Description
1972 Lotus Elan Sprint
Registration OUC 569L
Chassis Number 72070734G
Engine Number N27273
Odometer reading 48, 876 miles
Estimate £37, 000 - £46, 000
Mercedes-Benz World
November 26th 2022
Pre-Auction Viewings
Wednesday 23rd November 2022 10am - 5pm
Thursday 24th November 2022 10am - 5pm
Friday 25th November 2022 10am - 5pm
Family owned from new
Supplied by Bell & Colvill
The original Elan 1500 was introduced in 1962 as a roadster and made its first appearance at the Earls Court Motor Show, London. After a very short production run of just 22 cars the engine was enlarged and the car was renamed as the Elan 1600. An optional hard top was offered in 1963 and a coupé version in 1965. The two-seat Lotus Elan replaced the elegant but unreliable and expensive to produce Lotus Elite. The Elan was technologically advanced with a DOHC 1557cc engine, four-wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and four-wheel independent suspension. Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1 supercar, reportedly said that his only disappointment with the McLaren F1 was that he couldn’t give it the perfect steering of the Lotus Elan.
This example finished in its the colour combination of Regency red over Cirrus white (the best combination we think) is offered in very good order throughout. Originally supplied by Bell & Colvill in 1972 with the Minilites its wearing today and owned by the first keeper until passing to his son, this example is being brought back to the market once again by the famous Lotus garage. Still retaining its Bell & Colvill plates, the car benefitted from a new Lotus chassis in the 1970’s and has since had newly painted bumpers and wheels but the body retains its Regency patina. A recent engine service and replacement of the doughnuts have been undertaken prior to sale, so the car is certainly ready for its next custodian. It is offered with an extensive history file, including various sundry invoices and the UK V5C registration document. It is reported to run and drive very well and the paintwork, engine bay and interior present nicely with a wonderful patina of such an original car. Established as one of the finest British sports cars of all time, this is a unique opportunity to own a stunning example, which we expect will appreciate over time.
