Lotus Elan (1962-1973): books - history and models

Lotus Elan - The Complete Story

The Lotus Elan was a defining roadster for the brand, replacing the stylish but costly Lotus Elite. It was the first model to feature Lotus's innovative steel backbone chassis.

Produced between 1962 and 1973, the original Elan was available as a two-seat convertible and a hardtop coupe. In 1967, Lotus expanded the range with the 2+2-seater Plus 2, which remained in production until 1974. In 1989, Lotus introduced the front-wheel-drive M100 Elan, which was manufactured until 1995.

This book explores the history and development of all Elan models, providing technical specifications, details on unique modifications, and insights from owners about the driving experience.

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Lotus Elan (1962-1974) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Lotus Elan models from the years 1962-1974. Describes the Lotus Elan Series 1, 2, 3, 4 and S4 Sprint, Plus2 and Plus 2S.

• The 62 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

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More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

Lotus Elan - S1, S2, S3, S4 & Sprint (1962-1973) - Plus 2, Plus 2S 130/5 (1967-1974) - Essential Buyer's Guide

The Lotus Elan, with its fiberglass body and steel backbone chassis, offered an affordable alternative to the more expensive Lotus Elite. It became a core model for Lotus throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

First launched in 1962 as an open two-seater, the Elan was later offered as a Coupe in 1966. It was available either as a DIY kit car or factory-built. Over the years, it evolved, with the iconic 130 bhp Twin Cam engine appearing in the 1971 Sprint model.

In 1967, the 2+2 Elan, called the Plus 2, was introduced, followed by the Plus 2S in 1969, which was the first non-kit Elan. The Plus 2S 130 received the Sprint engine in 1971, and the final version, the Plus 2S 130/5, came in 1972.
A total of over 9.000 Elans and more than 5.000 Plus 2 models were produced.

This guide offers essential information for prospective buyers, detailing what to look for when inspecting an Elan or Plus 2. It covers key areas such as paperwork, mechanical issues, bodywork, and interiors, with numerous photos to help assess the car's condition and common problems.

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Lotus 2+2s - Elan, Elite, Eclat, Excel and Evora

This book traces the history of Lotus 2+2 coupes, from the Elan to the Evora. It details the evolution of the Elan, highlighting key changes over the years. It then follows the development of the Elite, Eclat, and Excel, including Lotus's effort to enter the executive car market.

The book concludes with the history of the Evora, covering Lotus's return to racing and the creation of its fastest production car, the Evora 430GT.

A buyer's guide provides essential tips on what to check for in each model, where to find spare parts, and estimated restoration times. Featuring original photography and practical advice, this book is an essential resource for Lotus enthusiasts.

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Lotus Elan and +2 Source Book - A comprehensive purchasing, maintenance, and restoration guide

The Lotus Elan, introduced in 1962, was Colin Chapman and Lotus' first successful and affordable road car. Produced until 1974, it replaced the expensive Lotus Elite. Along with its larger +2 variant, the Elan became a popular and reliable sports car, outshining the Elite in both price and performance.

The Elan featured a combination of chassis and fiberglass body, which became a signature for later Lotus models like the Europa, Elite, Eclat, and Esprit. It was powered by Lotus' own Ford-based Twin Cam engine and built with race-inspired engineering, making it superior to many other low-volume sports cars of its time.

This book offers a detailed guide on the Elan and +2 models, covering specifications, design changes, and real-world ownership. It includes practical advice on maintaining, restoring, and upgrading these cars, with insights on common issues. A restoration section provides valuable tips for bringing an Elan or +2 back to life.

Covering models from 1962 to 1974, including Elan S1, S2, S4, Sprint, and Elan +2, this guide is a comprehensive resource for Lotus enthusiasts.

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Lotus Elan: Die britische Sportwagenlegende

In 1962, Formula 1 team boss and renowned designer Colin Chapman introduced a small, lightweight sports car with strong performance, available as both a convertible and a coupe.
In 1967, Lotus expanded the range with the Plus 2, a stretched 2+2-seater with improved practicality. After production ended in the mid-1970s, the Elan name returned in the early 1990s with the M100.

In this book, Lotus expert Matthew Vale explores the history and development of all Elan models up to 1995. With detailed research, he examines each version of this innovative British sports car.
The book includes comprehensive technical specifications and features accounts from Elan owners who share their experiences with this important Lotus model.

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