“A reluctant sale”. It’s one of those throwaway phrases you often read in car for sale ads, but in the case of this immaculate Lotus Elan Sprint FHC, it couldn’t be closer to the truth.
Having just moved to Portugal, the vendor has no further use for the car he has loved and cherished for the past five years, despite his son’s best efforts to keep it. As a result, what must be one of the best Elan Sprints on the market is now available, and it’s a rare opportunity to get your hands on one of the most iconic Lotuses of its era.
The Elan Sprint was the last version of the original, sold between 1971 and 1973, following the Series 1, 2, 3 and 4. Essentially, the Sprint was an up rated S4, fitted with a more powerful version of the Lotus Big Valve twin cam engine. Though there are some who see the Sprint as a tuned S4, there is no doubt that Lotus intended it to be a separate version of the Elan (an “S5” in effect) and that it was marketed as such.
The Sprint has become one of the more sought after Elan types and they are relatively few in number – especially in coupé form. This one is an original UK car but spent much of its life in Germany before being repatriated in 2017. It has been loved and cherished and is presented in superb condition.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
Matching numbers and Certificate of Vehicle Provenance from Lotus
Tax and MOT exempt
Irrespective, it will have new MOT on sale
Re-import paperwork from Germany
UK and German chassis plates
Extensive pile of invoices from well-regarded Lotus specialist
Five old MOTs since reimporting
Two sets of keys
History folder
THE INTERIOR
Immaculate black vinyl seats
Wooden dash
Electric windows
Retrimmed with new carpets
With a three-spoke steering wheel and deep bucket seats, the Elan’s cabin is nothing if not sporty. But that doesn’t stop it from being luxurious – it has a smart wooden dash, along with electric windows and a concealed stereo system.
The carpets are in excellent order, as are the door cards, while the black vinyl bucket seats are in exceptional condition and look fantastic.
THE EXTERIOR
Carnival Red over Cirrus White
Powder-coated black steel sports wheels
Superb body with excellent paint finish
Authentic Elan Sprint decals
The condition of this car is exceptional. Aside from a tiny scrape to the gold paint on the front bumper, we couldn’t find any bodywork damage at all and the fibreglass panels are all in excellent order. It has a quick-release bonnet held in place by tension pins and the steel sports wheels have been powder-coated in satin black, but it’s otherwise as it would have left the factory.
The paint finish is excellent, the pop-up headlamps pop-up on demand and the panels are all straight and true.
Underneath, the vendor reports that the steel backbone chassis in in good order and it has never had any corrosion advisories for the MOT test.
THE MECHANICS
1,588cc Lotus ‘Big Valve’
Four-speed manual transmission
Engine was fully rebuilt with new clutch in 2017
New radiator and fan fitted in 2021
Flawlessly maintained
Drives without fault
The twin cam 1,588cc Lotus engine is an absolute classic and bestows the Lotus with superb performance, thanks in no small part to its light weight. It handles wonderfully, too. It’s a car that is among the absolute best of its era to drive and will hold its own very happily in modern traffic.
This one has an impeccable maintenance record and runs without fault, showing good oil pressure and holding a steady temperature, and with no reported issues with the suspension, brakes or steering.
SUMMARY
If you want one of the most collectable Elans then a Sprint is the first place to start. If you want the very best, then here’s where it ends. This is an absolutely impeccable example of the breed in absolutely superb order, with no major flaws and in the kind of condition that’s ready to take home all the show trophies, as well as being a fabulous car to drive and a surprisingly easy to own classic British sports car. It’s divine. No wonder the vendor is reluctant to sell it.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
