1971 Lotus Elan Sprint FHC |

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1971 Lotus Elan Sprint FHC

Sold Price

£20,100

Mileage~94,909 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6-litre
LocationCoventry

SOLD

1971 Lotus Elan Sprint FHC

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

Pure, raw, mechanical and fun… exactly what a British sports car is all about.

The Lotus Elan was the company's first road car and featured a steel backbone chassis and a fibreglass body, which would influence Lotus design philosophy for the next three decades. Lauded with critical acclaim throughout its production and beyond, it is regarded as one of the finest driver's cars ever built. The car underwent a series of evolutions culminating in the Sprint in 1970.

Considered to be the pinnacle of the Elan series, this 1971 example comes from ~5 years with our vendor, it has twin 40DCOE Webers, with the ‘big valve’ engine fitted and verified as one of the 1,353 genuine factory-built Elan Sprints by a Lotus archivist. Finished in Gold Leaf colours in homage to the Lotus 49 race cars, this car was exported to France in 1984, where it was well maintained and enjoyed for three decades until it was repatriated with its original registration in 2016. While in France, it was the subject of a magazine article, but the owner wisely chose not to convert it to LHD. Needless to say, the Elan is firmly wedged into the classic sports car category and is therefore considered an investment. As a driving experience, the Elan Sprint is extremely desirable and guaranteed to offer 100% entertainment for its new owner.

An exciting opportunity for someone who can see themselves behind the wheel of a fixed-head Elan Sprint, with just a few fettles and some recommissioning, the Elan will be good to go.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Derek the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Already owning another Elan, Derek purchased this one to fettle with in between restoring his other one.

Long-term Trade Classics fans may recognise this Gold Livery Lotus Elan Sprint, which Derek won the auction for back in 2021. Since then, the car has been standing, with a work expansion leaving the car in a barn for years.

The Lotus is being sold as Derek has not had a chance to use it much.

Derek will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Derek

Vehicle Owner

Derek saved £3,600* when they
sold their Lotus with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Does it really get more 70s race car than Gold Leaf livery? We think not.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the factory steel wheels finished in black with chrome knock-offs and a chrome trim. There is some light tarnishing to the chrome finish on both the trims and knock-offs.

The tyres are a matching set of Michelin Energy tyres. These have been on the car for several years with very little use.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

Generally, the desirable fixed-head Lotus body looks in good shape. There are some light cracks, as you usually find with a fibreglass body, and the doors do sit a little proud along the bottom edges.

We’ve highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Painted in the original Gold Leaf livery, the paintwork presents reasonably well with just the odd chip here and there. Unfortunately, the bonnet has suffered from microblistering.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to make up your own mind about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen has a small crack in the lower passenger-side corner and a couple of small chips on the passenger side. The side windows and rear window look in good order with no excessive scratches spotted. The rubber seals appear in good order, and there is some light tarnishing to the chrome window frames.

All of the lights look to be in good order with no damage to the lenses.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The classic interior shows a little patina, adding to the Lotus's character.

Seats and Carpets

The vinyl-covered bucket seats are in good condition and hold you nicely. The driver's seat is in good order, but the passenger seat has a small hole at the inner edge.

Both door cards are in good order and have retained their shape well. The passenger side catches on the sill when the door opens, which pulls the outer covering off a little. This is easy to push back and just needs re-glueing to rectify.

Throughout the cabin, the carpets are in good condition with no signs of excessive, heavy use.

Dashboard

In keeping with the rest of the interior's patina, the dashboard is no exception.

There is some splitting to the wooden fascia, but this does appear to be original.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original three-spoke leather steering wheel is in good condition with minor signs of age.

The original wooden gearknob is in place with similar signs of age.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

A Lotus big-valve twin-cam is right at home in the bay of the Elan Sprint

Engine and Gearbox

The Lotus fired up after a couple of turns, and with a few blips on the throttle it clears its throat and comes to an idle. The car has had a slight misfire since Derek purchased it, but since he hasn’t used it, he never got around to investigating it further - please review the cold start video to assess this for yourself.

Gears in the four-speed gearbox are easily selected with a solid feel as they engage.

Suspension and Brakes

Derek tells us that a friend inspected the car and it appears to have Tony Thompson suspension which, from the short drive we had in the car, feels firm and is a great addition to the already fantastically handling Lotus.

The brakes were given a small amount of work to free them up just before our visit, as the car had been standing for a while. Although they do appear to work, they would need a full inspection by a competent mechanic before being taken out on the road and used in anger.

The Drive

Light, sharp, precise and wonderfully mechanical, the Lotus Elan Sprint is incredibly responsive on the road and feels much faster even when driving at modest speeds, thanks to the nimble chassis which corners with remarkable balance.

The lively, revvy big valve twin-cam is a great power choice which sounds fantastic with the twin 40 Weber carburettors pumping in the fuel. The whole package delivers exactly as Lotus intended for a '70s sports car.

Electrics and Other

The switchgear does appear to be original, so there is some wear to the lettering, and some might not work as well as new, but they would be easy items to replace if needed.

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History and Paperwork

During its time in France, the Lotus received a full feature in a magazine.

There is a nice collection of invoices which date back to the '80s, some from the UK and some from when it spent a few years in France, also where it received a comprehensive amount of work restoring the 70s classic.

The Lotus has pretty much been in dry storage since Derek purchased the car in 2021, so does require some recommissioning before being used. Once done, though, what a car to own! Iconic Gold Leaf livery, and one which is verified to be one of the ~1,353 factory-built Elan Sprints produced.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off or does not have any outstanding finance. Please note: this check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time – we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If you have any questions, no matter how small, please ask the seller in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win, just like in a traditional auction.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
05.2016	Tony Thompson Suspension
07.2003	Restoration work carried out in France (see invoices)
04.1979	New chassis, wishbones (see invoice)

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Key Details

Year1971
ModelElan Sprint FHC
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date16.08.1971
CC1558
Mileage~94,909 on clock
ColourRed/Cream
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimVinyl
Chassis #7105120259E
Engine #701M6015
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers6
Tyre BrandMichelin
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~5 years
Key FeatureProject Opportunity
Vehicle RegistrationGTJ 229K
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeCoupe
Auction ID3475

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Sold

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This vehicle has now been sold - click 'I Want One' below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

I WANT ONE

Ask Questions

Seller : tractorman Sale Date 02.04.2026

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

5 Comments

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

Admin

1 month ago

*** RESERVE MET *** The car will be sold to the high bidder. Adam TC

tractorman

Seller

1 month ago

Hello,
Due to circumstances the car has been stored
since purchase, it drives and runs but the engine sounds lumpy so please look the start up and drive videos to hear this.
best regards T.

Quatermaine

1 month ago

Hi Derek…Apart from a bit of paintwork issues..please let me know if there are any minor mechanical issues that need attention.
Thank you…Terry

caterham21

1 month ago

I am visiting Coventry today on business. Would it be possible to view the car this afternoon?

ColinB

Admin

caterham21

1 month ago

Hi,

We can help organise a viewing for you, If you could send an email to [email protected] first, we just need to do some checks.

Thanks,
Colin.

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Vehicle Location

Coventry

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