Lotus Elan +2

The Elan +2 was Lotus's answer to owners who loved their two-seat Elan but needed more space. Introduced in 1967, it stretched the original's wheelbase by 12 inches and widened the track by 4 inches to accommodate two small rear seats and more luggage room. Despite the added size and weight, it retained the core Lotus DNA: a fiberglass body over a steel backbone chassis and the brilliant 1.6-liter Lotus Twin Cam engine.

The Elan +2's appeal lies in its blend of practicality and pure driving dynamics. It's a genuine Lotus that you can share with more than one passenger, making it a more usable classic for weekends away. While not as focused as the two-seater, it offers the same telepathic steering and nimble handling that define the Elan experience, just in a slightly larger, more comfortable package.

Today, the market for the Elan +2 is stable and represents an accessible entry into classic Lotus ownership. With an average sale price of just over $27,000, it's significantly more affordable than its two-seat counterpart. Buyers value originality and a solid chassis, with the best restored examples selling for over $45,000, while projects can still be found for under $5,000.

Based on 37 sales, prices for the Lotus Elan +2 range from $3,350 for project cars to $45,750 for top-tier examples.