Thanks all - very much appreciated. I obviously would like to release the bonnet without damaging the bodywork or drilling through the bulkhead, however I’ll have to see what happens.
The link to the service guide was useful and suggested that a well aimed screwdriver in the gap between the body and the bonnet at the catch itself may do the trick, however the picture at Lotus Service Bulletin: Bonnet Catch (Elan) and Cable (Elan and Plus 2) doesn’t look exactly like pictures I’ve seen of 130/5 engine bays… I’m thinking they changed the bonnet catch mechanism, however I’ll give it a shot.
Cal44 and Hartley Hare - see pictures attached. It’s in a bit of a state, however it was in a dry(ish) garage for the entire time and so I hope it’s not too bad. It’s now in a much better location and is somewhere I can start the project! The mileage is a bit of a shocker too - only 17,500! My father was the original owner and unfortunately ran out of money so had to garage it, however couldn’t bear to sell it. It was first registered in September 1974 (still got the original tax disc, which I found in the glove box!), so I think it’s one of the latest ones made - it’s an N plate.
Is there anyway I can find out the technical details from lotus using the chasis number and registration number?
