28-Years-Owned 1971 Lotus Elan +2S

This 1971 Lotus Elan +2S is believed to have been delivered new to a US serviceman stationed in the UK before being relocated to California and sold in 1975. It was subsequently fitted with a Spyder Engineering chassis in 2004 and underwent a rebuild of its 1.6L twin-cam inline-four from 2006 to 2008 that involved overboring the block as well as installing oversized forged pistons and a stroker crankshaft. The 2+2 coupe rides on 13″ alloy wheels and has Tony Thompson Racing front coilovers as well as a Webasto sunroof, a Madera Concepts wood dashboard, and black vinyl–trimmed seats. The engine is fitted with Mikuni flat-slide carburetors, a Euro high-crossover intake manifold, and Dave Bean Engineering camshafts, while shifting is through a four-speed manual transmission linked with a Quaife limited-slip differential.

The Elan +2 debuted in 1967 and featured a 12″ longer wheelbase than the standard Elan, which made room for two rear seats. Introduced in 1968, the +2S featured various upgrades including a revised interior as well as added fog lights below the front bumper.

The fiberglass bodywork of this +2S example left the factory finished in Lotus Yellow (L07). The car is fitted with a Webasto black vinyl sunroof, and further details include retractable headlights, Lucas-branded fog light covers, and rectangular taillights.

The 13″ alloy wheels feature polished accents as well as black insets and are secured with three-eared knock-offs. Pirelli Cinturato CN36 tires are mounted at all four corners, and braking is handled by four-wheel discs. Modifications include Tony Thompson Racing front coilovers, Koni adjustable rear shocks, and a Tilton brake master cylinder.

The 2+2 cabin houses twin front bucket seats and a split rear bench trimmed in black vinyl. Further interior appointments include a heater, power windows, and front shoulder belts. A fire extinguisher is stored behind the driver’s seat, speakers are retained in the parcel shelf, and a battery cutoff switch has been added in the trunk.