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Lot #54 - 1968 Lotus Elan +2

  • Auction House:
    Mossgreen
  • Sale Name:
    Collectors’ Cars & Automobilia – Featuring the Ferguson Collection of Motorsport Posters
  • Sale Date:
    10 Dec 2017 ~ 2.30pm
  • Lot #:
    54
  • Lot Description:
    1968 Lotus Elan +2
    Chassis No: 50-1214; Engine No: Q 85877P
  • Notes:
    The Lotus name is synonymous with lightweight sports and racing cars. From the Grand Prix track to James Bond 007 in a Lotus Esprit, those who enjoy the driving experience, share Chapman’s philosophy and obsession, “Simplify, then add lightness”! The early Lotus cars were often aimed at racing privateers, and sold in kit form, and proved highly successful and desirable. The Lotus Elite sports coupé was introduced in 1958 and was followed by the Elan. Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Ayrton Senna are amongst the luminaries to drive for Lotus. Stirling Moss won Lotus’s first F1 Grand Prix at Monaco in 1960. Indeed, Lotus was the first manufacturer to record 50 Grand Prix victories, ahead of all others including Ferrari. As early as 1966 Lotus had won more World Championship events than any other constructor, and had also become the first British manufacturer to win the Indy 500. The move from racing to sports cars was designed to take the Lotus brand more upmarket and this was particularly so with the Elan +2. Like its forerunners, the Elite and the Elan, the Elan +2 is just as impressively pretty, yet more practical due to the lengthening, widening and strengthening of the chassis. Build quality for the four seat version +2 was also improved. The Elan +Two sports a 1600cc, 118 bhp, Ford based Lotus Twin-Cam engine with twin Weber 40DCOE carburettors. Just over 2,000 units were built until in 1969 Lotus announced its Elan +Two S replacement model. This rare 1968 ‘Black Badge’ Lotus Elan +2 is finished in period correct Porsche Golden Green with its original black interior trim and carpet. Purchased by the current owner 18 years ago the car has been well maintained by him, always garaged and drives and performs beautifully. Originally delivered to Geoghegan’s in Sydney in 1968, this Elan +2 features a new Spyder chassis with internal roll bar and sump guard fitted. The twin-cam engine has had a recent refresh, the 4-speed close ratio gearbox is smooth, and it has a constant velocity rear drive (as opposed to the Lotus doughnuts). Fitting a new set of 165 x 13 tyres on to the original 13” Lotus alloy rims is recommended. A purpose-fitted Catalina car cover sporting a Lotus badge is included, along with the original jacking plate, and a Lotus Elan workshop manual. And as for the ‘Black Badge’ on the bonnet? Some say that these were fitted to a limited production run of cars to commemorate the death of the legendary Jim Clark in April 1968 who had been so successful racing for Lotus in 1963 and 1965. Others meanwhile posit the theory that this story is apocryphal and that having run out of the traditional yellow Lotus badge, those in the factory in Norfolk, of necessity, turned to a box of Black Badges that had arrived by mistake, and simply used these until the next batch of yellow badges arrived. This vehicle will be sold unregistered.
  • Estimate:
    A$32,000 - 36,000
  • Realised Price:
    *****

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  • Category:
    Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.



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