1968 Lotus Elan

On offer here is a unique Plus 2S, significantly upgraded and improved and now offering a driving experience like no other.

First registered in January 1968, the car enjoyed a number of owners until it was recorded as a Category D insurance write-off in 2005, due to repairable damage.

The owner at the time made the decision to restore the car cosmetically but used the opportunity to upgrade it to his own exacting standards.

He entrusted the work to renowned Lotus specialists Spydercars. There is none finer.

A new Spyder spaceframe chassis was sought and the bodyshell completely restored before being painted in Amalfi white, an Audi colour.

New independent suspension was fitted all round, the ride height raised by 15mm and a set of 14-inch SCP Minilite-style wheels were fitted.

The engine is worthy of note being a blueprinted 16-valve Ford Zetec motor with a Raceline RL200 camshaft kit, Weber throttle bodies, new engine mounts and a programmable ECU.

There’s a five-speed gearbox coupled to a Spyder prop shaft, Ford Cosworth limited-slip differential and solid driveshafts.

The cabin was stripped out and refitted with Mamba bucket seats with four-point safety harnesses and a roll bar.

So, what is on offer is a car with performance in a different league to the standard car, ideal for some historic racing we would suggest or eminently driveable for some on-road fun.

Our seller bought the car just over a year ago, but after four years living in the UK he is now returning to his native Germany, where a collection of exciting classic cars awaits.

The white paint finish has stood the test of time pretty well, considering the repaint took place some 16 years ago. There are some minor chips and bubbles in places, visible in our extensive photo gallery. The most notable are around the window surrounds.

You may also note a small blemish underneath the nearside front bumper section and a scratch on the nearside rear wing close to the boot lid.

The contrasting gold bumpers are a nice touch, though there are some small marks in places.

The Minilite-style wheels boast painted centre sections to match the bumpers and are in fine fettle. Each is fitted with a Toyo Proxes performance tyre with plenty of tread. As we never tire of mentioning, good quality matching rubber is a sure sign of careful and considered ownership.

Note the rear window was replaced during the refurbishment with a lightweight plastic item.

Headlamp motors were also replaced with more reliable items from a Mazda MX-5.

The chrome addenda are generally fine.

Taking pride of place are the Mamba bucket seats. These offer much more support and comfort than the original offerings. Willans harnesses are fitted, so ready to race!

And if racing is your thing, you will of course note the roll cage and Li-lon race battery with kill switch.

Our seller chose to fit a brand new custom-made Alcantara Moto-Lita mark 4 3-spoke steering wheel, though the car does come with its old leather-clad patinated wheel.

He also chose to replace the worn gear know with a lovely new leather item. Perfect now for snicking through that five-speed gearbox.

The rear seats are still fitted, ideal for stashing a little luggage we would suggest. They could be brought back into service with the removal of the roll cage.

The dashboard has been fitted with a carbon-effect panel and this effect continues on the door cards.

The inside of the driver’s door above the release handle is somewhat battle-scarred and elsewhere the trim is generally tired and aged. Door sills are marked from entry and exiting.

The headlining was obviously replaced at the time of the rebuild at it appears to be in good order.

At this point it is perhaps worth compiling a list of the changes made to this fine automobile:

Ford Zetec 16-valve engine fitted (around 200bhp)

Raceline RL200 camshaft kit

Weber throttle bodies

New engine mounts

Alpha Pro 5 programmable ECU

Five-speed Ford MT75 gearbox

Spyder propshaft

Ford Cosworth limited slip differential

Solid driveshafts

New Spyder spaceframe chassis

New independent suspension all round

Polyurethane bushes

Ride height raised by 15mm

14-inch SCP Minilite-style wheels (Toyo Proxes)

Wilwood vented discs

Alloy Radtec radiator

Spyder exhaust manifold

Custom alloy fuel tank

That’s quite a list and must have cost the car’s owner a pretty penny. Make no mistake this was a careful and considered upgrade of the car’s main components, the focus being on speed and driveability. The Lotus has covered less than 5,000 miles we gather since the restoration, more than half of which was by our seller. Boy, did he have fun!

We always include plenty of photographs of a car’s underside, as this is an area that is difficult to inspect.

It does look somewhat tired in places and in need of some tlc. Time to get it up on a ramp for some fettling.

The engine compartment is packed, but that Ford motor sits proudly, ready to unleash its raw power at the merest twitch of the right foot.

We have already covered the extensive restoration of this Lotus which took place in 2005.

Let’s focus instead on recent work carried out by our seller. Despite only owning the car for a year or so, he was happy to spend some money on repairs and maintenance.

In July of last year, he had a full service carried out, the fluids changed, geometry checked and the wheels balanced.

Four months later Lotus specialists Paul Matty gave the car a thorough once over and whilst it was in their care they improved the electrics, chassis, suspension and brakes. Invoice total £2,900.

You will also find in the picture section older invoices confirming work done over the years.

Although now MoT exempt, DVLA records confirm the car was tested last in 2016. It passed with no advisories as it had done in preceding years.

We do believe the late, great Colin Chapman would approve of the extensive modifications made to this car. He was not afraid to use components from other manufacturers in his quest for engineering excellence.

The changes to this Lotus enhance what was already an exciting car and it is truly something special. Fast – you bet! Intimidating to drive, not at all as long as you remember the lack of modern driver aids.

Our seller did a few gentle track days at Goodwood and the like, but for him the real pleasure was getting up early at the weekend and heading off in search of great driving roads – the North York Moors, the Peak District, North Wales….

The lucky new owner may well follow suit but may also wish taking the car racing, where it is likely to acquit itself rather well.

It is clearly no concours queen, instead it is a usable, fun, bespoke creation. If it is excitement behind the wheel you are looking for, then this is the car for you.

We estimate the car will sell for between £12,000 and £16,000. A bit of a bargain we think.

Viewing is always encouraged and this car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’