Description
1972 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead Coupe – 17, 000 Miles – Exceptional Originality & Provenance. This is a remarkably original 1972 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead Coupe, currently showing just 17, 000 miles from new (but still being used so this may rise) and retaining its original Lotus chassis, body, engine, paintwork and interior. Finished in the iconic Lotus Yellow and Cirrus White, this is an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire an unrestored, low-mileage Elan Sprint with genuine and well-documented provenance. The car remained with its first owner from 1972 until 2019 and its mileage and history have been confirmed by Lotus specialist Paul Matty. It is also featured in Mike Taylor's "Lotus Elan – The Complete History", and the car comes with the original owner's copy of the book. The accompanying history includes photographs, trophies awarded to the car during its previous ownership, and photographs of the original owner with the car, including one meeting Colin Chapman. The original Lotus Yellow and Cirrus White factory paintwork has never been repainted and retains the character and patina expected of a genuine survivor of this age. There are some minor age-related marks and areas of microblistering to the doors and bonnet, together with a few small star cracks typical of an unrestored fibreglass-bodied Lotus of this age. The original body and chassis are retained, with excellent panel fit and particularly well-aligned doors. There is no evidence of accident damage or previous restoration. The car retains its original Triplex-marked glass, brightwork, badges and stainless-steel exterior trim, all of which remain exceptionally well preserved. The original Sprint wheels are fitted with the correct chrome wheel spinners and stainless-steel rim embellishers and are fitted with Michelin 155HR13 XAS tyres, with the tyre date codes indicating week 50 of 2019. Inside, the original interior remains remarkably well preserved. The original seats show minimal wear and the original carpets are in excellent condition. The original dashboard and factory veneer are retained; the lacquer has some age-related cracking consistent with an unrestored car of this age. The original factory steering wheel and gear knob are also retained, both displaying only light age-related patina. The steering wheel carries the distinctive Colin Chapman signature associated with the Elan Sprint. Mechanically, the car has been carefully recommissioned and sympathetically maintained with the aim of preserving its originality while ensuring it remains an enjoyable and dependable driver's car. The original Big Valve Twin Cam engine remains in place and retains its original Weber 40 DCOE 31 carburettors. A recent compression test produced consistently even readings across all four cylinders, and oil pressure is a healthy 40 psi at idle. The original contact-breaker ignition has been replaced with a Power Spark electronic ignition module for improved reliability while retaining the character of the original system. The gearbox has been professionally inspected and fitted with new seals and gaskets, and a new complete clutch assembly has been installed. The suspension and braking systems remain to original Elan Sprint specification and have been sympathetically maintained rather than restored. On the road, the car delivers the distinctive driving experience for which the Elan Sprint is renowned: exceptionally light, responsive and communicative, with the Big Valve Twin Cam engine and Weber carburettors providing an authentic period driving experience and a wonderful sporting exhaust note. The electrical system is fully operational, with the lights, instruments, switches and ancillary equipment functioning correctly. The horns and windscreen washer pump have recently been replaced, while the original wiring loom remains in place. Under my ownership the car has received a full service including replacement of all fluids and filters. It has a current MOT with no advisories, valid until 29/ 07/ 2027. The car is supplied with its original owner's handbook, original toolkit, original jack (with non-original handle), original wheel hammer, tonneau cover, original copy of Mike Taylor's "Lotus Elan – The Complete History", trophies awarded to the car during its previous ownership, historical photographs including the original owner with the car meeting Colin Chapman, Lotus provenance certificate and an indoor car cover. I purchased the car in May 2025, but my circumstances have since changed as my wife has purchased a new Mazda MX-5, meaning we no longer need two soft-top cars. This is not a restored Elan presented as a low-mileage car; it is a genuine, remarkably original survivor retaining its factory specification and original finishes. Cars of this originality, mileage and provenance are increasingly difficult to find, making this a particularly interesting Sprint for the true Lotus enthusiast or collector looking for an authentic, unmodified example. A genuine 17, 000-mile, unrestored 1972 Lotus Elan Sprint with its original chassis, engine, paint and interior, exceptional provenance including Paul Matty history, a feature in Mike Taylor's book and a photograph of its original owner meeting Colin Chapman — a truly special survivor that is increasingly difficult to find.
