1972 Lotus Elan Sprint

Registration No: CUT 580K
Chassis No: 7108200323E
MOT: Exempt

• Reputedly one of just 464 Sprint Fixed Head Coupes made for the UK market
• Just three registered keepers from new one of whom retained it for thirty-eight years
• Sympathetically enhanced with a Spyder chassis, Type 9 five-speed manual gearbox, Koni shock absorbers and electric motor controlled headlights etc
• Detailed history file dating back to 1978

"The Elan remains the definitive small-bore sportscar, the standard by which all others have come to be measured" (Car & Driver magazine, December 1989)

Brainchild of Lotus design and development engineer Ron Hickman, the Elan was introduced at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show. Based around a steel backbone chassis (a.k.a. the 'Chapman Bracket') clad with lightweight fibreglass bodywork, it boasted such niceties as all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, pop-up headlights and integral bumpers. Powered by a 1600cc (initially 1500cc) 'twin-cam' four-cylinder engine mated to four-speed (later five-speed) manual transmission, the diminutive Lotus 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. Only in production until August 1973, the Sprint remains keenly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

First registered in Leicestershire on March 22^nd 1972 (or so its ‘CUT 580K’ number plate would imply), chassis 7108200323E has had just three registered keepers; the second of whom retained it from 1978-2016. Significantly improved during those thirty-eight years, the Lotus benefited from a replacement ‘stressed skin’ Spyder chassis, bodywork restoration, repaint, retrimmed interior and thorough overhaul of its ‘Big Valve’ engine by recognised specialist QED (some 23,000 miles ago). Uprated with a modified Type 9 five-speed manual gearbox (hence the ‘Sprint 5’ badges) for improved high-speed cruising, the Elan also had improvements made to its cooling (+2 radiator, electric fan), braking (+2 front callipers), suspension (Koni shock absorbers x4) and steering (re-shimmed, revised bracketry). A modern ‘blade type’ fuse box was installed and much of the wiring renewed. Fitted with Lumenition electronic ignition, the two-seater has also had its headlights re-engineered so that they are raised and lowered via Toyota electric motors. Riding on Minilite alloys and treated to heater, starter and wiper motor refurbishments in the past, 2018 saw the Lotus gain a new dash panel. Accompanying paperwork is understood to date back to 1978. A low owner, much loved example of one of Britain’s best (and most influential) sportscar designs.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737