Lotus Elan +2
The Lotus Elan +2 adds practicality to the legendary Elan formula with a longer wheelbase and small rear seats. It retains the classic Lotus Twin Cam engine and lightweight handling, making it an affordable entry into vintage Lotus ownership.
Find one with Spotter →Typical sold price of a Lotus Elan +2 ranges from $9,109 to $45,249, based on 94 sales tracked on Hypercars. 9 currently for sale.
Lotus Elan +2 Specs
- Engine
- 1.6L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
- Horsepower
- 118 hp
- Torque
- 113 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph
- 8s
- Top Speed
- 120 mph
- Curb Weight
- 1,764 lbs
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.
Buying Tips
- Inspect the steel backbone chassis for rust, especially around the suspension turrets and outriggers. This is the car's most important structural component, and repairs are expensive.
- Check the fiberglass body for stress cracks, particularly around the doors, bonnet, and headlight pods. Look for signs of poor past repairs or excessive filler.
- The Lotus Twin Cam engine is known for oil leaks, particularly from the front timing cover and camshaft covers. Check for evidence of overheating, and listen for timing chain noise.
- Examine the rear suspension's rubber Rotoflex couplings. These wear out and can fail, so look for cracks or perishing. Many cars have been upgraded to more durable CV joints.
- Test all the electrical components. Lucas wiring is notoriously fickle, and fixing grounding issues can be a time-consuming process.
Based on 37 sales, prices for the Lotus Elan +2 range from $3,350 for project cars to $45,750 for top-tier examples.
94 Lotus Elan +2 vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 9 currently live. Sold prices range from $3,134 to $59,900.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lotus Elan +2 cost?
Based on 94 sales tracked on Hypercars, Lotus Elan +2 prices typically range from $9,109 to $45,249. There are 9 currently for sale.
How many Lotus Elan +2 listings are for sale right now?
There are 9 Lotus Elan +2 listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.