1971 Lotus Elan Sprint |

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1971 Lotus Elan Sprint

Sold Price

£39,664

Mileage~78,344 On clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6-Litre
LocationHull

SOLD

1971 Lotus Elan Sprint

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Ashley Dawson

Professional Consigner

The Lotus Elan Sprint is widely regarded as one of the greatest British sports cars ever built, combining lightweight construction, sharp handling and the characterful Lotus Twin Cam engine.

Finished in its iconic Gold Leaf-inspired Sprint livery, this 1971 example is a beautifully presented car that has been cherished by the same family since 1987.

Extensively restored in 2022 and accompanied by a substantial history file documenting significant mechanical and cosmetic investment, this Elan Sprint offers an exceptional opportunity to acquire a highly usable and well-sorted example of one of Lotus' most celebrated models.

This listing was written from information supplied by Ashley after meeting Alison 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

My family has owned this Lotus Elan Sprint since 1987 and it has been a much-loved part of our lives ever since - it has always been a special car to us.

Meeting Alison it was immediately clear that this Lotus has been far more than just a classic car. Having remained within the same family for almost four decades, it has been carefully maintained, extensively restored and enjoyed exactly as a Lotus Elan should be. The quality of the restoration, the substantial history file and the obvious pride of ownership all speak for themselves, making this a particularly honest and well-cared-for example.

Unfortunately the family no longer have the space to keep it and would love to see it go to someone who will appreciate it as much as they have.

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

Alison

Vehicle Owner

Alison saved £7,020* when they
sold their Lotus with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The Lotus Elan Sprint's iconic Gold Leaf-inspired colour scheme remains one of the most recognisable designs in British motoring, and this example presents exceptionally well following its restoration.

Wheels and Tyres

The car sits on smart black alloy wheels that suit the Sprint's sporting appearance perfectly.

The wheels present well with no obvious signs of damage visible, while the tyres appear to be in good visual condition.

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

The bodywork presents impressively throughout and benefits from the comprehensive restoration completed in 2022.

Panel fit appears good, with the lightweight fibreglass body retaining the elegant proportions that have made the Elan one of the most admired sports car designs of its era.

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

Paint

Finished in the Sprint's signature gold and white livery, the paintwork has a deep gloss and excellent overall presentation.

The finish looks particularly striking in natural light, highlighting the Elan's delicate curves and subtle design details.

The Sprint graphics and badging are all present.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass appears to be in very good order throughout, with no obvious damage noted during our visit.

Brightwork, badges and exterior trim pieces present well and complement the quality of the restoration.

The car also comes with a brand-new hood, which is included in the sale but has not yet been fitted.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The Elan's cabin is a wonderfully simple and driver-focused environment that perfectly reflects Lotus' lightweight sports car philosophy.

Seats and Carpets

The black interior presents exceptionally well and appears to have benefitted from the recent restoration.

The seats remain in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear, while the carpets and interior trim continue the high standard of presentation seen throughout the car.

The combination of black upholstery and polished wood detailing creates a timeless and sporting atmosphere.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

Dashboard

The beautifully finished wooden dashboard remains one of the highlights of the Elan's interior.

Housing the classic Smiths instrumentation and period switchgear, it provides exactly the sort of character enthusiasts expect from a Lotus of this era.

Alison reports that all gauges, switches and controls are functioning as they should.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The wood-rim steering wheel sits proudly ahead of the driver and remains in excellent condition, complementing the rest of the cabin perfectly.

The manual gear lever falls naturally to hand and contributes to the engaging driving experience that has made the Elan Sprint one of the most celebrated British sports cars ever produced.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The Elan Sprint has benefitted from significant mechanical investment as part of its comprehensive restoration, resulting in a car that is reported to perform exactly as Lotus intended.

Engine and Gearbox

At the heart of the Sprint is Lotus' legendary Twin Cam engine, which benefitted from an extensive rebuild during the restoration. The accompanying invoices detail substantial specialist work, including a full strip and inspection, cylinder head overhaul, new valve seats and guides, replacement pistons, crankshaft machining, balancing work, new bearings, seals and timing components.

The engine was subsequently dyno tested and tuned, ensuring it performs as intended while retaining the lively character that has made the Elan Sprint such a celebrated drivers' car.

The gearbox and differential also benefited from refurbishment work during the restoration programme, helping create a drivetrain that feels tight, responsive and confidence inspiring.

Alison reports that the car drives beautifully, with no unwanted noises and all major mechanical systems operating exactly as they should.

Suspension and Brakes

As part of the restoration, significant attention was paid to the running gear, with invoices documenting refurbishment and replacement work across the suspension and braking systems. The result is a car that feels composed, responsive and true to the lightweight handling characteristics for which the Elan Sprint is renowned.

The braking system performs exactly as it should, while the suspension allows the car to retain the agility and balance that helped establish the Elan's reputation as one of the finest handling sports cars ever built.

The Drive

Behind the wheel, the Sprint delivers the driving experience enthusiasts have come to expect from Lotus. The combination of low weight, communicative steering and the lively Twin Cam engine creates a wonderfully engaging package that still feels special today.

Alison reports that the car drives beautifully, with no unwanted noises and all major mechanical systems functioning exactly as intended following the restoration work.

Electrics and Other

The electrical systems are reported to be in good working order, with all lights, gauges and switchgear operating as intended. The car also benefits from a brand-new hood which is included in the sale but has yet to be fitted.

Please note, the passenger door does not currently open from the exterior handle, although it opens normally from the inside.

Aside from this minor issue, Alison advises that everything on the car functions as it should.

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History and Paperwork

The Elan Sprint is accompanied by an extensive history file that documents both its long-term family ownership and substantial restoration work.

Having remained within the same family since 1987, the car benefits from a wealth of supporting paperwork, invoices and specialist correspondence. Most notably, the history file documents the comprehensive restoration completed in 2022, including significant expenditure on the engine, drivetrain and running gear. Invoices from respected Lotus Twin Cam specialists detail extensive engine rebuild work, machining, balancing, dyno testing and component refurbishment, while additional paperwork supports work carried out across the gearbox, differential, suspension and braking systems.

The result is a history file that not only evidences the quality of the restoration but also provides reassuring proof of the considerable investment made to bring this Elan Sprint to the exceptional standard seen today.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Trade Classics Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of AFS Compliance Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm number 625035. Trade Classics Limited is a vehicle sales business with permission to introduce prospective finance clients to Revered Finance Limited who is also an AR of AFS Compliance Ltd and an independent asset finance brokerage not a lender. We are not independent financial advisors and are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. Trade Classics Limited and Revered Finance Limited will receive payment(s) or other benefit from the finance provider if you decide to enter into an agreement with them. We work with both discretionary and non-discretionary commission models. Commission payments are factored into the interest rate you pay.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
2021	Engine Rebuild	-

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Key Details

Year1971
Finance Available?Yes - Contact Us
ModelElan Sprint
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date02/08/1971
CC1558
Mileage~78,344 On clock
ColourGold and White
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #0313G
Engine #N24186
RestoredYes
MOTNo
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - all clear
Former Keepers6
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~8 months (~39 year in family)
Key FeatureOwnership
Vehicle RegistrationVHR 70K
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeConvertible
Auction ID3761

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All Images

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Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : ElanAlison Sale Date 02.07.2026

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

12 Comments

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

Admin

18 hours ago

*** RESERVE REMOVED*** Alison has decided to remove the reserve on the Sprint – it will sell to the highest bidder this evening. Good luck on this special little car. Adam – TC

brocky

1 day ago

Hi Alison
I cant see any reference for the chassis. When was this replaced?

ElanAlison

Seller

brocky

23 hours ago

This was my husbands car who passed last year. Through looking at emails and photos it looks like he did a full refurbishment. Hope this helps

Exigeman

6 days ago

Hi Alison

Would you please reply to my earlier question.

In essence the question is – is it a genuine DHC or a converted FHC? as the information/pics are not really clear.

Again apologies if I have missed the relevant information.

Thankyou.

ElanAlison

Seller

Exigeman

6 days ago

This was my husbands car, who passed last year, so my knowledge is a bit limited. But it is an original DHC.

clubsport

7 days ago

Hi, please could you clarify the colour. Is this the original colour of the car as it left Lotus?
Is it it Colorado orange or Bahama Yellow? I didn’t think the sprint was available in Bahama yellow.. Thanks.

ElanAlison

Seller

clubsport

6 days ago

It is the original colour, Colorado Orange

BillyBob

9 days ago

Hi
Great car vey interested
I understand there is a new hood with the car, so does it currently not have a hood?
Also do you have the original Elan wheels and trims to go with the car
Who rebuilt the engine for you

Regards Adrian

ElanAlison

Seller

BillyBob

9 days ago

It doesn’t have the original hood. Just new hood not used. As far as I’m aware it is just whhels/trim ones on the car. The car was my husbands who sadly passed last year. Engine rebuild by JS Motorsport, I believe the invoices are shown in the ad.

Exigeman

10 days ago

Alison
Firstly what an absolutely awesome job you and your family have done in maintaining your Elan!
Just a quickie, and my apologies if I have missed any information, does the chassis plate indicate 36 or 45 type?
Best of luck with the sale – will be following most closely!!
Simon

justwing

10 days ago

Hello. Are there any boot boards and boot carpets with the car? Thanks.

ElanAlison

Seller

justwing

7 days ago

There are new boot carpets.

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Hull

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