While the elan was fine for two people, there was a gap in the market for the family man who wanted the Lotus experience. This gap was filled with the introduction of the elan Plus 2 in 1967.

The Plus 2 had a stretched body and chassis to accomodate 2 small rear seats. The twin cam Lotus-Ford engine was kept to power the coupe bodied car.

With the 2-seat elan's S4 revision, the Plus 2 was also revised to become the Plus 2S 130 in 1971, when the "Big Valve" engine became available.

1973 saw the Plus 2 receive a 5-speed Austin gearbox, enhancing the car's ability to cruise at high speed.

The elan Plus 2 ceased production in 1974.