1970 Lotus Elan Plus 2 Coupe

Most pretty British sports cars of the 1960s and ’70s have appreciated beyond the means of entry-level collectors

by Rob Sass

The original Lotus Elan was introduced in 1962 as a roadster, although an optional hard top was offered in 1963 and a coupe version in 1965. It was the first Lotus road car to use the now-famous steel backbone chassis with a fiberglass body. The Elan was technologically advanced, with a twin-cam 1,558-cc engine, four-wheel disc brakes, and four-wheel independent suspension. An Elan 2+2, called the Plus 2 or +2, was introduced in 1967 with a longer wheelbase and two rear seats. An estimated total of 17,000 original Elans and Plus 2s were built.

Sports Car International named the Elan number six on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s. The original Elan is commonly credited as being the design inspiration for the highly successful 1990 Mazda Miata. In fact, two Elans were intimately evaluated by Mazda in the process of designing the Miata.

This 1970 Lotus Elan Plus2 coupe is a classic example of Lotus success, excellent performance, and amazing...