Places to buy classic Lotuses?

[BertBert]

I'm mooching around in the market for an Elan (fhc or +2) or Europa. In the olden days Paul Matty would be a go to place. I bought my Elan race car via him. That's obviously not an option now. A lot of the cars on PH are advertised by UK Sports Cars, but I wasn't that impressed with the quality v price of their stock. All the nice quality cars were stonkingly high prices and more sensible ones were very tatty.

Any other recommendations of places to look?

Cheers
Bert

[Lotobear]

I suggest you join Elan.Net.

I have bought and sold cars via that site, it's a hugely valuable resource and a friendly forum with very knowledgeable contributors where sellers know values and price accordingly.

[BertBert]

Thanks, I'll give it a go!

[Lotobear]

Great!

PS: a Plus 2 is a very good choice and so under rated, Matty rated them over the Elan. I'm on my second nut a bolt resto of one - much better value than an Elan too which is a bonus.

[harrycovert]

+2 I'll second that Had one for over 45 years, always puts a smile on my face

[BertBert]

Yes a lot of love for the plus 2.

It's a bit like the 308GT4 versus the 308GTB. Many say it's much more driveable.

[Gompo]

BertBert said:

Yes a lot of love for the plus 2.

It's a bit like the 308GT4 versus the 308GTB. Many say it's much more driveable.

Harsh! I don't think the Plus 2 looks any 'worse' than the original Elan, just different. Still elegant. I might be out of touch but I didn't think it was considered to be of lesser looks?

I don't mind the GT4 but I do think it looks heavy/thick around the middle. No surprise given the arrangement, it wouldn't put me off one at the right money. The Harry's Garage thread definitely shows they're still quite unloved.

My newer Lotus had been at UKS, the chap I bought it off wasn't full of praise for them, but did joke that there was a bit of a Lotus 'mafia' with a few dealers controlling a lot of the market.

I'd say it would be worth joining any Elan social media groups too, most cars will be known one way or another.

[BertBert]

Sorry, I wasn't commenting on the looks. I think that the +2 looks great (as does the 308gt4 to my eyes).

Yes it feels like a limited market for the lotuses so maybe private is best.