Car & Classic Verified Dealer

Julien Sumner

Guildford Surrey

1973 Lotus Sprint DHC SOLD



There was certainly never any doubt that Colin Chapman was both a maverick and an engineering genius, but it was his talent of extracting every ounce of enthusiasm and ability from his designers and engineers, which when combined with his own dogged determination, destined Lotus to make imaginative and winning cars. The Elan with its great chassis, brilliant suspension and a sparkling twin cam engine, knocks into a cocked hat, many of todays modern open two seaters and was at the time, the perfect example of his company's inhouse collaboration.

Our little yellow Elan Sprint here was dispatched from the factory in November 1972 straight to Bell & Colvill, where after a couple of months wait, it was delivered to its first keeper in February 1973. Today it remains as built in its factory yellow and cirrus white paintwork, together with almost blemish free original interior. The only option specified on the Lotus Certificate of Provenance, is the factory fitted 3. 55:1 differential. Interestingly, it was the 95th from last UK Sprint drophead coupe and the 17th from last in Lotus yellow.

The car, unusually, has a Lenham hardtop which arguably is easier to attach than it is to raise the soft top! The history file is extensive and provides ample proof of the stated mileage, as Mots go back to 1983 plus there is helpfully, copious invoices and detailed notes recorded by two of its dedicated owners between 1983 and 1998 of journeys, mileages and works undertaken.

This Sprint has been part of a small but highly prized collection, and as a consequence, has been beautifully looked after by it renowned horologist owner who recently commissioned a respray in the correct Lotus yellow (L07) and corresponding cirrus white (L04) paintwork.

Whilst leafing through the history file I noticed a recent rolling road set up/ tune invoice on file, the lure of the little twin cam proved too much and I've managed quite a few miles behind the wheel; it really is a phenomenal little car to drive, hugely agile plus has plenty of grunt and very pleasingly, comfortably accommodates my large 6ft frame!

It would be a pleasure to answer any further questions you might have. This Lotus can be inspected at my Guildford showroom - please call me on the details below.

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

This 1968 Lotus Elan Coupe with the 1600cc Twin Cam engine with the side draft Weber carburettors finished in French Blue paint and Red Leather interior. Fitted with a factory sunroof. The car is supported with a large history file. The car was totally nut and bolt restored to the highest standards and is in outstanding ...

5,000
22 Mar 2024
Buckinghamshire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Just in a beautiful looking example with great pedigree!!! Here we have a 1972 Lotus Elan Sprint For Sale with Only 3 Keepers From New, Its previous keeper owner the car for 38 years, A Proper turnkey no fuss usable car, Finished in Red with Gold Bumpers and Wheels this is a great looking car, Full Engine rebuilt in ...

120,000
15 Mar 2024
Scotland

New cam belt and head gasket fitted 600 miles ago New discs Toyo proxies fitted 200 miles ago Short shift gear change and stainless exhaust. Suspension metal work cleaned treated with kur rust and sprayed with dinatrol. Retrimmed in 2004 Lots of history and Mots to support the milage . At the moment it wrapped up in a ...

80,600
9 Feb 2024
Cambridgeshire
Private

A lovely example of an S1 Exige. The car is in stunning condition and as good as I've seen. I can't really claim any credit for it as it was the previous owner that went through the car to make it what it is. It's a 2000 model and was originally Silver but the last owner painted it Yulong White, ( a JLR colour seen ...

31,500
17 Mar 2024
Yorkshire
Private

A lovely Elan+2 in canary yellow with black cabin....chassis showing no signs of rot and the bodywork is in good overall condition with no cracking or crazing. Brightwork and knock-on wheels are all nice and shiny. This is a very nice car that has been well treated.....the history file shows evidence of an engine rebuild ...

100,850
7 Mar 2024
Lincolnshire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Plus 2 1968, Blue with white roof. Owned since September 2018, and has just been rewired with all new looms. The car is non standard and was restored a while ago to look like a Plus 2S 130, and is fitted with with a big valve spec twin cam engine by Vegantune. It has a beige Plus 2S interior, new walnut dash, Dellorto ...

12 Mar 2024
Hampshire
Private

Lotus Elan S4 SE roadster In March 1970, this Lotus Elan rolled off the production line in Hethel, England. Chassis number 0078G was originally a so-called drophead coupe for the UK market. In 1989 it was purchased by the current owner, who restored it from 1990-1993. The chassis was replaced with a factory supplied ...

37,474
26 Feb 2024
Netherlands

A beautiful 1985 Lotus Eclat Excel 2.2 Monaco white with leather interior and half leather and cloth seating in light blue. Interior and exterior is in excellent condition for the age of car, however roof lining does need replacing. Recently had a full silver service and MOT with Lotus dealership on the 14th April 2023 ...

89,365
25 Mar 2024
Hampshire
Private

The car was bought as a kit in 1970 at the Dutch Lotus importer. I acquired the unfinished project in 1985 and in the years to follow I completed the build. The donor car was a Ford Cortina II GT from 1969. In 1991 the first licence plate was issued on my name. I have owned the car ever since. The car is in perfect condition, ...

18,500
19 Feb 2024
Netherlands
Private

LOTUS 23C Mid engined Supercar for road and track use HIGHLIGHTS Very quick road and track car Built by race engineer from plans supplied by Colin Chapman Opel Superboss Cosworth 2.0 litre engine with 188 HP. Built for South Africa Group N homologation purposes this engine held the world record from 1990 for two ...

2,405
23 Feb 2024
South Africa
Private

PRICE REDUCED! For sale is this ultra rare, numbered and highly desirable Type 23 s2 Elise. No8/50 has only 30,000 miles and presents well. Registered March 2003, The limited edition model has had four registered keepers. Comes with superb service history, with no less than 13 Lotus main dealer stamps. Inside a whole ...

30,000
28 Feb 2024
Cheshire
Private

1970 Lotus Elan Type-36 S4 FHC in ground-up restored condition. The car is an unmolested RHD version which was imported into Italy and then ground-up restored and improved by professionals. The owner, a car-designer himself, was keen to keep the car as correct as possible and to have perfect driving abilities. The car ...

31 Jan 2024
Belgium

Coche completo stock Dos llaves originales, libros y manuales de origen Todo el mantenimiento en Lotus oficial Holanda Mantenimiento anual. Todo con piezas originales Lotus Motor modelo 918, se corrió categoría GT1 Tres dueños, dos en Holanda, y uno español, la mayoría de la vida del coche estuvo en ...

82,147
4 Mar 2024
Spain
Verified Dealer (see stock)

A beautiful and very fast vehicle an absolute pleasure to drive great performance with great handling to match. The vehicle was resprayed 3 years ago to repair minor scratches and is now an excellent bright and shining finish. The vehicle has been maintained regardless of cost both in my ownership and previous owners. ...

78,775
3 Mar 2024
West Midlands
Private

Europa Twin Cam 1971. 78K miles. Drives beautifully, sorted, and highly original. Recent bills for more than £14K, plus folder of historic info’. V5C in vendor’s name and 2012 Lotus certificate of provenance confirming VIN and engine number. MoTs to back up mileage. All work since July 2019, when I bought it from ...

78,000
26 Feb 2024
London
Private