Add Lightness: 1971 Lotus Elan +2S 130
I am not generally a fan of yellow cars, but on a Lotus, it just looks so right. Case in point: this 1971 Elan +2S 130 located in Bellingham, Massachusetts. This incredible specimen is listed here on eBay; at the time of writing, the bid has climbed to $19,999, with less than two days remaining in the auction.
Hard to imagine, but the Elan +2 was introduced in 1967 as a family-friendly alternative to the Elan roadster. Advertising copy from the day shows two rather rambunctious boys in the back seat, no doubt to show doubting spouses that one really could fit the whole family in the little sports car. In reality, probably only the most mild-mannered (and small) children would have ever occupied the back seat. Yet the redesign was very successful: the Elan +2 would stay in production until 1975, with a total of between 3,000 and 5,500 made.
By 1971, the Elan +2 had evolved into the Elan +2S 130, with the 130 designation brand new for that year. The new name signified the adoption of a new engine, the high-compression Big Valve version of Lotus’ twin-cam inline four. This factory-tuned powerplant made 126 hp instead of the original engine’s 105. If this doesn’t sound like much, consider that this car has a curb weight of only 1,905 lbs! That’s roughly 500 lbs. lighter than a Beetle, if you’re keeping score, and all that lightness counts– the Elan “family car” can go from zero to sixty in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 120 mph. Which is perfect for when you’re running behind and have to pick up the kids from soccer practice.
Unfortunately, there’s not a lot to go on in the advertisement– an interested buyer will be well-advised to contact the dealer directly with any questions. The photos show a very nice car inside and out, ready to drive if not necessarily to show. For photos of the engine, however, we must head over to the dealer’s website. To my eye, the additional pictures reveal a hint of overspray on the door VIN plate, which warrants further investigation. Sadly there don’t appear to be any photos of the underside of the car. The low miles on this British classic are an added bonus, but for most buyers that odometer will not stay still for long. This is a car for drivers.
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Comments
I once owned the limited edition JPS version of this car ; gold flake roof and shiny black all over .I bought it after it was totalled by the garage that sold it with 3000 miles on the clock . They replaced the customer’s car and sold the wreck to me .I bought a new body and shell from the factory , had it repainted in that fabulous JPS scheme , and we were back in business . Of course , the fault that the garage were trying to solve was an intermittant rev counter , and there it was , still intermittant….
When new, these cost as much as an XKE. They are light, but a bit “flimsy” in some areas (pedal box and side impact protection). Also typical Lotus reliability issues (electrics and retractable headlights) On the plus side, they handle beautifully and have plenty of power. This example looks particularly good without the vinyl roof that was typical of these cars.
This is not an S130. Not even a Big Valve cam cover. It’s a Plus 2S. 113 hp in Federal trim. S130s in Federal trim didn’t appear until ’72. Not a terrible car, but hardly incredible. Crooked bumpers, missing and incorrect badges, no rocker panel trim, unpainted sills, wrong air cleaners. Have owned three Plus 2 Elans and am really familiar with them.
The Lotus Elan was a nicely designed car.
The Elan +2 S not so much.
It sure looks great, 28 other vehicles listed.
British accountant? Possibly a no-account, can’t-count accountant.
“a total of between 3,000 and 5,500”