LOTUS ELAN PLUS 2 130S/5, 1975

           Hexagon Lotus London is delighted to offer this very special Lotus Elan Plus 2 130S/5.  The Elan 2 was revealed to the world in 1962 with a 1500cc engine and a four-speed gearbox in a small and stylish 2-seater roadster form. Colin Chapman’s first road going passenger car, the Elite, presented a great platform from which to build upon when it came to the Elan. Soon after the Elan was first produced, Lotus realised the need for a car that could accommodate the families restricted to the ownership of just one car. The Plus 2 (code named M20) was born and introduced in 1967. The car was 30cm longer, and 18cm wider than the Elan, making it more spacious for both the front seat occupants and it also enabled two small seats to be fitted in the rear. The Plus 2 had arguably better proportions than the Elan and the styling was unmistakably Lotus. Hexagon of Highgate decided to develop the theme even further by engineering our own Plus 2 S Cabriolets in the early 1970’s!  

In 1971, the +2S 130 was launched with a ‘Big-Valve’ version of the Twin Cam engine giving 126bhp hence the “130” suffix. It produced a maximum torque of 113lb/ft at 5,500 rpm, plenty of power to fully enjoy this lightweight sports car. The +2S 130 was an appreciable step up in quality with a raft of ‘luxury’ fittings from quartz halogen fog lights to burr walnut facia and electric windows. The sales brochure of the time boasted, “Standard equipment includes leather-rim wheel, steering lock, cigar lighter, dipping mirror, air horns, electric washers and two-speed wipers.” In October 1972 the long called for five speed gearbox finally arrived to make cruising somewhat less frantic and the Lotus Elan +2S 130/5 became the ultimate iteration of the fabulous Elan range. 

The subject of extensive recommissioning and large expenditure, our 3-owner car had a new Lotus chassis fitted. This low-mileage Elan 130S/5 is presented with a wonderful history file, which has accompanying invoices from Lotus marque experts, historic MOT’s and most recently, a light recommission for £14,000. The Plus 2S has been carefully maintained by Lotus specialists ever since and has wanted for nothing.

The car is available to view at our London showroom.