A 1972 Lotus Elan Plus 2S first supplied to Formula 1 driver, the late Ronnie Peterson, is set to go under the hammer.
It is one of the stars at Historics at Brooklands summer sale in Surrey on 11th June and comes with a seemingly low estimate of between £18,000 - £22,000. This very original Elan Plus 2S 130/5 is sure to attract considerable interest as, besides its proven provenance, it’s also the very first chassis to leave the Hethel production line fitted with the five-speed gearbox.
Peterson – dubbed ‘Super Swede’ by his legion of fans - was given the car by Lotus boss Colin Chapman in November 1972. The gift seemed to work as Peterson left the March F1 team to sign for the 1973 season alongside Emerson Fittipaldi at the wheel of the John Player Team Lotus 72.
In its original Lagoon Blue coachwork, the matching numbers 2+2 is in very good order throughout, drives well and is to the same specification as handed to Peterson 43 years ago. A very extensive history file contains documents authenticating his receipt of the car in 1972, together with personal photographs of the day, plus a large quantity of invoices dating back to the 1970s, and a factory Workshop Manual.
Offered with a UK V5 registration document, JPW 162L represents a unique opportunity to acquire a historic Lotus with its unique imprint from one of the finest Formula 1 drivers of his era.
The Lotus Elan Plus 2S 130/5 is one of 130 classic motor cars on sale on Saturday June 11 at Historics at Brooklands, Surrey, where all consignments can be viewed on the Thursday and Friday prior. For more information visit www.historics.co.uk.