some small screws and nuts to secure the new fittings as large self tappers would not allow the carpet half of the fitting to fit over the screw head.
Regards
Graham
Vehicle Location
Woking
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