Description
Book SynopsisThe Lotus Elan was Colin Chapman and Lotus' first affordable road car, produced from 1962 and, along with its larger Plus 2 (+2) variant, until 1974. As a replacement for the expensive Lotus Elite, the Elan and Plus 2 were both successful sports cars, which carried Lotus through the 1960s and into the 1970s. Starting with a brief history of Lotus and the Elan, this book provides a detailed originality guide to the Elan and Plus 2, identifying the design changes Lotus made to the models through their lifetimes. An 'owner's guide' provides detailed information on owning and maintaining the cars in tip-top condition, and gives details of common faults and upgrades. The restoration guide gives any potential restorer the information to carry out the tasks needed to bring one of the these cars back from the dead. With anecdotes and experiences from current and previous owners of Elans and Plus 2s, along with many colour photographs, the book provides a valuable insight into owning, running and racing these iconic cars.
Trade Reviewll in all a truly invaluable and absorbing book for all Elan and +2 owners and prospective owners and it comes highly recommended by us - Club Lotus News --- Planning to buy a Lotus Elan? Buy this book first - Classic Cars --- Well written with good quality photographs, this is a great book for those who want to focus on what the Elan is today, rather than the stories of its past - Classic Car Weekly --- his book is a must-have companion ... it's an incredibly useful reference. - Practical Classics --- Everything is beautifully presented and provided with clear photos, at the back you will also find a useful index. A great job - Autoliefhebbers.be --- This beautiful book should not be missing in any bookcase! - www.autotaal.be --- An essential bit of kit for all Elan owners - or for those contemplating the purchase or restoration of one of these iconic British sports cars. - Classic Driver --- Anyone who owns a Lotus Elan (or is toying with a purchase) cannot ignore this work. - British Classics (bi-monthly) --- It’s well-researched, thorough and straightforwardly presented - Octane (UK) --- a welcome addition to the Elan and/or +2 owner’s library. - Chicane
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Brief history of the cars. Description of layout and major design features of the Elan and Plus 2: Chassis, Body shell, Interior Description of the Lotus Twin Cam engine: History Standard, SE Specification and Big Valve Sprint versions Use of non Standard blocks Weber, Dellorto and Stromberg carbs Europa specific timing cases and cam covers Originality Guide: Introduction Elan and Plus 2 Production History Include Lotus's slightly random policy on introducing modifications Originality: Elan S1 to Sprint Factory specifications Parts List Analysis showing change points Originality: Plus 2 to Plus 2S 130/5 Factory specifications Parts List Analysis showing change points Owners Guide: Introduction Owning and running an Elan or Plus 2 Things to watch out for: Donuts Water Pump Chassis Rot Front Trunnions Wishbone bushes Bodywork Originality or Upgrade - the pros and cons Common Parts from other cars Regular Maintenance Oil Antifreeze Engine Servicing and tuning Chassis and running gear servicing Body shell and paint Upgrades CV Drive shafts Rear Suspension Slim springs and platforms Electric Headlamp lifting Seats Water Pump Suspension Polybushes Spyder Chassis Spyder suspension
