The Perils of Flipping Vintage Lotus Elans

In a world where vintage car enthusiasts and flippers collide, the story of a 1971 Lotus Elan +2 serves as a cautionary tale. From the thrill of a potential bargain to the frustration of a missed opportunity, this article delves into the complexities of navigating the vintage car market and the ethical dilemmas that arise when personal passions intersect with commercial interests.

Uncovering the Elusive Elan +2

The Allure of a Rare Lotus Gem

The Lotus Elan +2 is a unique and captivating car, often overshadowed by its more famous sibling, the Elan roadster. With its stretched dimensions, four-seat configuration, and the same potent Lotus-Ford Twin Cam engine, the +2 offers a compelling blend of performance and practicality. Its rarity, with only around 5,200 units produced and as few as 153 +2S 130 models sold in the United States, adds to its desirability among Lotus enthusiasts. The author's personal fascination with the car, sparked by a chance encounter at a Lotus Owners Gathering, further underscores the appeal of this lesser-known Lotus gem.

The Elusive Elan +2 Opportunity

When the author stumbled upon a Facebook Marketplace ad for a 1972 Lotus Elan, his excitement was palpable. The low asking price of ,000 or best offer, coupled with the car's potential as a rare +2 model, presented a tantalizing opportunity. The author's experience with resurrecting a 1974 Lotus Europa Twin Cam had taught him the challenges and costs associated with reviving a long-dormant Lotus, but the prospect of acquiring a +2 at such a bargain price was too tempting to ignore.

The Flip Flop: From Potential Bargain to Inflated Resale

The author's initial enthusiasm was quickly dampened when the seller failed to respond to his inquiries, and the ad was subsequently taken down. Just a day later, the car reappeared on the market, this time listed by a different seller for a staggering ,000. The transformation from a potential bargain to an inflated resale left the author feeling frustrated and questioning the ethics of the situation.

Analyzing the Flipper's Motives and Tactics

The author's investigation into the new seller's profile revealed a pattern of "flipping" vintage cars, with ads seeking "muscle cars and unwanted classics" in any condition. This business model, while common in the automotive world, raised concerns about the value that such flippers bring to the vintage car community. The author acknowledged the seller's expertise in identifying the car's true nature as a rare +2S 130 model, but questioned whether the significant markup was justified, especially given the car's lack of a title and the evident damage to its condition.

Reconciling Differing Perspectives in the Vintage Car Community

As the author grappled with his own emotions and the ethical implications of the situation, he recognized the nuances involved. While he was initially frustrated by the missed opportunity and the perceived unfairness of the flip, he ultimately came to a more balanced perspective. The author acknowledged that the seller, as a fellow car enthusiast, was simply operating within the confines of the market, even if their approach differed from his own. The author's realization that not all car people share the same motivations and methods allowed him to move past the initial annoyance and consider the broader implications of the vintage car ecosystem.

Lessons Learned and Reflections on the Vintage Car Market

The author's experience with the Lotus Elan +2 saga highlighted the challenges of navigating the vintage car market, where speed and decisiveness can be the difference between securing a rare find and missing out. It also raised questions about the role of flippers and the value they bring to the community, as well as the delicate balance between personal passion and commercial interests. Ultimately, the author's reflections on the incident led him to a more nuanced understanding of the diverse perspectives and motivations that shape the vintage car landscape.