14th Jun, 2023 13:00

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire

 
Lot 77
 

1972 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead Coupe


Lot details

Registration No: SCW 631L
Chassis No: CV0275K
MOT: Exempt

  • Supplied new to the US market
  • Subject to a previous engine overhaul
  • Repainted in 2015 in its original shade of Lotus Yellow & Cirrus White
  • Offered with a collection of invoices
  • Fitted with a fast road clutch, sports manifold and rear roll bar

Brainchild of Lotus design and development engineer Ron Hickman, the Elan was introduced at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show and promptly redefined its class in terms of ride, handling and performance. Arguably the ultimate Elan derivative, the Sprint arrived in February 1971. Characterised by its 'Big Valve' (126bhp / 113lbft) engine and bold colour schemes, the model was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds and 121mph. The Sprint was the final iteration of the Lotus Elan and was marketed between 1971 and 1973. Lotus always intended it to be a distinct model in its own right, rather than a 'Series 5', primarily for marketing purposes, however, the model was dropped by from the Lotus line-up in August of 1973, with the Sprint remaining keenly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

One of circa 856 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead Coupes built, this example was built in April 1972 and originally supplied new to the USA and as such, is a US market car, ordered in Lotus Yellow (L07) over Cirrus White (L04) with the Talbot-Aztec Gold band. In more recent times the Sprint has been repatriated to the UK in 2014 and subsequently, it has been the subject of restoration and a repaint in 2015 at a cost of some £4,080. Thankfully, the Sprint still wears the attractive classic original shades of Lotus Yellow & Cirrus White with the Gold accent around the waistline with the typically Black vinyl interior, seats and door cards.

Additionally, in 2015 the Sprint was the subject of some work by RJ Motors of Bideford in Devon. They fitted a roll cage and overhauled the engine. The latter included replacing the water pump, main and big end bearings and polishing the crankshaft. The Sprint has also been fitted with a fast road clutch and a sports manifold. Offered with a collection of invoices from renowned Lotus specialists Paul Matty Sports Cars Limited and a Lotus Certificate of Vehicle Provenance.

PLEASE NOTE: The registration number currently displayed is not included in the sale

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760

 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire, 14th Jun, 2023

Established in 1993, H&H has sold some of the world's most significant motorcars and motorcycles over the past 30 years. Trusted by over 75,000 clients worldwide, we are the longest established auction house of our kind in Europe and the only one owned and managed by its employees. 

An auction of classic, collector and performance motorcars to be held at the iconic and visually stunning Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Cambridgeshire. 

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Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our website, by telephone and commission. 

Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door. 

To enquire about entering your classic or performance car into the auction please call our sales office on 01925 210035, email sales@HandH.co.uk or click the Get A Valuation button.

All our professional valuations are complimentary and without obligation.

To take part in the live online bidding please click 'Register to Bid | Sign In' at the top of the page

 

Viewing

Tuesday 13th June 2023 from 12pm to 6pm
Wednesday 14th June 2023 from 9am

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