Jim Estall

That would be brilliant Bibs. I was in Paddock Wood recently. I use a trimmer there for my historic Lotus. I did not get a notification showing you had replied but I think you still have my email address.

This is the house that appeared on the front cover of the Group Lotus 72 Annual Report and Accounts with a Lagoon Blue +2s 130. I have tried to locate the house for years so thanks Bibs. Would love to photograph my +2 there. Jim

I saw this car at the B&C service centre in Guildford en route to the buyer who lives in Japan.

I've had my Europa Special nearly from new and I'm only on my second water pump. On the Europa the pump doesn't have to take the extra strain of the alternator/generator pulley as it does on the Elan and +2, so it tends to last longer.

Lotus used a straight grain dashboard on the Europa all the way through production up until the very late Specials which had a burr walnut finished. Elans also had a straight grain finish (never walnut). The +2 had various versions of a burr walnut finish.

The story behind that Pearl Yellow car is that when it was ordered the car was going to be mine and the last 420 but Lotus sent Bell & Covill two! Interestingly my 420 decal is a different colour to yours.

Lovely colour. But then I would say that. My 70s Elan +2.

Sorry, that's all I have. I know that Lotus kept the very last 430 FE for themselves and I believe Bell & Covill had the second to last in Monaco White, Tartan Trim as a nod to the S1 Esprit which is now sold.

Information I have received from Andy Graham is that the last UK build 420 Sport Final Edition came off the production line on 29th October 2021. This was in Pearl Yellow, black matt delete (except the rear transom panel and headlights) with exterior accents including the carbon roof. This was the 5th from last 420, the remaining 4 being exported to UAE and New Zealand. There were only 34 UK 420s.

Thanks. That's right but officially 'Cup Special - Pearl Yellow'.

Last UK build Exige 420 Sport Final Edition. My purchase.

In a word "stunning".

Which will be w/c 22 November.

The car had a modified chassis and the bodywork from the rear bulkhead was extended by circa 6 inches. The car was at Castle Coombe a few years ago. Jim