Elan, where to start

[BertBert]

I need to own a classic lotus of some sort as part of my classic driving fun. I nearly bought an Elan 35 years ago, but bought a house and a wife instead.

A silly broad question, but where to start? Elan, +2, Europa? Who to trust? What to look for and what to avoid? I don't think I want a soft top, so that narrows it down a tiny bit!

I love nimble and good handling, not worried about outright pace.

So all thoughts or pointers to resources much appreciated.

Cheers
Bert

[BertBert]

Thanks both, very helpful. Misery, I'll PM you my email address - most kind.
Lotobear, interesting view on the +2 versus the Elan. It's always taken my fancy. For a brief period I owned a +2S resto project, but failed to make progress in 2 years so sold it! Hopefully when things get easier, I can drive them back to back. Also quite fancy changing my GT3 and going the Evora or Exige route too. But apparently that would exceed my car quota. But I reckon I can solve that by selling the GT3 and Mrs Bert together.

Cheers
Bert

[BertBert]

I have to say, the prices are high. Maybe there'll be some covid bargains about!

[BertBert]

Lotobear said:

The early ones really are lovely and more pure somehow than the 'lardy' and slightly overblown S versions.

Didn't pick up on this comment before. What was the differences between the early ones and the S?
Bert

[BertBert]

Thanks for the book reference, looks great!

[BertBert]

Great, thanks, will look out for it.
Bert

[BertBert]

robsco said:

A shameless plug but I have a Spyder Zetec converted Elan Plus 2 (originality police wouldn’t approve) which is being sold through Collecting Cars soon. I won’t post the link as I don’t want to break any rules. It could be worth a look for you though, if you’re looking for something that handles then it may work for you. It is restored and set up for fast road/track.

Not the white +2 that's in the coming soons?

[BertBert]

Just to update the thread, I have been round the houses a lot on the Lotus topic including looking at/thinking about Evoras/Exiges/Elises and finally settled somewhere I wasn't expecting. I'm the new owner of an Elan GTS to go racing in classics with an ambition to do the Spa 6 hour. I've no idea how competitive I'll manage to get, nor how long it'll take, but it'll hopefully be fun along the way. I've not driven, only sat in (and loved it). Eat your heart out Dickie Meaden

Bert