Not only is the 1972 Lotus Elan Plux 2S on the docket for the Historics at Brooklands auction June 11 in England the car originally delivered to Formula 1 racer Ronnie Peterson, but it was the first 130/5 to leave the Hethel production line with a five-speed manual gearbox, the auction company reports in a news release.
“With a tempting estimate of £18,000 – £22,000 ($26,000 to $31,750) , this very original Elan Plus 2S 130/5 is sure to attract considerable interest,” Historics at Brooklands said in its release.
The car was presented to Peterson by Lotus chief Colin Chapman in November, 1972, soon after Peterson left the March F1 team to join Emerson Fittipaldi in Chapman’s John Player Team Lotus 72 racers.
Peterson’s road car still wears its original Lagoon Blue colors and is reported to be in good working order, and will be sold with its factory workshop manual, various invoices and photos of Peterson and the car.