The Lotus Elan was Lotus's definitive roadster. It replaced the elegant but expensive Lotus Elite and was the first car to employ the innovative Lotus steel backbone chassis. The original Elan was produced as a two-seat, open-top sports car and hardtop coupe from 1962 - 1973. The range was extended by the addition of the 2+2-seater Plus 2 from 1967 to 1974. Lotus introduced an all-new front wheel drive Elan in 1989, the M100, which was produced until 1995. Lotus Elan looks at the history and development of all the Elans and describes each model in detail. It gives technical details for all models, examines unusual conversions, and includes driving experiences from Elan owners. AUTHOR: Matthew Vale has admired the Lotus Elan from his youth, but could never afford to own one, making do instead with a tatty triumph Spitfire.

He now owns a Lotus Elas Plus 2S, which he is slowly restoring. Matthew has written six books in classic British motorbikes; Lotus Elan is his first car book. SELLING POINTS: A complete and readable resource for all Lotus Elan owners and motoring enthusiasts who aspire to own one of these iconic British sports cars Gives detailed history and development of all Elans and each model is described in detail 250 colour photographs.