The 1967 Lotus Elan +2 is a distinctive evolution of the iconic Elan series, designed to offer a combination of Lotus’s celebrated lightweight sports car dynamics with the practicality of 2+2 seating. Unlike the original two-seater Elan, the +2 model introduced by Lotus provided additional space with two small rear seats, catering to buyers seeking a more versatile coupe without sacrificing performance. This generation was produced during the late 1960s, a period well known for its pioneering sports car designs.
Measuring approximately 3,812 mm (150 inches) in length, the Lotus Elan +2 is slightly larger and more spacious than the original Elan, adding to its practicality while retaining a compact and nimble profile. The coupe’s width and height typically stand around 1,524 mm (60 inches) and 1,143 mm (45 inches) respectively, highlighting its low-slung, aerodynamic stance that enhances both style and handling.
Powered by a lightweight chassis and equipped with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, the Elan +2 maintained the nimbleness and sharp handling Lotus is renowned for. Although exact weight figures vary slightly, this generation typically weighed around 900 to 950 kg (approximately 1980 to 2090 lbs), reflecting Lotus's commitment to reducing mass for improved agility.
The Elan +2 not only featured a sleek coupe body style but also boasted classic British sports car engineering and a charismatic design language that combined both function and aesthetic appeal. This generation stands as an exemplary model for enthusiasts and collectors, symbolizing the balance Lotus struck between everyday usability and exhilarating driving experience during an era of automotive innovation.
Discover the standout features that make the 1967 Lotus Elan +2 a leader in its class
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The 1967 Lotus Elan +2 coupe measures approximately 3,865 mm (152.2 inches) in length, 1,524 mm (60 inches) in width, and 1,165 mm (45.9 inches) in height. These dimensions make it slightly larger than the original Elan models to accommodate the extra rear seating space. The relatively compact size contributes to its lightweight and agile handling, characteristic of Lotus cars.
The wheelbase of the 1967 Lotus Elan +2 is approximately 2,286 mm (90 inches). This is longer than the standard Elan to allow for the additional seating and improved passenger comfort. The extended wheelbase offers enhanced stability at higher speeds and smoother ride quality, although it slightly reduces the nimbleness that the shorter wheelbase Elan models are known for.
The 1967 Lotus Elan +2 weighs around 870 kg (1,918 lbs), which is relatively light for a coupe with 2+2 seating. The lightweight construction is achieved through the use of fiberglass body panels and a compact chassis design. This lower weight ensures responsive handling and respectable acceleration for its time, despite having a smaller engine compared to some contemporaries.
The Lotus Elan +2 provides more generous cargo space compared to the original Elan. While exact cargo volume figures are limited, the addition of the rear seat compromises some trunk space, but the larger body design compensates somewhat. The car was designed to be practical for a small sports coupe with occasional rear passengers, making it more versatile for daily use and light luggage transport.
Yes, the 1967 Lotus Elan +2 fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Its height of 1,165 mm (45.9 inches), width of 1,524 mm (60 inches), and length of 3,865 mm (152.2 inches) are well within the typical garage dimensions, which often measure around 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) wide by 4,800 mm (189 inches) deep and 2,100 mm (82.7 inches) in height. Its compact design makes it easy to park and maneuver in typical home garages.
At about 1,524 mm (60 inches) wide, the Lotus Elan +2 is narrower than many contemporary sports coupes like the Porsche 911 or the Jaguar E-Type, which often exceed widths of 1,700 mm (67 inches). This narrower width contributes to the Elan +2's light weight and agile nature but might feel less spacious inside compared to its competitors.
The 1967 Lotus Elan +2 is larger in every key dimension compared to the original Elan. The length increased from about 3,660 mm (144 inches) in the Elan to 3,865 mm (152.2 inches) in the +2, primarily to add two rear seats. The wheelbase was extended from around 2,286 mm (90 inches) in the original to provide more cabin space. Width and height similarly saw modest increases to accommodate interior space and comfort. These dimensional changes made the +2 a more practical vehicle while retaining the driving dynamics of the Elan.
The 1967 Lotus Elan +2 was among the lightest and most compact 2+2 sports coupes of the 1960s. While competitors like the MG MGB GT and Triumph GT6 offered similar 2+2 configurations, they were typically heavier and larger in dimension. The Elan +2's smaller footprint and lighter weight made it more nimble, though its rear seating was tight compared to some contemporaries, making it better suited for occasional rear passengers or short trips.
The Lotus Elan +2 was designed to provide improved comfort and practicality without sacrificing the sporty character of the original Elan. It featured 2+2 seating, accommodating two rear passengers, although rear legroom was limited due to the compact dimensions. The interior included sports bucket seats upfront and a more refined dashboard compared to earlier models. Despite its small size, the +2 offered a relatively comfortable cabin for a small sports coupe, balancing driver engagement with usability.
The increased size of the 1967 Lotus Elan +2 meant it was more practical than the original Elan, featuring additional seating and a slightly more spacious cabin. However, the longer wheelbase and added weight somewhat dulled the razor-sharp handling traits that made the original Elan legendary. Despite this, the +2 remained a nimble and engaging sports coupe with distinct Lotus character. Its dimensions struck a middle ground between sportiness and everyday usability, broadening its appeal to buyers looking for a stylish yet practical small GT car.
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