1973 LOTUS ELAN SPRINT (FHC)
SN: 4248 VIN: 7302 0652E ENG: N29173

$75,000
(To be sold Unregistered & with Vic RWC)

ABSOLUTE DELIGHT TO DRIVE, CHAPMANS MASTERPIECE

Launched in 1962, the Lotus Elan was a the first Lotus road car to use a steel backbone chassis with a fibreglass body, a big departure from the fibreglass monocoque Elite, yet still following Colin Chapmans philosophy of Adding Lightness. Powered by the legendary Lotus Twin Cam engine with rack and pinion steering, 4 wheel Disc Brakes, Centre Lock peg drive wheels and independent suspension, the little Elan was quite something when it came onto the market in 1962. The Elan was widely admired and praised by customers and reviewers, noted for its exceptional handling, road-holding, steering, acceleration, braking and comfort. The Lotus Elan Sprint, the final and ultimate Elan, with the Big Valve engine and paint scheme paying homage to the Lotus Gold Leaf F1 team, was launched in January 1971 and continued until March 1973 with a total production of 1,353.

This Lotus Elan, the 13th last UK market FHC (Fixed Head Coupe), was built on the 13th of February 1973 and delivered to its first owner, Mr J. Windsor-Brown, by Pennine Sports Car Centre on the 1st of August of the same year. The Lotus subsequently made its way to Australia in the mid 1980s via a period in South Africa.

This Elan Sprint FHC is finished in its Original Colour Scheme of Lagoon Blue Metallic over Cirrus White with its black centre-lock, peg drive wheels and contrasting Black interior. Being a Sprint, it is fitted with the Big Valve cylinder head, Twin Weber DCOE Carburettors engine which produced 126bhp at 6500rpm, the most powerful Factory Fitted version of the 1558cc Lotus Twin Cam Engine. This power is transmitted through a delightfully shifting all synchro 4-speed Gearbox to the Chapman Strut, Independent Rear end.

A File accompanying the Lotus contains various Receipts for Maintenance, Repairs and Improvements. Also included is a Classic Certificate of Vehicle Provenance which confirms the Correct Matching Engine and Chassis Numbers and the Original Paint Colours.

Driving this Elan Sprint is an absolute delight, the willing Lotus Twin Cam engine, the Slick Shifting 2000E gearbox, the wonderfully precise steering and the beautifully progressive 4 wheel disc brakes make you just want to keep driving this amazing little package. Car and Driver Magazine said in period that the Elan fits like a Sprite, goes like a Corvette, and handles like a Formula Junior (race car), that must make it almost the ultimate classic sports car.

Priced without Reg, Talk to us about Reg, Club or Other Plate Options.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE: 1558cc 4 CYLINDER LOTUS BIG VALVE DOHC
FUEL SYSTEM: TWIN 40 DCOE 18 WEBER CARBS
TRANSMISSION: FORD 2000E 4 SPEED MANUAL
SUSPENSION: INDEPENDENT FRONT AND REAR
BRAKES: GIRLING 4 WHEEL DISCS
WHEELS: 13 CENTRE LOCK PEG DRIVE STEEL WHEELS