1973 Lotus Elan Sprint DHC |

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1973 Lotus Elan Sprint DHC

Sold Price

£40,736

Mileage~12,088 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6L
LocationBedford

SOLD

1973 Lotus Elan Sprint DHC

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Consigner and Editor

The Elan maintains its associations with the great and the good, acting as a barometer as a standard of excellence.

An evolution of the much admired Elite, the Elan followed suit in 1962. Compact and elegantly styled, the inclusion of the durable Ford Twin-cam mated to a Lotus head, fitted into one of the most engaging and talented chassis ever produced by a British manufacturer. Utilising a one-piece glass-fibre body placed on a separate steel backbone chassis, the Elan was not only rigid, but the Elan's remarkable performance, handling precision and ride comfort set the standards for the compact sports car.

As the company developed the design, improvements made a great car even better and it's accepted that the Sprint is the quickest incarnation of the Elan. Arriving in 1970, the car was distinguished by its big-valve engine, offering a 25% power increase on what is already a gem of a Twin-Cam. Externally distinguishable by the gold stripe and Elan Sprint legend decoration, the Sprint is the one that petrolheads should seek.

This car comes to market from ~51.5 year ownership, and the car has gone through two restorations/rebuilds in its lifetime and has only covered 12,088 miles since 1992 when the odometer was reset. It has been pampered and garaged all of its life and has to be considered one of the best kept Elan Sprints currently on the market.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Nigel 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

~51.5 years of memories are locked into the Elan Sprint, we'll be sad to see it go.

Nigel bought the car in 1973 and even drove it across the continent in its early years. His wife also uses it, so the car has clearly been part of the family for over half a century. Back in the early 90s, Nigel had a professional restoration actioned by Daytune, and the car has been garaged all through it's life with the family, explaining the condition it stands in today.

The car has seen minuscule mileage over the years, averaging 200 miles a year since 1992. Advancing years and lack of recent use are the reasons why the family has decided to sell it. Nigel will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Nigel

Vehicle Owner

Nigel saved £7,200* when they
sold their Lotus with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

A near-perfect exterior presentation is a tribute to the owner's meticulous care of the car.

Wheels and Tyres

The Elan is fitted with the original 4 1/2 J black steel wheels with chrome trims and 3 bar spinners. All are in good condition with no signs of major ageing

The Dunlop SP tyres are over 10 years old but are in good shape with plenty of even tread.

Bodywork

The exterior is cleanly presented, with no obvious gel-cracking. The passenger doors open without problems just needing a little force to shut them. The panel gaps are decent as pictured. The steel backbone chassis and cross members appear to be solid and have been galvanised. The area around the front turrets looks good too. The fibre-glass body sits level on the chassis and there is no damage noted on the underside.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations 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 for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The car has spent much of its 51 years in a warm garage, demonstrated by the excellent paint finish. No weathering, scuffs or micro blisters were noted on the paint and the car has a deep and pleasing lustre, with an even colour match throughout.

Please note that some of the photos of the rear of the car show a piece of masking tape above the exhaust - this has been placed to protect the paintwork from the minor carbon deposits from the exhaust. Nigel removed the tape and the paintwork was revealed to be as good as the rest of the finish.

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 high-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 is free of wear and displays decent seals. The trim and chrome are also in great order, with the badges, decal and lenses all cleanly presented. The gold-painted foam-filled fibre-glass bumpers are well-mounted and display neatly.

At the time of our visit, a vacuum component was needed for the headlamp operation. Nigel has since repaired this, we have added photos of the repair at the end of the history gallery.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The cabin presentation betrays the car's half-century status, it is almost like sitting in a new car!

Seats and Carpets

The vinyl seats are in excellent condition, with no real wear or signs of age.

The carpets are clean and damp-free. Nigel has protected the carpet mats with additional rubber mats. The boot appears to have hardly been used.

Dashboard

The dashboard is free of marks, the padding is in great shape with no damage on the veneer or centre console. The switchgear, dials and control are neatly presented and all are said to work.

The trim is all in place and undamaged, the headlining looks good and the door cards are scuff-free.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original factory steering wheel with perforated spokes and "Colin Chapman" signature looks in great condition. The gearstick with wooden gear-knob is in excellent condition too a pictured.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Putting blistering performance aside, the Elan Sprint's mechanical features are consistent with its overall positive condition.

Engine and Gearbox

The twin-cam big-valve engine fired up from cold without any issues, we didn’t hear any rattles or screeching from the engine, as the ignition warning lights all remained off. As to be expected on a car with oil drainage tubes, a little puff of exhaust smoke was released and soon cleared up and there were no suggestions of unwanted fumes at any point. The engine warmed up quickly, soon settling into a smooth idle. The engine is smartly presented. All hoses, ancillaries and components look good. There was no evidence of fluid seepage from the car.

The gearbox was smooth in operation with a pleasing ‘click’ change, and we didn’t hear any loud whine or vibrations from the differential. Nigel is satisfied with the clutches operation and biting point. Watch the video to see the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

The car's clean handling supports the positive state of the suspension and on the move, the travel was free of knocks or vibrations.

The brakes were highly effective, stopping the car in a straight line with no fight from the steering wheel. There were no judders, squeals or wobbles from the wheels at any point.

The Drive

Sat snuggly in the cockpit, you’re instantly reminded that you’re sitting in race bred car that happens to have two seats. Known for its sparky performance and superb handling, the Elan's driving dynamics are amongst the very best that Lotus has produced. Remarkably comfortable with pleasant interior furnishing, even boasting electric windows, the Elan proved to be civil and composed during our test drive.

The car pulls very smoothly, with the acceleration notably brisk when pressed. While Nigel was careful with the engine, as it was still warming up, the impressive power from such a small engine resonated through the twin Dellorto DHLA 40 carbs. and through to the purposeful sounding exhaust. The light steering and responsive handling were improved by the absence of looseness or any unwanted mechanical noises.

Electrics and Other

The car has retained its originality, with no known engine modifications or interior upgrades. The hood is in excellent condition, forming a tight seal when raised. As mentioned, there was an issue with the vacuum operated headlights, due to a component needing replacing, Nigel has rectified this since our visit, we have added photos of the replacement at the end of the history gallery.

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History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~51.5 year ownership, this car has been lucky enough to have 2 restorations/renovations, the work has been conducted by the very best in Lotus circles, and it shows.

The unit number of the chassis identification plate states that this car was built in February 1973, making it amongst the last 15 Drop Head Coupes of 1,353 Sprints to have been produced.

Following an accident when the Elan was a few months old, it was bought by Nigel in November 1973. Completely rebuilt, with a galvanised chassis, it was used regularly until 1975 and then placed into storage while Nigel was working abroad. Nigel believes the incorrect V5 registration date of the car was due to a DVLA admin error when he swapped the original logbook for a V5 in 1982.

The car was not driven again until 1992, when it was handed over to respected Lotus specialist Peter Day of Daytune to carry out a second full restoration at the cost of £18,524, with further maintenance, services and renovation into the 1990s.

It has two sets of keys, an unused and unopened owner's handbook and several binders of club magazines.

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, 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 of 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 bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
16-10-2017	MOT	11,110
26-08-2016	MOT	11,102
15-08-2015	MOT	11,010
05-09-2014	MOT	10,944
06-09-2013	MOT	10,743
21-07-2012	MOT	10,555
11-07-2011	MOT	10,323
10-07-2010	MOT	10,308
18-07-2009	MOT	9,984
18-07-2008	MOT	9,802
07-07-2007	MOT	9,259
08-07-2006	MOT	8,418
09-07-2005	MOT	8,124
10-07-2004	MOT	7,586
09-07-2003	MOT	7,051
05-07-2002	MOT	6,373
01-05-1998	MOT	6,123
06-10-1997	Body repairs and new silencer
01-05-1997	MOT	5,706
30-04-1996	MOT	4,872
05-05-1995	Service	3,481
03-05-1995	MOT	3,467
29-04-1994	MOT	2,197
19-06-1993	Service	683
28-04-1993	MOT	21
12-10-1992	Restoration

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Key Details

ModelElan Sprint DHC
Transmission4-Speed Manual
Reg. DateBuilt February 1973 (V5 registration 30-11-1982)
CC1,558
Mileage~12,088 on clock
History1992 restoration and 1990s MOTs
ColourYellow/White
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimVinyl
Chassis #3020884G
Engine #2L1T
RestoredYes in 1992
MOT16-10-2017
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - all clear
Former Keepers0 on V5
Tyre BrandDunlop SP
Tyre Age10+
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~51 years, 7 months
Key FeatureCondition and ownership
Auction ID2304

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All Images

All Videos

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Ask Questions

Seller : NigelHu Sale Date 26.06.2025

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

13 Comments

CCBCCBC

10 days ago

I was one of the bidders last year on this car and I am wondering why the car has been relisted as I thought it had been sold.

NigelHu

Seller

CCBCCBC

9 days ago

Sir, Thanks for the inquiry. Yes the car was auctioned last year but the top bid did not quite reach my reserve price target, and so it was not sold.

Spudx2

10 days ago

Hi, on the electrics is everything in good working order, windows ect.

NigelHu

Seller

Spudx2

9 days ago

Sir, Thanks for the inquiry. This question was specifically asked during the video “demonstration” drive, so I am pleased to say that all electrics are in good working order, including the windows.

Spudx2

10 days ago

Could you also let me know what the current registration number is. Thanks

NigelHu

Seller

Spudx2

10 days ago

LRP 67L

Spudx2

10 days ago

Good Morning Can you tell me is the car on the HPI register from its original accident and roughly the extent of the damage. Regards
Paul

NigelHu

Seller

Spudx2

10 days ago

1973; The front and back ends were both damaged requiring (then) readily available new body sections and a respray. The car has subsequently had a ground up rebuild by “Peter Day” on a new chassis with a whole new replacement body supplied to Peter by Lotus, so there are no unseen repairs or hidden damage.

The original registration number (JKL 458L) does not appear to get a result from the HPI registration,
but its present Registration (LRP 67L) does show a result. Both of those Registrations are on photos in the auction presentation.

bcam

11 days ago

hey Nigel, do you have any photos of this car as purchased in 1973…tks

NigelHu

Seller

bcam

10 days ago

Sir, with regret, No I do not have any photos of the car between my purchase in 1973 until Peter Day had restored her to the concourse condition, more or less as it has remained since then, just as you see it in the extensive photo shoot per the “Trade Classic” auction listing. Thanks for asking.

Pier

11 days ago

I did ask if I could see the car. Apologies if I missed any reply but I would like to see it if possible. Please advise

NigelHu

Seller

Pier

10 days ago

Sir,

I originally thought that the auctioning of a car with such a comprehensive photo shoot to show the car to all interested parties, would normally alleviate the need for visitors to view the car.

However, I do have the car on the auction in order to sell it and so I do not want to appear obstructive.

I have medical appointments during this week ahead of the auction close time.

The car is here in Bedford.

When do you have in mind?

Pier

17 days ago

May I come to see your Elan please ? Please advise how best to arrange. Thank you.

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