Lotus Elan

Matthew Vale
The Lotus Elan was Lotus's definitive roadster. It replaced the elegant but expensive Lotus Elite and was the first car to employ the innovative Lotus steel backbone chassis. The original Elan was produced as a two-seat, open-top sportscar and hardtop coupe from 1962 - 1973. The range was extended by the addition of the 2+2-seater Plus 2 from 1967 to 1974. Lotus introduced an all-new front wheel drive Elan in 1989, the M100, which was produced until 1995.
Lotus Elan by Matthew Vale

About the author

Matthew Vale has admired the Lotus Elan from his youth, but could never afford to own one, making do instead with a tatty Triumph Spitfire. He now owns a Lotus Elan Plus 2S, which he is slowing restoring. Matthew has written six books on classic British motorbikes; Lotus Elan is he first car book.

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