The ultimate iteration of the +2 line; the +2S 130/5; featuring, of course, the Big Valve version of the Lotus twin cam engine and a five-speed gearbox. Standard equipment on this quite upmarket version included a leather rim steering wheel, cigar lighter, electric washers and 2-speed wipers.
Finished in the striking, era appropriate and rare monotone colour of Sable (L19) with a beautiful, fully restored, Oatmeal interior, PAH 513M really has led a charmed life with a very caring set of owners during the whole of its’ fifty years. Originally registered by Lotus Cars (hence the Norfolk registration number) before they sold it to Larking Auto Sales of Burton who in turn sold it to the first private owner in July 1974; a Mr Adey, also of Burton on Trent.
A ring binder stacked full of invoices, bills and receipts picks up the story in 1979 and provides a most transparent view of the care bestowed upon it when it was owned by a British Airways employee, Mr Gosbee, with many of the invoices actually made out to his employer! A year-by-year account of Mr Gosbee’s ownership is in the folder, before passing to Mr Randle in 1985. A short period of ownership saw the car quickly being sold to Mr Stock with, again, a clear chronicle of work completed available for inspection. This was to include a complete engine rebuild by marque experts QED in 1987, with 67000 miles recorded.
An equally concise record was kept by the next owner, Mr Sparks who assumed ownership in the late 1990s. Entrusted to Elan guru, Gerald Turner at GST Performance in Newmarket since 2006, regular care and attention has been bestowed upon the vehicle over the intervening years. TTR adjustable suspension has been fitted, a new clutch was fitted 6000 miles ago and recently a new exhaust centre pipe and silencer and a hi-torque starter motor have been added.
The final change of ownership occurred in 2018 when PAH 513M was purchased by a very capable and competent engineer who has continued with the programme of regular attention and improvement. The interior trim restoration was a most worthy lockdown project, along with the refurbishment of the wheels and various other mechanical tasks being undertaken as soon as required. Gerald Turner has also retained his relationship with the car, being entrusted with tasks such as pre-MOT check overs.
On the subject of MOT’s, every certificate since 1985 is present, showing a gradual increase in annual mileage and proving that the current recorded mileage of 96900 (1950 miles per annum) is most probably correct. Whilst the vehicle is, of course, now old enough to not require an MOT, the current owner has, quite wisely, submitted the vehicle annually and the current certificate (one minor advisory; immediately attended to) is valid until April 2024.
Accompanying the vehicle is the aforementioned huge history file, an owners’ manual and two sets of keys. There is also a useful collection of spare parts that have been accumulated by the current owner.
So, in conclusion, a super, original example of a rare and ultimate +2 variant, built very close to the end of production. It has just been driven 80 miles back to South Norfolk (the home of Lotus) with absolutely no concerns to report and is perfectly ready for the summer ahead.
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE – GUY MUNDAY HAS OVER THIRTY-FIVE YEARS OF MARQUE EXPERIENCE.
For further information and to arrange a viewing, please call 07718 385168 – evenings and weekends always a pleasure.
Many thanks for looking!
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