Lotus Elan: You Know You Want To

It's won at the Bahamas Speed Week twice, what more do you need to know?

In honour of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, here's a car that would fit right in at Lord March's illustrious estate, including his racetrack. This Lotus Elan S2 is listed on the classifieds for £59,995, with an enviable racing history behind it.

Pretty car

Purchased with racing in mind, this Elan left the Lotus factory in 1965 and immediately received a number of track modifications. Raced by privateer Mr. Gordon, he achieved considerable success in his native Bahamas. Sounds rather a good life, doesn't it? Despite an extensive competition career in the Bahamas, America and the UK, it would appear this Elan has been cherished throughout its life and is still ready for more racing.

Prestigious racing, too. In 2009 a full restoration was undertaken and it was subsequently granted an FIA Appendix 'K' Historic Technical Passport, making it eligible for all sorts of exciting historic events. Is this another classic that could be raced and still appreciate in value? Possibly! Just don't crash... It's still road legal as well; just the thing to take for a pub lunch. With an understanding passenger, of course.

The Lotus Elan is the definitive lightweight British roadster, with so many sports cars since owing their existence to the Lotus. We haven't mentioned the Mazda yet, right? It's easy to forget how advanced the Elan was, particularly against its contemporary rivals, with Chapman's inclusion of independent rear suspension a big step at the time.

Fun car!

Unsurprisingly values of Series 2 Elans are on the way up thanks to their fabulous dynamics, pretty looks and swift performance. While this racer is the most expensive pre-'76 Elan (bar one exceptional 26R Shapecraft) for sale on PH, the regular road cars are not an awful long way behind. So perhaps this is the best of both worlds: no Elan is going to be truly cossetting, so a track version is not the silliest thing to use on the road. But then it isn't more than £200K, like the 26R. And it has pop-up headlights! Pop-up headlights always improve a car. Imagine arriving at any Goodwood event in this, to race or spectate - it's a rare opportunity to revisit an historic era of British motorsport.

But what if you fancy a more modern Lotus? The current road car range is arguably the finest it's ever been, and this Exige Sport 350 is essentially brand new. Would you trade the Elan's delicacy for the Exige's power? Isn't there nearly as much to be had in a roadgoing Elan? We'd love to hear your thoughts. And don't buy it before the Lotto on Saturday, as it may then have a buyer...

LOTUS ELAN S2 TYPE 26
Price: £59,995
Why you should: A Lotus icon with a glorious history
Why you shouldn't: Erm, er...

See the original advert here.