IT'S his pride and joy and he wants to know more about its history.

Car enthusiast Chris Goff is hoping to track down previous owners of his beloved red 1970 Lotus Elan +2S.

It was sold new by Clifford Car Sales in Southampton in April 1970, but the trail goes dead after that.

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Chris, who lives in Bath, told the Daily Echo: "I put a request for information in the owners club magazine and someone contacted me from Southsea that owned it between 1977 and 79.

"He bought it from someone locally that ran a launderette and sold it on to someone local as well. It then may have gone to Cambridgeshire until 1990 and then off the road until emerging again in Staffordshire three or four years ago.

"It's possibly only done 31k miles so if off the road for 25 years that may be correct."

Daily Echo:

With such low mileage, it's a joy to drive.

Chris adds: "It drives like a Seven but so much more comfortable for longer journeys

"I also love the look of it in red and the profile in particular.

"When I started looking and saving I had two young children that would have been able to squeeze in to the back but they’re now 20 and 17.

"I always liked the Lotus lightness concept and racing connection. When the car was built they had just become F1 constructor champions for the fourth time. I like to think you can see the transition of that success in to the road cars with the chassis, suspension and aerodynamics, or maybe I’ve just been seduced by the marketing!"

Chris is a fan of historic racing and rallies in particular and did the Monte Carlo Rally for Historics in a Healey 3000 in the ‘90s.

Apart from the thrill of driving the Col de Turini, his favourite roads are probably in New Zealand, where he used to live, particularly around the rim of a volcano in Akaroa.

"It’s a mix of long straights, sweeping bends and twisty mountain passes and amazing scenery all the way," Chris added.

  • If you can help Chris with any facts about the history of his Lotus, email lorelei.reddin@dailyecho.co.uk or call 07701 313 297.
  • If you'd like to appear in the Echo's Me and My Motor section, click on the link below or email lorelei.reddin@dailyecho.co.uk