1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2

2dr Coupe

4-cyl. 1558cc/105hp 2x2bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$20,000*

-4.8%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

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1963-1974 Lotus Elan stats
Highest sale
$189,665
Lowest sale
$3,456
Most recent sale
$39,446
Sales
274

Photos

28 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1971 Lotus Elan
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 2dr Coupe Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
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**Figure based on a stock 1971 Lotus Elan valued at $20,000 with OH rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. Actual costs vary depending on the coverage selected, vehicle condition, state and other factors. Hagerty determines final risk acceptance.

Model overview

Model description

The essential 1960s British sports car, the tiny Lotus Elan, remains a benchmark for handling. With its pop-up headlights, curved windshield, and roll-up windows, it was a symbol of Swinging London, immortalized in The Avengers television series.

The Elan was built with a backbone frame and a fiberglass body, and had four-wheel independent suspension. Its Ford 1600-cc four-cylinder engine developed 105 hp and featured Lotus’s own twin-cam head, like the Lotus Cortina. Weighing only 1,420 pounds, early cars could do 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, with the quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds at 87 mph.

Four series of Elans were built between 1962 and 1973, with Plus 2 and Plus 2S 2+2 models added from 1967 to 1974. All Elans were roadsters until 1965, with a removable hardtop optional, but all Plus 2 models were coupes and never sold as kits as other Lotuses were. The second series Elan arrived in late 1964, offering a full-width dash with glove box, oval taillights, the battery in the trunk, and optional knock-off wheels.

The Series 3 fixed-head coupe arrived in late 1965, followed by a companion roadster in mid-1966. Changes were apparent in 1968’s Series 4, which had flared fenders and a power bulge in the hood. Weber carburetors were changed for Del’l Ortos, though the American market received Stromberg-equipped engines. The last “Big Valve” Elans from 1971 to 1973 boasted five-speed transmissions and 126 hp, and are frequently seen in two-tone colors. The Elan Plus 2 outlasted its two-seater sibling by about a year as the factory geared up for the new Elite.

Estimates of Elan construction vary widely, from 9,569 all the way up to 12,224, but the lower figure seems more likely. Plus 2 production ranges from 3,300 to 5,200, with the same probability. In any case, finding a good one will not be easy and the discovery of rust in the backbone frame is a profound concern. The body is lightweight too, and unlikely to have survived a serious crash with any kid of integrity.

A well-maintained original Elan in a good, dry climate is about the best you can hope for, or a fresh rotisserie restoration by a respected shop. Perhaps the most important detail however, is if can you fit in the car. Elans are extremely small, and if you’re over 5-foot 10 inches tall or weight more than 200 pounds you might be restricted to driving with the top down and your elbow hanging out the window.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $20,000 for a 1971 Lotus Elan Plus 2 in good condition with average spec.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.