LOT 203

1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead Coupé Registration no. YPN 783J Chassis no. 03019

Sold for £19,550 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 203

Property of a deceased's estate
1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead Coupé

Goodwood Festival of Speed|12 July 2024, 14:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1971 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead Coupé
Registration no. YPN 783J
Chassis no. 03019

• Rare and sought-after model
• Spyder replacement chassis
• Vegantune 152bhp engine
• Little used since acquisition in 2018
• History file available

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. Produced in limited numbers, the Sprint is now one of the most sought-after Elan types.

This Sprint's history file contains a photocopy buff logbook for 'YPN 783J' stamped 21st April 1971 and listing seven owners from 1971 to 1975. In addition there are various items of correspondence on file dating from the early 1980s between the then keeper Mr Wetherill and Vegantune of Spalding, containing details of a complete restoration costing £6,150. At this time the car was finished in VW metallic green, with front and rear bumpers painted in silver. Notes make reference to the engine being rebuilt to produce 152bhp, run-in and bench-tested, and fitted with Dell'Orto carburettors. Rebuilds of the differential, gearbox and clutch are mentioned also. A new galvanised chassis together with zinc metal-sprayed wishbones and rear 'A' frames seems to have been installed.

A fax (believed to date from 1986) describes the Elan as being yellow and fitted with a Spyder spaceframe (this appears to be a pre-purchase report). A letter dated June 1986 welcomes a Mr Whiffin to the Lotus Club. There are MoTs dating back to 1990 in the file. There are also various invoices from a variety of specialists including Barry Ely Sports Cars up to 2016 when a general service was carried out and a new master cylinder and new Everflex hood were fitted. At this stage the car still belonged to Mr Whiffin. A pair of 3x3 drive shafts was fitted in 2018 by Lotus specialists UK Sports Cars. Purchased by our vendor in 2018 from UK Sports Cars for £43,000 ( bill on file), the car has had minimal local use since. Finished in yellow with gold bumpers, this rare Elan Sprint would benefit from a shake-down and service before further road use.

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