Introduction
Darren Rungasamy
The Lotus Elan Sprint delivers unmatched agility through its lightweight design and iconic, high-performance big-valve engine.
The Elan’s 1962 debut was a testament to the meteoric rise of Lotus: it arrived a mere five years after Colin Chapman’s first production car, and just a year before the marque secured its first Formula 1 World Championship. The car was the physical manifestation of Chapman’s genius- a masterclass in engine tuning, aerodynamics, and composite materials. By integrating these advanced principles into a lightweight, rigid chassis, the Elan didn't just meet the standards of its time: it defined the very blueprint for the modern small sports car.
As one of Lotus's most enduring and celebrated models, the Elan remains a gold standard for driving enthusiasts. It earned its reputation through impressive handling, and road-holding capabilities that offer a pure, "race car" experience. A visceral connection to the road that few vehicles, past or present, can truly replicate. Beyond its performance, the Elan is highly regarded for its sound engineering and surprisingly manageable maintenance. Supported by an extensive and active parts network, it remains an accessible classic for those who value both legendary dynamics and mechanical practicality.
Announced in late 1970, the Sprint represented the Elan’s ultimate evolution. It transformed the model into a faster, more luxurious machine, effectively signalling Lotus’s ambition to move upmarket. While it retained the iconic, low-slung curves of the original design, the Sprint's enhanced performance has made it the most coveted variant among collectors.
Coming from over four and a half years with our vendor, this 1972 UK-market example is finished in the striking Gold Leaf livery over a black leather interior. It's powered by a high-performance Vegantuned 1.6-litre engine. Having spent much of its life in South Africa and Switzerland, the car has benefited from several extensive renovations. Though officially MOT and tax-exempt, it is offered with a fresh MOT for total peace of mind, alongside a comprehensive history folder, original handbook, and sales brochure.
This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Roy the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
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*** Reserve Lowered ***
Roy has decided to lower the reserve so the highest bidder is more likely to win the Elan tomorrow night!
Good luck!
Thanks,
Colin.
Thank you Roy,
Regards,
Peter.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for this question.
The nearside front wing was like that when I bought the car. The person who took all the photos thought it was paint interaction, which could well be the cause. Though possible repair damage could account also. I have not got round to treating it, but as the paintwork overall seemed to be in very good condition, ie not faded, and the body is fibreglass not alloy or steel, I would have been happy to have it sorted and repainted in that area and lose it across the wing. ( In fact, I resprayed our Elite myself many years ago, but today would trust that to a specialist. Plus the paints are much easier to work with these days ) As for any accidents, there are none that I know of during its time in Switzerland and back in the UK.
Hope that is helpful
Roy
Hi Roy, it’s Peter again,
On close inspection of the bodywork, as mentioned in the description, the front nearside wheel arch paintwork has bubbled. It also appears to have been possibly repaired at some time. Do you have any knowledge of such an accident in your ownership or previously?
Thanks again,
Peter.
Hi Roy, beautiful car. Just need to clarify a couple of things please. From the description it appears the engine was replaced in the 70s and then work was carried out on the engine around 2012. When CMC checked the engine they say it was down on power. Tradeclassics mention some smoke after idling but fine on open road. Would be grateful for clarity on what engine restoration work has been carried out and the number of miles since and if in your opinion any more work is required. Much appreciated, David
Hi David, and thank you for the interest.
When I bought the Elan, the previous owner had some information about its South African history…..but not a lot. So I then took some time to get as information about its early life as I could. This is all in the accompanying records. Basically it seems to have had two/three very keen owners in South Africa who did at least two engine strip and rebuilds and more work was done in Switzerland with a serious restoration/racing car company…again, all in the full invoice records. On returning to the UK CMC were asked to check and report and rectify key points. I knew CMC from my past, and called them and asked for the records….hence what you see. They were pretty meticulous, and most if not all of their recommendations seem to have been actioned. Hence the car being sorted and bought shortly after by Les Goss, who had seriously engineering skills, and from whom I bought it some 2 years later. He and his wife had owned a Sprint when they first met, and they decided to renew their Elan driving experience. From Mot records, they covered some 20,000 miles in 2 years with no work being needed…before tragically she died. Les sadly then sold to me to support his daughter and young child. Re your specific questions, CMC’s comments seem mostly to have been actioned, and the engine timing/tappets etc were reset which was probably the cause of the engine comments. Certainly now, apart from a possible rich starting, it shows no sign of any work being needed. I prefer cars like this to run slightly rich, and this car only needs a small amount of choke …and none if hot. Basically The only work I have done is to replace the radiator, fit a high Torque starter motor, and sort out/replace the umbrella handbrake…like hens teeth ! Personally the only reason for letting the car go is that we have several other similar period cars, and the Elan is not getting enough use. Plus needing space ! It sits next to a 120Fhc , and a Mini Cooper S which we are jawing a lot (google 24 PK)
Hopefully this is helpful….but do let me know if any other questions.
Cheers
Roy
PS….no security devices fitted….but you could always install a master switch…
….which we are using a lot ….. !
Good morning Roy,
Lovely looking Lotus, have you done many miles and long journeys in the car?
Can you tell me if both the passenger and drivers door locks work externally as the should using the keys?
Has the car been fitted with any extra security devices?
Also I notice that the body has chrome strips below the both doors. I believe these were only used on earlier special equipment models not the Sprint!
Regards,
Peter.
Hi Peter,
We bought the Sprint because years back we got married in a Lotus Elite, and so decided to revisit times gone by. However, it joined an XK 120 fhc, a Mini Cooper S with a serious rally history in 63/64 ( Goggle 24 PK ) and also a Healey and another XK. Basically, having done a few of small jobs to improve the Sprint eg Door handle locks (!), a high torque starter, new radiator, and sourcing a new umbrella handbrake, we have done virtually no miles in it…24 PK having taken up much of our continental miles on various events and rallies over the last 3-4 years. Hence the Elan is not getting, but needs, someone to enjoy using and driving it seriously. Note that the previous owner Les and his wife had it for around 2 years and from MOTs covered some 20,000 miles, I think UK and Europe, before her sadly becoming ill, and hence the decision to sell the car. Les had owned a number of classic cars over years, and the Elan was one of his favourites.
As regards the chrome strips, I would not be able to comment, as I do not know enough about the Elan series. I did know a lot about the Series 2 Bristol- bodied Elite which I drove to Hamburg in December 1969 for our wedding but that is another story!
Hopefully the above is helpful….and let me know if any other questions.
Cheers
Roy
Hi Roy, if you don’t get the price you are after can you please let me know. I have to sell my TR5 before getting something else, but this looks absolutely what i’m looking for. Best regards John
Hi John,
Nice to hear from you. Have noted your interest and will be happy to take this further if the Elan does not reach the price I am looking for. Cheers Roy
Vehicle Location
Weybridge
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