B41 Lotus Elan and +2 Source Book

Matthew Vale is both a very well-respected motoring journalist as well as the owner of two Lotus Elan +2’s, one of which he’s in the process of carrying out a full nut and bolt restoration. He’s already written several books on Elan and Europa and also used to own an Elite so his Lotus credentials, experience and knowledge are well and truly established. All this experience and expertise has been brought together in this excellent book which was many years in the making - and it shows. There’s an amazing amount of detail and information covering the history and development of both cars as well as advice and tips on buying, owning and living with them. Other chapters on originality, restoration, maintenance, modifications and other resources complete this very comprehensive super-handbook for the Elan and +2 enhanced by hundreds of very high quality colour photographs. All of this is intertwined with personal stories and anecdotes from owners which makes the book a very enjoyable read as well as a vast source of information. What I particularly like is that it’s suitably technical without being a workshop manual - if that makes sense. Matt’s book offers a very sound overview of Elan mechanics, trim and bodywork that is easily understood even if you’re not an engineer. If you want to know torque settings or what specialist tools to use you’ll need Brian Buckland’s superlative ‘The Rebuilding of a Lotus Elan’ or the factory workshop manual and this superb book would complement either perfectly. All in all a truly invaluable and absorbing book for all Elan and +2 owners and prospective owners and it comes highly recommended by us. Published by Veloce (www.veloce.co.uk). Hardback, 250mm H x 250mm W, 208 pages, fully illustrated with numerous colour photos. ISBN 978-1-787114-59-3.