1972 Lotus Elan Plus 2 S 130/5
This Lotus Elan Plus 2 (chassis #1001L), built in late 1972, holds a dual significance: it was the first Plus 2 to leave the factory fitted with a five-speed gearbox, and it served as the personal road car of Formula 1 star Ronnie Peterson, gifted to him directly by Colin Chapman. Finished in Lagoon Blue with black trim and carrying Sprint-specification 130bhp running gear, the car is documented by factory records, correspondence from Lotus Cars, and a photograph of Peterson with the car at his Maidenhead home.
Ownership
- 2024-02-24Auction saleEstimate £50,000 – £60,000
- → 1972-11-01Factory deliveryLotus Carsfull documentation
The factory dispatch book records the car as earmarked for Peterson prior to handover; DVLA records show initial registration to Lotus Cars.
- 1972-11-23 →Private saleRonnie Petersonfull documentation
Received directly from Colin Chapman; used as Peterson's personal road car, with his chief mechanic Eddie Dennis occasionally driving it to Grand Prix venues for Peterson's use. DVLA records carry Peterson's signature and a date stamp of 22 November 1972.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Mechanical
Engine work carried out as part of recent maintenance; the engine bay is noted as being in impressive condition.
Described as the most recent maintenance episode; specific scope beyond engine work is not detailed. A substantial archive of invoices going back to the 1970s accompanies the car.
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