Norfolk S2s and beyond...

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Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby allezsnelling » Mon 18.05.2026, 09:43

Hello all,

I'm shopping around for an S2 and have seen/am seeing a couple of cars at the moment - I understand its a tight community so wanted to consult whatever wisdom is available here. Are any loving owners looking to sell at present ? I've seen 242 and seeing 536 soon hopefully.

cheers

Alex
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby Saltire » Mon 18.05.2026, 11:05

Mine will be available shortly (not advertised yet). It’s a completely original car in BRG with 69,000 miles recorded. Mine for the last 11 years. Full history back to the original invoice from Storm Lotus in Leicester. Only mods are heated seats, electric boot and fuel releases and parking sensors. All invisible and removable if required. The car is well known within LEC. MoT to April ‘27, recent “A” service, cambelt last year. Based on condition, I’d be looking for around £13,500.

Please email me if you’d like more information and photos!
Jonathan

1995 Elan S2, BRG - Now sadly sold
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Mrs Saltire’s 2022 BMW i3S
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby MPx » Mon 18.05.2026, 19:34

I'll be at Combe on Saturday as will 300 or so other Lotus owners and probably about 20 or so M100s. Feel free to drop by (its free for spectators) - my S2 is always available when anyone asks - but since its value to me is £15k no one has yet bitten my hand off and I'm happy to keep it (23 years and counting). No 423. Professionally looked after with full records. Some upgrades (Brakes, Exhaust, Switcher Chip). Around 61k miles. GLWTS.
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby dapinky » Tue 19.05.2026, 09:32

Alex,

I assume that this thread title is chosen for one of two reasons - either you are based in Norfolk, and seeking an S2, or you are specifically seeking a Norfolk Mustard (yellow) S2.

If you can add your location to your profile (or the thread) it may help, also if you are looking to buy 'locally' or prepared to travel. Everyone has different expectations in these matters, and there is no right or wrong answers.

My first elan was bought from a bloke 3 miles from my house, the second required a couple of trips to Norwich, and the third towing a trailer to Oxford - obviously, the further you are prepared to travel, the wider the selection pool.

Budget is another consideration, and I wouldn't presume to tell anyone how much they should spend on these things (although I often have a bit of a clue as to their actual "value"). Anyone who has watched the market in the last few years has seen it change only a little, but the really cheap cars no longer exist as most have been either broken for parts, or restored (although they do surface from time to time).

There are 3 basic categories left - (1) Completely original, well maintained cars........ (2) Renovated/Restored cars which should be good for another 30+ years..... (3) "The rest" - ie, owned and used regularly, but maybe only actually 'repaired' as opposed to 'preventatively maintained'....

Cat (1) are few and far between - and not often for sale..... if they are, it is usually through a 'known-to-be-good' dealer - anything for sale by Guy Munday is likely to be in this category, and certainly you will get a knowledgeable seller.... but priced at a suitable premium.

Cat (2) tend to be in the ownership of people who have had them for a while, and 95% are not even considering to sell. Ones offered by a 'good dealer' (SWLPC etc) should be in this category, as they tend to sort out absolutely anything likely to be amiss before selling their stock. Otherwise, the owners have simply got to the life stage where the Elan may no longer be suitable for them (physicaly, emotionally, or because of downsizing of property)

Cat (3) make up the vast majority of cars for sale - and not just in relation to Elans, it applies to any car really. These are the ones for sale from a 'local' car dealer who has bought it cheap and wants to make a few quid - often spending 'just enough' to make it look tidy and drive fine for a year. (not a bad thing, but just be aware of what you are buying!!!). Or a private owner who has bought a car, maybe finding it isn't for them and selling it again. In which case it may be a year older, but not had any money spent on it in that time (or only the minimum). Or those who don't realise the time and/or money it can cost to keep one up together..... maybe they have spent a fair bit, but then realise that it could take another fair bit to complete the 'niggles' (to turn it into a Cat (2) car).

The point of my answer is that there are people who will tell you that Elans are worth £2-3K, because that is what they paid for theirs 20 years ago, or have been buying up the 'bottom-of-the-market' stock for spare parts.

There are those who will tell you that Elans are worth £15K because that is what the top dealers are asking, and it is what many of us have as an agreed value on our cars, as we know that it would cost that to replace them if anything untoward were to happen.

There are those who will tell you that Elans are worth £6-8K as that is what the majority seem to have as a price on the adverts - but it's always a bell-curve with some cheaper and some more expensive.

Much of my advice is common to everything, but some is specific to the Elan as I feel that I know the car(s) fairly well, and the cost(s) of maintenance/ownership..... BUT.... it is still only a personal opinion, so feel free to take or leave it as you wish - it is certainly worth every penny that you have been charged for it!

What I would say, is that many people seem to feel that the S2 is a 'better' car, so only want to buy those versions - however, as even the newest S2 is still 30 years old, they cannot be judged on age alone. My advice is to consider any Elan, and buy the one which fits your requirements.

I fully appreciate that the S2 had over 100 changes from the SE - but there certainly were NOT 100 'improvements'. The choice of colours is greater (but if the car needs a respray anyway, you can have it whatever colour you desire). The seats are in a bigger choice of colours - but again, can be replicated (later SE's had really nice perforated leather seats which I find more comfortable than S2 seats as they had a more 'springy' base.... some people like the early striped seats, some don't - some even prefer the half-leather seats).
The cloth hood is a better design, the rear wishbones are galvanised - both of which have often already been upgraded in the earlier cars as the originals are usually well past their best by now.

On the 'negative' side, because of the age, there is a Cat Converter which robs about 10bhp - and puts the car into the tighter MOT regulations, which may or may not be a concern dependent on the specific car. Certain parts of the interior were re-manufactured with materials which were not as robust as the earlier cars (hood header rails are a common item needing repair/replacement) - the centre console has no storage box - the handbrake has a 'collapsible' design which can be a little disconcerting.

The 2 biggest 'reasons' to go for an S2 are (1) the wheels - maybe not a huge thing, but they are certainly considered to be 'desirable'..... and (2) the steering wheel - if the original owner specified the Nardi item - a lovely thing to behold - but again, these things have often been fitted to earlier cars anyway (or can be).

So, my actual advice, is to buy the best car you can within your budget, but expect to need to spend time/money on it.... don't worry too much about the age/mileage (within reason)..... drive and enjoy it!

If you are a reasonably confident/competent DIYer then there is nothing that you will not be able to attempt yourself - much to the chagrin of some people, I have even been known to say that it is only a plastic Astra in a pretty frock - which is to say that the mechanicals are pretty much as per any GM car of the era, with many shared parts.

By extension, the car is not beyond the reach of pretty much any good local mechanic, and certainly doesn't "need" a Lotus dealer to look after it (although there are many owners who use a known good independent specialist as sometimes the knowledge is specific to the car).

By asking on this forum, you are assured of a seller who knows a bit about what they have, and have had access to the very best advice on the internet for these cars.......

....... and if you are prepared to travel to Castle Combe on Saturday (or down to the West country any other time), either Jonathan or Mike's cars are both worth their prices :wink:
Dave

Just the one now, but this one's mine! - and it will be finished eventually..... - but also temporary custodian of a project until it is finished enough for Angie to drive it


...oh, and a 2006 Freelander destined for the jungles of The Gambia - 4500 miles across roads, desert and tracks - what could possibly go wrong?
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby chipp » Tue 19.05.2026, 10:27

Alex, that is some sound advise there from someone who is always honest upfront and will give his honest opinion.
Thanks Dave for your time to this community and all newcomers. :cheers:
Most people here will know most of the cars out there so always check back and ask questions if you find something you like.
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby allezsnelling » Tue 26.05.2026, 09:42

Thank you for all the helpful replies and great detail. I'm continuing to research and really appreciate the advice.

Alex
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Anyone own/know J750 DYR Metallic blue/aqua 1992 SE ?

Postby allezsnelling » Tue 26.05.2026, 11:59

Any insight in this blue SE coming up at Anglia Car Auctions would be welcome. I'm sorry I don't know the correct paint code/colour name.
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby Drcraigbaker » Tue 26.05.2026, 20:34

The one on the Anglia auction site is Aqua blue I believe. Looks decent

Also have a look at this S2 for sale - looks very tidy: https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C2068914

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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby Drcraigbaker » Thu 04.06.2026, 10:02

And another tidy looking S2 that has just appeared: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... eage=10000

cheers

Craig
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby stevie-a » Thu 04.06.2026, 20:53

Drcraigbaker wrote:And another tidy looking S2 that has just appeared: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... eage=10000

cheers

Craig


I seen the seats, then thought " I didn't know it had 1/2 leather on the S2"

Then i looked and seen it is an SE not an S2
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby dapinky » Thu 04.06.2026, 21:15

stevie-a wrote:
Drcraigbaker wrote:And another tidy looking S2 that has just appeared: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... eage=10000

cheers

Craig


I seen the seats, then thought " I didn't know it had 1/2 leather on the S2"

Then i looked and seen it is an SE not an S2


It is definitely an S2 - and quite a few were sold with the half-leather seats.
Dave

Just the one now, but this one's mine! - and it will be finished eventually..... - but also temporary custodian of a project until it is finished enough for Angie to drive it


...oh, and a 2006 Freelander destined for the jungles of The Gambia - 4500 miles across roads, desert and tracks - what could possibly go wrong?
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby stevie-a » Fri 05.06.2026, 07:14

dapinky wrote:It is definitely an S2 - and quite a few were sold with the half-leather seats.



A stand corrected, with it being on a M plate it would be, it was just the advert itself confused me as it does mention it as a 1.6 SE.
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby allezsnelling » Sat 06.06.2026, 16:58

Hello all,

Good progress on this one and the seller seems a gent. Details - Car and Classic ad

If anyone knows this Medina Green S2 opinions welcome, its number 767

QQ - the plastic handle to pull the hood closed is broken. I'm sure they are not common but are they possible to find ? Not the end of the world but would be an early one to correct.

cheers

Alex
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Took the plunge

Postby allezsnelling » Mon 08.06.2026, 15:37

Thank you all for your help I've taken the plunge with a Medina Green S2 and excited to get driving ! I'm sure I will have many questions and hope to see you on the road.
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby Tuga2112 » Mon 08.06.2026, 15:45

im sure you will. starting with the coolant sensor :lol:
Still learning
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby Alpi » Wed 10.06.2026, 21:50

Hi everyone,

Congratulations allezsnelling. I am going to hijack your post as I am also in Norfolk and considering getting a Lotus Elan M100. I have been keeping an eye on the market. As Dave mentioned prices are a bit all over the place and I can’t tell what is good or not.

I found this one coming up for auction

https://angliacarauctions.co.uk/auction ... n-se-turbo

I am not good with car mechanics but can change a head unit or a bulb. Is it a bad idea to pick an M100 from an auction?

And those who don’t have garages, how do you keep your Elan in winter?

Thanks!
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby Alpi » Wed 17.06.2026, 19:35

Hi everyone,

I am new here and not sure if my messages get through. I am planning to check out the Anglian auction SE tomorrow or Friday. What are the minimal things I should check? What would be a great price and a good price for this? Thanks!
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby Alpi » Thu 18.06.2026, 15:32

Hi everyone,

For some reason I can't seem to post. Let's see if this one works. I am new here and interested in getting a Lotus Elan and with the plan of moving onto other models over the years.

Today I went to the Anglia Car Auctions to see the Aqua Blue Elan SE listed there. I wasn't sure what to expect as this was the first time I saw an Elan SE up close. It looked old and all the door bits moving and loose. Seals where the roof will come to above the windscreen looked very old. Couldn't see the roof closed or the boot.

Engine bay looks ok but underside is a bit rusty.

I guess I need to see a really well kept Elan SE to understand the differences. I suppose with 30 years of age, some parts will always look very old. Not sure how to post pictures here.
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby Alpi » Fri 19.06.2026, 23:20

Hi everyone,

Sorry if this gets posted multiple times. I can’t seem to get moderate approval for replies.

I saw the Anglian car auction aqua blue Elan SE. This was the first Elan SE I saw in person. In pictures these cars look amazing but close up it felt really old. It’s a 30 or so year old car in the end.

I am not sure how good a very well kept one looks like or how easy it is to repair and replace different parts.

Here are some pictures I got. What do you think? Apparently the passenger window needs help to go up. Driver door inner panel is loose. I couldn’t see with the top closed. But where the top meets the windscreen looks very old and no new seals.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
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Re: Norfolk S2s and beyond...

Postby Alpi » Sat 20.06.2026, 09:18

Sorry about multiple messages. I thought they weren’t getting approved because perhaps my profile wasn’t setup correctly. So I kept trying after changing things.
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