Few project cars carry as much intrigue as this 1973 Lotus Elan 2+2 130. Finished in a faded yellow that hints at decades of weathering, the car recently surfaced after being recovered from a rural property in eastern England, and it crossed the block at Anglia Car Auctions with no reserve. When the hammer finally fell, it changed hands for just £760 including premium.1973 Lotus Elan 2+2 130 at Anglia Car AuctionsImage credit: Anglia Car AuctionsThe Elan 2+2 was Lotus's effort to bring a touch of practicality to its featherweight sports car formula. By stretching the original Elan's backbone chassis and lengthening the fibreglass body, the company created room for a pair of small rear seats while retaining the nimble handling that made the model famous. The 130 designation marked the higher state of tune for the twin-cam four-cylinder engine, giving the 2+2 a genuine turn of speed to match its sharp road manners.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis particular example, however, is very much a restoration candidate rather than a turn-key classic. It is offered minus its engine, so any new owner will need to source and fit a suitable twin-cam unit before the car can run again. The bodywork wears the grime and moss of long-term outdoor storage, and the overall condition reflects a vehicle that has been off the road for a very long time.1973 Lotus Elan 2+2 130 at Anglia Car AuctionsImage credit: Anglia Car AuctionsThe paperwork situation adds another layer of complexity. According to the auction listing, the car will need to be re-registered because it has dropped off the DVLA's records and does not appear on an HPI check. There are no accompanying documents, so a prospective restorer should factor in the time and effort required to put the car's identity back in order.The Elan also carries an unusual provenance. The listing notes that it was recovered from a property once associated with a high-profile local figure, and that older photographs reportedly show the car parked there years ago. That history gives the project an extra dose of character, even if it has no bearing on the mechanical work ahead.1973 Lotus Elan 2+2 130 at Anglia Car AuctionsImage credit: Anglia Car AuctionsAdvertisementAdvertisementAs always with cars of this type, the auction house stressed that the lot was sold strictly as seen, with no warranty given or implied, and encouraged buyers to inspect it in person before bidding. For the right enthusiast, a no-reserve Elan 2+2 at this price represents an affordable entry point into a desirable classic Lotus, provided they go in with eyes wide open about the work involved.Source and all images: Anglia Car Auctions.