1972 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead Coupé

Registration no. TGC 497L Chassis no. 7109210 484G (see text)

Footnotes

The Sprint was the final version of the original Lotus Elan, being marketed between 1971 and 1973, following the Series 1, 2, 3 and 4. The main difference from the S4 was the Sprint's more powerful version of the Lotus twin-cam engine, developing 135bhp, while Weber carburettors (subsequently Dell'Orto) replaced the S4's Strombergs. The present owner of this car previously owned an Elan S4 and testifies that the Dell'Orto carburettors, fitted to this example, are better at remaining in tune. Produced in limited numbers, the Sprint is now one of the most sought-after Elan types.

This right-hand drive car is the desirable drophead coupé model, finished in its original Lotus Yellow-on-white livery. There have been only three owners, all of them resident in southern England. In 2004 the present owner bought the car from the second, and he has always garaged it in Kent. At time of writing the odometer reading was 63,780 miles.

In common with many Elans, this one was built from a kit by its first owner in order to avoid Purchase Tax. In 1984, at an odometer reading of 51,975 miles, a new chassis was fitted by Christopher Neil Sport Cars. At 58,515 miles, the cylinder head was stripped and the valves re-sealed. Items renewed subsequently have included the dynamo, water pump, tyres (2016), master cylinder, brake pads, Rotaflex couplings, Spax dampers, timing chain and cover, while the radiator and brake servo have been overhauled. The car is supplied with a tonneau cover commissioned by the present owner.

The vendor advises us that the car is in good mechanical condition, with a current MoT, while the overall condition, including the folding fabric top, is said to be good considering it has never, to the present owner's knowledge, been re-sprayed. There is comprehensive service history.

Adequately powerful, light in weight, and endowed with exceptional roadholding and handling, the Elan could out-perform any of its contemporaries on all but the longest and straightest of roads. It is also surprisingly practical, being able to accommodate, in this case, the 6' 3" owner while affording a decent amount of luggage space in the boot and behind the passenger seat, allowing for long weekend travel.