1972 Lotus Elan Sprint

The Scottsdale Auction|16 January 2020, 11:00 MST|Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

1972 Lotus Elan Sprint
Chassis no. 0028J

1,558cc DOHC 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin Zenith-Stromberg Carburetors
126bhp at 6,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
4-Wheel Independent Suspension

*1 of just 25 examples built
*Just two owners and 6,000 miles driven from new
*Preservation quality example
*Exceptional handling and brisk, DOHC power

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Just 1 of only 25 Sprint Coupes built for the North American Market, the Lotus Elan Sprint being offered was completed in December of 1971 and on November 21st, 1972, was the last Elan Sprint to be delivered to Lind Bros. in Waterloo, Iowa. The car was initially intended as a dealer demonstrator, where it was used to show off the model to prospective buyers. When Elan production ceased in 1973, this car was sparingly driven and finally stored under a cover at the dealership in 1974, where it would remain for years. In May of 2007, the car was treated to a mechanical freshening at a cost of $5,730. With just two owners from new, this Sprint Coupe was retained by the original dealer's proprietor for over 40 years before being sold to the current owner in 2014. Being sold by a prominent collection of eclectic cars, this Elan sprint has been in safe care its entire life.

This example is believed to be one of just two cars specially ordered in solid colors by the Lotus distributor in Toronto, being finished in Cirrus white, as opposed to two-tone Sprint colors, and is fitted with a stylish sunroof. This example is also heavily optioned with Lotus 'knock-off' wheels, an Audiovox stereo, Maserati air horns, Lucas 'tripod' headlights, and powered by the 1,558 cc DOHC "Big-Valve" 4-cylinder, all adding to its original $6,427 purchase price.

Having only driven approximately 6,000 miles from new, this matching numbers, low mileage Elan Sprint Coupe presents beautifully in preservation condition, showing very little wear after nearly 50 years of life. Accompanying the sale of this spectacular example is the original tool kit, manuals, spare tire, original MSO, window sticker, and other various spare OEM parts for the car.

For Lotus, the Elan would prove an immense commercial success, with slightly fewer than 9,000 being produced by the time production ceased in 1973. This 1 of just 25 produced Elan Sprint Coupe offers a very rare chance to own one of the nicest examples in existence, offered today in preservation condition.

Saleroom notices

Please note, this vehicle is titled as a model year 1973.

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