Vehicle Description
The Lotus Elan was Britain's preeminent 1960's sports car. The
genius that was Colin Chapman, aided by a talented small team of
designers, notably Ron Hickman, had conceived the Elan in 1962 as a
replacement for the Elite. Produced from 1971 to 1973, the Elan
Sprint was introduced to boost flagging sales. The new Sprint
justified its name thanks to a substantial boost in engine power. A
big-valve head with high-lift cams and increased compression ratio
lifted output to 126bhp. The imaginatively designed backbone
chassis, brilliant suspension and sparkling twin cam engine, allied
to a pretty body, combined to make a winning car, successful not
only amongst the discerning motoring public, but also on the
track.
This 1971 Elan Sprint was ordered new by Mr John Sargent, a farmer
from Farnham�in Surrey. Mr Sargent attended the launch of the
Sprint at the 1970 Earls Court Motor Show and ordered the Elan off
the Lotus stand with the following specification.
Special order monotone "Bahama Yellow" L10, silver wheels and
chrome wheel trims, silver bumpers,�electric windows,�optional air
horns & tonneau cover and no radio.
Chassis 0283G was thus one of the very first DHC Sprints delivered
in March '71 and one of the first 50 cars latterly known as "S4
Sprints". These cars were delivered with twin tail pipes, bonnet
bulge and the reverse "Lotus Big Valve" script on the cam
cover.
Supplied with all of the original dealer paperwork including,
Original sales invoice from Bell & Colvill dated March '71 and
signed by "Bobby Bell", Original Lotus Warranty Certificate,
Original hand written receipt from Mike Spence Lotus mechanic Leo
Ackroyd, who assembled the car. (Like many Elans , it was sold as a
kit to avoid sales tax). Original Lotus stamped service book,
Original Lotus Elan S4 Sprint hand book, Original unused tool kit,
Original jack & handle in hessian bag and original lead spinner
mallet, Original unused tonneau cover, Original buff log book
showing the first and only registered owner, All original locks and
keys.
Mechanically the Sprint was excellent. Just the Weber carbs and
ancillaries were rebuilt and after careful recommissioning it ran
beautifully. Similarly, the clutch, gearbox and back axle were all
in good order. The brakes were completely overhauled re-using the
original calipers and Girling servo. All suspension components�were
completely refurbished and rebuilt using NOS correct spec shocks
and bushes, including new drive doughnuts from Miles Wilkins.
The interior is all original with original�seats in superb
condition, as are the door panels with no speaker holes. Even the
underlay and carpets were carefully stored away prior to
recommissioning, so they're in time warp condition and haven't
suffered the normal light discoloration. The dash�had suffered from
crazing and delamination, so a perfect replacement was provided by
Susan Miller Lotus. This is also the case for the new hood (also
supplied by Susan Miller) which fits perfectly.
Possibly unique, this beautifully restored Elan Sprint has just
18600 miles from new and just one previous keeper.
Please contact us for further information.
