1972 LOTUS ELAN SPRINT COUPE:
--Lagoon Blue metallic with Cirrus White and Gold accents, Black interior, Black carpeting, Documented Restoration, 1,558cc inline DOHC Big Valve Four-cylinder engine, 4-speed manual transmission, RHD, Original colors, Exceptional throughout, Long-term ownership, Lotus Classic Certificate of Provenance.
The Elan was first introduced in 1962 and became known as the Elan Series 1 (S1). Intuitively designed by Colin Chapman’s motto of “add lightness,” the Elan was truly innovative with a steel frame and fiberglass body. The Ford Cortina engine was utilized and upgraded with dual overhead cams, known as the Lotus “twin cam” engine. Lotus applied much of its racing knowledge and used four-wheel disc brakes, four-wheel independent suspension and rack and pinion steering. The final edition of the Elan, the Sprint, had the “Big Valve” engine, two-tone color scheme, differential strengthening brace, ignition key steering lock and either Weber, Dell’Orto or Zenith-Stromberg carburetors. The “Big Valve” engine developed by Tony Rudd produced 126bhp (20 more than standard form). Weighting just 1,550 pounds, the featherweight Sprint would accelerate to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds with a top speed of 125mph. The Elan became Lotus' first commercial success and further contributed to Lotus’ racing achievements over the next decade and beyond. Of the Elan Sprints produced, only 845 roadsters and 562 coupes were built.
This Sprint was manufactured in May of 1972 for its home UK market and thus RHD. More recently, this Sprint was comprehensively restored over a three year period in England eight years ago. It has been maintained and cared for regardless of use with limited mileage since the restoration. No stone was left unturned during this thorough restoration.
This Elan Sprint is in exceptional condition throughout. A truly iconic sports car, this Lotus is comfortable, yet dialed in for around-town cruising and is a perfect tour car for vintage rallies. It is complete with restoration documents, books, tool kit, jack, spare wheel and knock-off hammer and ready for immediate use and enjoyment.
