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This is my 1972 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead Coupe. It's covered an indicated 17,000 Miles from new and still sports its original chassis, paint, interior, and engine - it has Exceptional Provenance.
I bought this car last May, but since then my wife has bought a new Mazda MX-5. We don't need two soft-top cars, and the more practical one won.
This listing was written from information supplied by XXXXX after meeting XXXXX the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
Paul provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.
Paul provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.
History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.
Josh provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.
Josh provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.
History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.
Original Lotus Yellow & Cirrus White paintwork, which is beautifully preserved and exceptionally rare on an unrestored, 17,000-mile Elan Sprint.
The original Sprint wheels are fitted with the correct chrome wheel spinners and stainless steel rim embellishers.
They're shod with the correct 155HR13 Michelin XAS tyres, preserving the car's authentic factory appearance and renowned handling characteristics. They tyrewall dates indicate 5019 - week 50 of 2019.
Exceptionally original, retaining its original body and original Lotus chassis. The panel fit is excellent throughout, with particularly well-aligned doors that sit flush with the body – a feature rarely found on unrestored Elans.
Crisp shut lines and the absence of accident damage or restoration make this a remarkably well-preserved survivor.
Finished in its original factory-applied Lotus Yellow and Cirrus White paintwork.
Unlike many Elan Sprints, the car has never been repainted and retains the character and patina expected of a genuine, unrestored survivor; with only minor age-related marks and microblistering consistent with its age.
The microblistering is to the doors and bonnet, but is almost impossible to photograph accurately. There are also a few small star cracks as you will find with most fibreglass cars of this age.
The car retains its original Triplex-marked glass throughout, together with exceptionally well-preserved brightwork, badges and stainless trim.
The chrome and exterior trim present beautifully and further reflect the car's remarkable originality.
Beautifully preserved original interior with the character and patina that only a genuine 17,000-mile survivor can possess.
The original seats remain beautifully preserved with minimal wear, while the original carpets are in exceptional condition, reflecting the car's remarkably low mileage and careful ownership from new.
The original dashboard has never been replaced and retains its factory veneer. The lacquer displays some age-related cracking, entirely consistent with an unrestored car of this age, while the overall presentation remains true to the character and authenticity of this remarkably original Elan Sprint.
The original factory steering wheel and gear knob are both retained. The steering wheel features the distinctive Colin Chapman signature - an iconic detail found on the Elan Sprint - and both display only light, age-related patina consistent with the car's originality.
Carefully recommissioned, and sympathetically maintained to preserve its originality whilst delivering the dependable driving experience expected of a well-sorted Lotus Elan Sprint.
The original Big Valve Twin Cam engine remains remarkably original and retains its original Weber 40 DCOE 31 carburettors.
A recent compression test confirmed consistently even readings across all four cylinders and it shows 40psi oil pressure on tickover.
The original contact breaker points have been replaced with a Power Spark electronic ignition module, providing improved reliability, whilst retaining the character of the original ignition system.
The gearbox has been professionally inspected, fitted with new seals and gaskets, and is complemented by a new complete clutch assembly.
The suspension and braking systems remain to the original Elan Sprint specification. The car has been sympathetically maintained and preserved rather than restored, retaining its original character and driving feel.
The car delivers the engaging and distinctive driving experience for which the Lotus Elan Sprint is renowned. Lightweight, responsive and full of character, the Big Valve Twin Cam engine and Weber carburettors provide an authentic, period driving experience, accompanied by the enjoyable sporting exhaust note that makes these cars so rewarding to drive.
The electrical system is fully operational, with all lights, instruments, switches, and ancillary equipment functioning correctly. The horns have recently been replaced, as has the windscreen washer pump.
Exceptional provenance: just 17,000 miles indicated from new resulting from a cherished one-owner history until 2019. Its history is documented by Lotus specialist Paul Matty, and is featured in Mike Taylor's "Lotus Elan – The Complete History".
While a complete service history file is not available, the car was maintained by Lotus specialist Paul Matty during its previous long-term ownership, with the authenticity oft he mileage confirmed by Paul Matty. Under my ownership, the car has received a full service, including replacement of all fluids and filters. It has a current MOT with no advisories, valid until 29/07/2027.
The car is accompanied by supporting provenance documentation, including much of its history, photographs, trophies, and literature references. A full collection of historic invoices and receipts is not available, which is not unusual for a car that remained with one owner for many decades
Included with the car:
Original owner's handbook
Original toolkit
Original jack (with non-original handle)
Original wheel hammer
Tonneau cover
Original copy of Mike Taylor's "Lotus Elan – The Complete History", in which this car is featured
Collection of trophies awarded to the car during previous ownership
Historical photographs, including the original owner with the car meeting Colin Chapman
Lotus provenance certificate
Indoor car cover
CTek battery monitor/conditioner
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From Trade Classics:
This is a Market Auction listing, meaning we have not visited and photographed the car - instead the seller has supplied the images and written the description. However we’ve done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID that matches the 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.
Viewings are welcomed, so please get in touch with us via the 'contact us' page - we just need to speak to you first on the phone, have you register on the site, and also send in valid photo ID before confirming a suitable time to visit.
Like all our auctions, 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 bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - the Buyer's Premium is not refundable in any instance, just like a traditional auction house.
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Auction Closed
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I'M INTERESTEDAsk Questions
Is the mileage warranted
No I don’t have any paperwork to validate it and when I bought it I assumed it was probably 117,000 but I rang Paul Matty who looked after the car for the original owner and he assured me the mileage of 17,000 was genuine. Paul knows this car from new as he did the pre-delivery inspection on it when he was an apprentice. If you check the MOT history it has done 1,100 miles in the last 20 years!
Hi, I can see it looks like a superb example, nevertheless I really would like to see the paintwork and micro blistering in the flesh. Would it be OK to see the car sometime on Wednesday? I’ll email Trade Classics in the meantime. Thanks Lottex
Yes of course. It’s impossible to photograph it accurately so by all means come and have a look.
Thanks – we’ve received your request and will reply now. Cheers Adam
I m interested to see the car. Please advise where it is viewable and when would be convenient. Thanks.
I live near Bedford. Please e-mail [email protected] and they will arrange a viewing.
How are you fixed for viewing/test drive if I pop up from central London?
Hi,
We can help arrange a viewing for you, if you could send an email to [email protected] first, we need to do some checks first.
Thanks,
Colin.
Vehicle Location
Bedford
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