Swapping a 72 Elan +2 for an Elise

[72elan1304]

I've got a 1972 Elan +2s that I am just not driving enough. It's a beautiful car but just not usable enough for me. I'm on the look out for a car that I can just jump into and enjoy; more modern and reliable. And safer, the Elan has no side protection and nearly 40 year old braking system, so something I can push a bit harder would be good.

Having lusted after an Elise for years I'm now in a position to buy one. Budget of up to 10k, but really the cheaper the better. I'm building a new garage so any cash I could save on the car I can put into the build. I'm even tempted to keep the old Elan if I could pick up an Elise for about 7k.

Although a leggy S2 for 10k that's advertised on Pistonheads just now is a tempter; http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1985521.htm

Anyway pics of the Elan;




And the daily driver, Mini Cooper Diesel;


And for taking crap to the skip, towing and ferrying drunks about;

[woody]

Assuming your in Scotland, Rob's car's worth a look:

http://www.scottishelises.com/phpbb/vie ... =7&t=26773

Nice +2

[72elan1304]

Thanks for the link, but not keen on ice blue, red, black or yellow! Maybe should have mentioned that.

[Edin430]

[Mikie711]

. Love the Elan, would dearly love to get my hands on one.

[ed]

Mmmmh nice wheels!

Ive got to sell my S1. See ad in classifieds.

Will let an SEr have it for 8k. +£400 if you want the V comfy probax seat.

[72elan1304]

The photo's flatter the Elan. I originally tried to buy this Elan back in 2001, but missed out and always kicked myself. I then spotted the very same car for sale 8 years later. I phoned the seller up and agreed to buy it unseen and collected it with a trailer a few days later.

It was when I picked it up I realised how much the photo's flattered it. The paintwork is poor with a good number of stress cracks and some damage to the rear quarter panel.

Once I picked it up I had the carbs refurbished, electronic ignition fitted and a basic engine overhaul at Mike Stewart Performance at Errol. The car is back with him just now having the electrics overhauled and a new dashboard fitted. The idea being to keep it a rolling restoration, starting with the mechanicals, then the interior and then some day the paintwork.

The car didn't cost me a lot. It's tax exempt and the insurance is only £120 so I would like to keep it. But as I said, a new garage build and the need for something more useable might see it for sale. I just know I would regret it though.

Tempted by your car Ed, but don't want to waste your time viewing it before I'm certain it's an S1 I'm after.

[StiflerMR2]

Welcome along, how come I have NEVER seen the Elan out and about in Tayside!?!?!

[72elan1304]

Because I never get to drive the bloody thing!

Combination of moving house, busier job and the crap weather. That and when I do go out I head for the hills

[ed]

Wouldnt be wasting my time, its rare to find a dealer with one these days so happy to take you out in it if you are every in my neck of the woods.

I live not too far from the Forth Road Bridge.

[renmure]

I haven't even seen it in the hills

[LotusLee]

Welcome along, hope you find yourself a nice Elise. I'm trying to decide whether to take my Exige to Mike Stewart for it's 6 year service or just stick with the main dealer service history.

[72elan1304]

I've always been happy with the work and the cost of the work Mike has done for me. It is always done to top spec, he's not a man to cut corners.

One thing you have to accept is that the race cars he looks after have priority. My car has been with him for a couple of weeks without him looking at it. It was booked in advance, but other race cars have needed work so mine has to wait. I'm happy with that, but it is something to be aware of.

[renmure]

Mike Stewart did a fantastic job of tuning my esprit but it did get really frustrating waiting for him to get around to doing it. I think he would be ideal for a "project" car or an over-winter refresh but, as above, I wouldn't look to have any routine stuff done unless you are in nooooooooo rush

[j2 lot]