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Curated Auction

1972 Lotus Elan Sprint DHC

At a Glance

~45 Year Ownership | Engine Rebuilt 2020 | Exterior Restoration Late 90s | UK Home Market Sprint

  • Mileage~90,792
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6L
  • LocationDoncaster

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£10,500
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£10,500

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Video #2

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

Costing around the same price as an E-Type, which way would you have gone?

With the groundwork of the Super Seven under Colin Chapman’s belt, his next vision was to produce a more usable sports car without sacrificing its lightweight character and agility. The results were astonishing. Picking out the best bits from Chapman’s race car playbook, he managed to produce one of the quickest and sweetest-handling road cars of the era. Announced in 1962, the GRP body mounted on a steel backbone chassis was paired up with a Lotus-Ford twin-cam race engine and, along with its compact elegant styling and modest production costs, set the Elan as one of Lotus' all-time greats. The Elan evolved over its 11-year run, with the fixed-head coupé option adding an element of refinement in 1966, but it wasn’t until 1971, with the arrival of the big-valve-engined "Sprint", that its fastest incarnation was created. Quicker from 0 to 60mph than both the Jaguar E-Type and Lamborghini Miura, the Elan Sprint became one of the most sought-after cars of Colin Chapman's legacy.

This UK-specification Elan Sprint comes to market from a staggering ~45 year ownership. It's a genuine home market car, finished in the two-tone colour of "Lagoon Blue Metallic" over white with gold detailing, and had a renovation, including a respray, actioned in the late 90s. The engine was rebuilt in 2020, and the car has had a new wiring loom and electrics worked over in the 2010s. Coming from such long ownership, and presenting in beautiful condition, this is a rare find.

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

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

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.

Video #2

Meet the owner

I had never considered a Lotus before, then I lifted the bonnet and saw the Twin-Cam engine!

Some 45 years ago, Paul’s boss at the time had a visit from his son, who happened to be driving this exact Lotus Elan Sprint. Taken by the elegant and timeless lines representing the pinnacle of the Elan’s evolution, the stunning "Lagoon Blue Metallic" over White, with gold highlights, the icing on the cake was the fantastic 1.6-litre Twin-Cam engine. Paul was sold on the Lotus even though he was looking at MGB's at the time, and the rest, as they say, is history.

There's no doubt about it, after 45 years, it will be like losing a part of the family. Paul has enjoyed decades with the Lotus and it’s now time to let someone else have the pleasure of Colin Chapman’s iconic creation. Over that time, the car has been worked on as needed, a renovation, where anything that needed replaced was, some time ago including a respray, and a more recent engine rebuild, has meant this car will be enjoyed for many years to come. Paul will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Paul
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Straight lines with just the right amount of curves to show off the Elan’s elegant shape.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the original wheels, these are finished in black gloss and present well. There is a small amount of tarnishing on the knock-offs, but nothing excessive. The tyres are a matching pair of Dunlop SP Sport at the rear and Milestone at the front, due to the Dunlops not being available anymore when they were recently changed, all of which have plenty of tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery for detailed shots.

image

Bodywork

The fibreglass bodywork is in excellent condition overall. There are a couple of areas where it has crazed, which, as you probably know, is quite typical with fibreglass. The body was removed around ~30 years ago, and the chassis was shot-blasted and repainted to future-proof it. In terms of fit of the panels etc, these are typical for an Elan of this age, the door bottoms protruding out slightly as pictured.

High-resolution images and videos have been provided, so please review all media to assess the car’s condition thoroughly.

image

Paint

Finished in "Lagoon Blue Metallic" over white with gold trim, this is the original colour scheme and was repainted when the body was removed ~30 years ago. The paintwork presents well; there are the odd couple of chips here and there which have been picked up over time.

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

image

Glass and Trim

The windows are in good condition for 53 years old; the side windows have some age-related scratches, and the frames have some light tarnishing in keeping with the age.

The roof was replaced several years ago and is in good condition, taking just a few minutes to fit.

image
VIEW ALL
INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Simple and minimal is all the Elan needs – it is a driver's car after all.

Seats and Carpets

The original vinyl seats are in relatively good condition. There is a small hole in the top of the driver's seat, but all the bolsters and the high-wear areas are in good condition. The carpets are in good order with no real signs of excessive wear after all these years due to the careful ownership.

image

Dashboard

Paul has replaced the dashboard fascia, and it presents exceptionally well with no wear to the lettering. The instruments are all working correctly, and the odometer shows the Lotus has covered ~90,792 miles.

image

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Possibly the smallest usable steering wheel ever used; there is some age-related wear to the leather trim, but it still does the perfect job for navigating the Elan.

The original wooden gear knob has wear to the finished as pictured, but could possibly be sanded back and refinished. Please refer to the interior gallery for more images.

image
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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Big-valve Twin-Cam on twin carbs – is there really a better sound... We think not!

Engine and Gearbox

Over the years, Paul has had engine work actioned as necessary, including a rebuild in 2020 during which it also received new pistons and a rebore. The cylinder head was overhauled to run on unleaded fuel in the past too. The car has also been upgraded to run with an alternator and electronic ignition. The 1.6-litre fires up without hesitation, takes a few seconds to balance itself out as these engines do, and then runs smoothly with no issues, and obviously sounds fantastic from the stainless-steel exhaust.

The four-speed gearbox has a smooth change, pulling strongly through the range. Watch the video to see and hear the car out on the road.

image

Suspension and Brakes

On the road, we couldn't hear any knocks or bangs from the suspension, and it rides smoothly, hugging the road in a typical Lotus style.

The braking system performs as it should, bringing the car to a stop in a straight line with no juddering through the pedal.

image

The Drive

Driving a 1972 Lotus Elan Sprint is a pure, exhilarating experience. Its lightweight makes it incredibly nimble, with sharp, communicative steering and a beautifully balanced chassis.

The 1.6-litre Twin-Cam engine delivers lively performance, especially with the Sprint’s uprated ~126BHP, and the close-ratio gearbox invites spirited driving.

image

Electrics and Other

All the switchgear is in excellent condition and works as it should. We do note the car has had a completely new wiring loom fitted, which is a nice addition. The lights raise and fall as they should do too, as per the pictures.

The original Radiomobile radio has been converted to receive FM and MP3. The speakers have also been upgraded.

image
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Video #2

History and Paperwork

A genuine UK RHD Elan Sprint, coming to market from ~45 year ownership, engine rebuilt in 2020 with renovation and respray completed in the late 90s, a hard car to beat.

The MOT history dates back to the late '70s, and there are same of invoices covering some of the more significant work in the last 20 years. Paul mentions the renovation was carried out by Taylors no later than 1998, any parts that needed replaced were replaced Paul told us. More recent work include the engine rebuild in 2020, and the head has been converted to run on unleaded fuel too. A new wiring loom was fitted in the 2010s, and this on top of careful ownership make this a quite remarkable example if you're looking for an Elan Sprint.

Most certainly an extremely difficult decision to part with the Lotus after 45 years, and one which hasn’t been easy to make for Paul. This is a lovely example of one of the most iconic models to come from Lotus, which will be a real treat to own for whoever is the lucky auction winner.

We've carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and running an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has 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, relax, 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 there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner 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 house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
07.02.2020 MOT/Engine rebuild 89,519
30.11.2018 MOT 89,171
16.11.2017 MOT 88,891
03.11.2016 MOT 88,666
26.11.2015 MOT 88,316
25.11.2014 MOT 87,872
14.11.2013 MOT/New wiring loom 87,334
10.10.2012 MOT 87,073
19.07.2010 MOT 86,582
13.05.2009 MOT 86,259
27.07.2007 MOT 85,886
16.05.2003 MOT 84,869
10.08.2000 MOT 84,599
12.04.1999 MOT 84,292
05.06.1998 MOT 84,046
06.04.1996 MOT 83,695
18.04.1987 MOT 83,882
21.12.1994 MOT 83,311
30.04.1988 MOT 83,204
30.04.1987 `MOT 82,987
18.07.1983 MOT 81,410
29.03.1982 MOT 80,678
01.05.1981 MOT 76,882
12.04.1980 MOT 69,675
01.02.1979 MOT 59,315
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Elan Sprint DHC
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 04.07.1972
  • CC 1,558
  • Mileage ~90,792
  • Colour Lagoon Blue Metallic over White
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Vinyl
  • Chassis # 72030656G
  • Engine # N25930
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 4
  • Tyre Brand Dunlop, Milestone
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~45 years
  • Key Feature Long ownership, rarer colour, genuine UK RHD
  • Auction ID 2703
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Doncaster

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    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £10,500
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    Countdown Timer
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    Auction Ends Thu 15th May at 7.00pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  5
    £10,500 bid by flinty6509.05.25 @ 11:04:42
    £10,000 bid by mattb08.05.25 @ 20:53:22
    £7,000 bid by markus08.05.25 @ 15:24:46
    £6,500 bid by djl4501.05.25 @ 17:17:26
    £5,000 bid by justwing01.05.25 @ 14:18:03
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    3 Comments
    91482coop
    91482coop
    4 days ago

    Do you have the original steering wheel

    protocars
    protocars
    11 days ago

    Hi,
    Could you confirm that the car’s main colour is Lagoon Blue. The reason I ask is that this is one of my favourite colours – long ago I had a MkI Lotus Cortina in Lagoon Blue with a Silver strip (I miss it!). Maybe it’s just the photos that make this look more like a French Blue.
    Nice car – I already have two Elan +2’s.
    Paul

    PaulI
    PaulI
    Seller
      protocars
    11 days ago

    Hi, yes have always known it as being Lagoon Blue and have kept it to that colour when restoring. Thanks

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Elan Sprint like this is £182 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Spring 2025.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Doncaster

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