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Curated Auction

1973 Lotus Elan Sprint

At a Glance

Three-Owner History | Daytune Restoration | Big Valve Twin Cam | Finance Available

  • Mileage~12,100 on the Clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6-litre
  • LocationJordans, Beaconsfield

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
Ends in
d h m s
Current bid
£1,050 See bidding
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,050

See Bidding
Video #2

Introduction

Jack Passey
Professional Consigner

Compact, lightweight, and beautifully balanced, the original Lotus Elan remains one of the defining British sports cars of its generation.

This example was built in February 1973 and is understood to have been among the final 15 Drop Head Coupé versions of the 1,353 Sprints produced. It presents in its correct yellow and white Sprint colour scheme, complemented by the dark-gold side stripes, colour-coded bumpers, black steel wheels and three-eared spinners.

Its ownership history is particularly notable. The first owner kept the Elan for only a matter of months before it passed to its second owner, Nigel, in November 1973. Nigel retained it for approximately 51½ years, during which time it was comprehensively restored by respected Lotus specialist Peter Day of Daytune.

Alison and her husband Al acquired the car in June 2025, making them only its third custodians. A dreadful change in circumstances soon after purchase prevented the Elan from being used as intended, and it is now being offered for sale so that another enthusiast can properly enjoy and care for it.

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

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Vehicle Delivery

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

My husband Al wanted an original convertible Lotus Elan in great condition, which we could enjoy without having to carry out major work.

We both loved its elegant design, its originality and just how beautiful the car is, Alison’s husband Al purchased the Elan through Trade Classics in June 2025, from its owner of over 51 years. He had been looking specifically for an original-specification convertible Elan in excellent condition; something they could maintain and enjoy without first undertaking major restoration work.

The Sprint’s elegant styling, long history, and remarkably well-preserved presentation immediately appealed to them. No work has been carried out during Alison's ownership because, sadly, a bereavement soon after purchase meant the car has seen very little use; and also that it now needs to find a new home.

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

Alison
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The Elan’s compact, elegant shape is enhanced by its distinctive yellow and white Sprint livery, contrasting side stripes, and gold-finished bumpers.

Wheels and Tyres

The Sprint retains its correct 4½J black steel wheels, finished with polished outer rims and distinctive chrome three-eared knock-off spinners.

All four wheels present very well in the photographs, with the black painted centres, bright rim finish and spinners appearing clean and free from significant damage. They suit the car perfectly and are an important part of its period-correct appearance.

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.

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Bodywork

The Elan’s glass-fibre body presents to an impressive standard. The panels sit neatly on the chassis, the car appears level from each angle and the shut lines are consistent with a well-restored Elan.

No significant gel-coat cracking, distortion, or obvious damage can be seen in the current photographs.

The steel backbone chassis is galvanised and was installed as part of the car’s comprehensive restoration.

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.

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Paint

The yellow and white Sprint colour scheme is one of the defining features of this car. It is complemented by the contrasting side stripes, “Elan Sprint” lettering, and dark-gold painted bumpers.

The finish retains an excellent depth of colour and lustre. The yellow upper body is bright and even, while the white lower section provides the familiar Sprint contrast.

There are a few little marks on the car that have been photographed.

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.

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Glass and Trim

The windscreen, side glass, and light lenses all appear clear and well maintained. The seals sit neatly and the brightwork around the windscreen, door frames and exterior fittings presents very well.

The Lotus lettering, bonnet badge, side badges, and Sprint graphics remain clean and correctly positioned. The gold-finished bumpers are neatly mounted and show no obvious distortion.

The black folding hood was previously described as being in excellent condition and forming a good seal when raised.

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

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The beautifully preserved black vinyl cabin is a wonderful example of the Elan’s simple, driver-focused design.

Seats and Carpets

The black vinyl interior is exceptionally well preserved and provides an attractive contrast to the bright exterior.

Both seats retain their original-style perforated centre sections and horizontal lower pleats. The bolsters appear firm, with no obvious splitting, heavy creasing, or significant wear. The rear storage area and surrounding trim are equally tidy.

The black carpets were reported to be clean and free from damp, while the luggage compartment was described as showing very little use.

The door cards, armrests, and interior handles remain in excellent order, helping the cabin feel remarkably fresh for a car built more than half a century ago.

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

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Dashboard

The wood-veneer dashboard is one of the most appealing elements of any Elan interior, and this example presents particularly well.

The veneer has a rich, even finish, while the Smiths instruments, switches, and warning lights are clean and clearly legible. The padded dashboard top appears free from significant cracking or distortion.

A period radio remains fitted, and the Elan retains its electric windows; an unusually civilised feature for such a compact and lightweight sports car.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original-style three-spoke steering wheel features perforated alloy spokes, a Lotus centre badge, and the familiar Colin Chapman signature. It remains in excellent condition and is one of the cabin’s most characteristic details.

The wooden gear knob and slender gear lever are similarly well preserved. Together with the close-set Smiths instruments and low seating position, they create the focused driving environment for which the Elan is renowned.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

The desirable 1,558cc Lotus Big Valve Twin Cam is paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, delivering the lightness, responsiveness, and agility for which the Elan Sprint is renowned.

Engine and Gearbox

Power comes from the desirable 1,558cc Lotus Twin Cam Big Valve engine, breathing through twin Dellorto carburettors and driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox.

The engine compartment remains largely original in appearance, with the black Lotus Big Valve cam cover, twin carburettors, period airbox, and associated hardware all present.

No mechanical work has been carried out during Alison’s short ownership because the car has seen very little use.

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Suspension and Brakes

The Elan’s independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes are central to its reputation as one of the finest-handling road cars of its era.

During the previous on the road segment, the suspension operated without knocks, vibration, or unwanted movement. The brakes were reported to stop the car effectively and in a straight line, without judder, squealing or feedback through the steering.

Given the car’s limited recent use, the usual recommissioning checks of the braking system, suspension components, and fluid condition would be sensible before sustained driving.

image

The Drive

Alison has not had the opportunity to drive the car, so there are no current-owner driving impressions to report.

When previously tested in summer 2025, the Elan was described as composed and remarkably comfortable, while retaining the light steering, brisk acceleration and immediate responses for which the model is known.

The Big Valve engine pulled smoothly through its rev range, the twin carburettors produced the expected purposeful induction note, and the steering was reported to be free from unwanted looseness. The absence of rattles and mechanical noise was also noted.

Those observations were made before the present ownership and are included as part of the car’s documented history rather than as a current road-test assessment.

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Electrics and Other

The Elan has avoided conspicuous modernisation and retains its period instruments, switchgear, electric windows, and radio.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

This Elan possesses an unusually detailed and interesting history.

The chassis identification records the car as having been built in February 1973. Although its V5 shows a registration date of 30 November 1982, the long-term previous owner believed this resulted from a DVLA administrative error when the original logbook was exchanged for a V5.

The Elan was originally registered as JKL 458L and was involved in an accident when only a few months old, sustaining damage to the front and rear. The previous owner disclosed that it was repaired using replacement body sections and re-finished before he purchased it in November 1973.

In 1992, the Elan was entrusted to respected Lotus specialist Peter Day of Daytune for an extensive ground-up restoration. According to the previous owner’s records, this included a replacement galvanised chassis and a complete replacement body supplied by Lotus. The restoration cost £18,524 at the time, with further servicing, maintenance, and renovation carried out throughout the 1990s.

This is a particularly appealing late Elan Sprint: correctly presented, comprehensively restored, and supported by a remarkable 51½-year period of single ownership. With its Big Valve Twin Cam engine, iconic Sprint colour scheme, and elegant open-top body, it deserves to be returned to regular use and enjoyed as its designers intended.

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
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
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Finance Available? Yes - contact us
  • Model Elan Sprint DHC
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date Built February 1973 (V5 registration 30-11-1982)
  • CC 1,558
  • Mileage ~12,100 on the Clock
  • Colour Yellow/White
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Vinyl
  • Chassis # 3020884G
  • Engine # 2L1T
  • Restored Yes in 1992
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • Former Keepers 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned 1
  • Key Feature Exceptional History
  • Vehicle Registration LRP 67L
  • Auction ID 4125
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Jordans, Beaconsfield

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    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £1,050
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    1973 Lotus Elan Sprint
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    Auction Ends Thu 19th Nov at 7.00pm
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Elan Sprint like this is £TBC 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 Autumn 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Jordans, Beaconsfield

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