1971 Lotus Elan Sprint FHC
In the current ownership since 1981

Registration No: JLC 5K
Chassis No: 7107180305E
MOT: Exempt

• Comprehensive history supplied detailing a full restoration completed in 2020
• Subject to a previous bodywork refurbishment and repainted in its original colour scheme of Pistachio Lime Green over Cirrus White
• In the present ownership since 1981

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 and 113lb. ft.) 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 from the line-up in August, 1973, with the Sprint remaining keenly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Finished in its original colours of Pistachio Green over Cirrus White, this Elan has been in single ownership since 1981, and presents magnificently after comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic restorations from 2018 to 2020. Built in July, 1971, as one of 573 British-market Sprints, the first owner was Peter Turner of Salamanca Park, part of the Aldershot Military Town, and in 1977 it was sold to Paul Bryans of Chiswick (later Wimbledon). Our vendor became the third owner in May, 1981, and since then he has enjoyed the Elan frequently but only as a weekend car, often taking it to race meetings and Club Lotus events. Purchased with a mileage of 54,460 miles, that has risen over 45 years to 68,300.

In 2018, the Elan was subject to a comprehensive overhaul of the engine, gearbox, brakes and suspension, with new engine components including the valves, valve guides, and big-end and main bearings, and a new clutch. Sadly, in 2019 the Elan was hit by a speeding car while stationary and wrecked, but the owner’s desire to save it led to it being fully restored by Lotus specialist Max300 with a new body shell, chassis and suspension units, among many other parts. The work was completed in 2020 after £48,233 of costs, and then rewarded with the main cover feature in the October/November, 2020, issue of Absolute Lotus.

The Lotus has benefitted from many almost invisible upgrades since 2018, such as a negative earth and alternator conversion, an uprated radiator and electric fan, and a new stainless exhaust. A new battery was fitted in November, 2024. The epitome of the cherished classic, the Elan is supplied with the V5C, copies of old V5s, an original owner’s handbook and service book, historic copies of the Club Lotus technical bulletin, many MOTs spanning 1981 to 2021, and a huge collection of invoices spanning seemingly every purchase back to 1977.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
[email protected]
07484 082430