Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1972 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead Coupe
Estimate
£20, 000 - £24, 000
Registration No: SCW 631L
Chassis No: CV0275K
MOT: Exempt
Supplied new to the US market
Subject to a previous engine overhaul
Repainted in 2015 in its original colour combination of Lotus Yellow & Cirrus White
Offered with a collection of invoices
Fitted with a fast road clutch, sports manifold and rear roll bar
Brainchild of Lotus design and development engineer Ron Hickman, the Elan was introduced at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show and promptly redefined its class in terms of ride, handling and performance. Arguably the ultimate Elan derivative, the Sprint arrived in February 1971. Characterised by its 'Big Valve' (126bhp / 113lbft) engine and bold colour schemes, the model was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6. 7 seconds and 121mph. The Sprint was the final iteration of the Lotus Elan and was marketed between 1971 and 1973. Lotus always intended it to be a distinct model in its own right, rather than a 'Series 5', primarily for marketing purposes, however, the model was dropped by from the Lotus line-up in August of 1973, with the Sprint remaining keenly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
One of circa 856 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead Coupes built, this example was built in April 1972 and originally supplied new to the USA and as such, is a US market car, ordered in Lotus Yellow (L07) over Cirrus White (L04) with the Talbot-Aztec Gold band. In more recent times the Sprint has been repatriated to the UK in 2014 and subsequently, it has been the subject of restoration and a repaint in 2015 at a cost of some £4, 080. Thankfully, the Sprint still wears the attractive classic original shades of Lotus Yellow & Cirrus White with the Gold accent around the waistline with the typically Black vinyl interior, seats and door cards.
Additionally, in 2015 the Sprint was the subject of some work by RJ Motors of Bideford in Devon. They fitted a roll cage and overhauled the engine. The latter included replacing the water pump, main and big end bearings and polishing the crankshaft. The Sprint has also been fitted with a fast road clutch and a sports manifold. Offered with a collection of invoices from renowned Lotus specialists Paul Matty Sports Cars Limited and a Lotus Certificate of Vehicle Provenance.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
