Two former registered keepers, with the current registered keeper spanning 26 years
Galvanised Lotus factory replacement chassis, produced at Hethel in the mid-1980s
Recently verified by the Elan Register with a VIN breakdown
The Appeal
“Simplify and add lightness”. That was Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s mantra, and never were those wise words borne out more readily than in the Elan. This diminutive sports car paired the brilliant Ford-Lotus Twin Cam with a lightweight backbone chassis and glass-fibre bodywork to create one of the finest “drivers’ cars” of all time.
The Lotus Elan Sprint is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the Elan range, and the Type G Drop Head Coupé Sprint, built exclusively for the domestic UK market, sits at the top of the hierarchy. With its big-valve twin-cam engine and Dellorto carburettors, the Sprint offered a meaningful step up in performance over the standard Elan, all delivered through one of the most celebrated lightweight chassis in motoring history.
This car has been in the care of its current registered keeper since 2000 and had just two keepers before that. The odometer shows 65,572 miles, believed to be correct and supported by a letter from the keeper. It sits on a galvanised Lotus factory replacement chassis and retains its big-valve twin-cam engine with Dellorto carburettors and four-speed manual gearbox.
Having been in dry storage since approximately 2012, the Lotus reportedly starts easily, moves and stops, but is being sold as requiring further recommissioning before road use. Some preparatory work has already been carried out. The bodywork presents reasonably from a distance but shows microblisters and cracks on closer inspection. It should be noted that the car was originally finished in Regency Red over Cirrus White and has since been repainted in its current yellow colour scheme.
Previously unknown to the Elan Register before June 2026, this Sprint now comes with a verified VIN breakdown confirming its Type G specification and provenance. For the Lotus enthusiast seeking one of the most coveted Elans, this is a compelling opportunity to recommission a genuinely rare and historically significant car._88A0391.jpg1008.8 KB
Key Information
Mileage: 65,572 miles (indicated, believed correct, supported by a letter from the registered keeper)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: exempt from MOT/road tax
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it’s customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance; the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it’s always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes, so it’s worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders’ responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.
