Estimated Price: £40,000 - £48,000

Offered here is perhaps the most authentic Lotus Elan Sprint likely to make the open market. According to Lotus archives, chassis #7201 0618G was manufactured in January 1972 for the domestic market finished in Lotus Yellow (LO7) over Cirrus White (LO4) separated by a gold band and bumpers, a standard feature of the Elan Sprint. It was supplied new to its first owner through Lotus dealer, Foley Park Motors in Kidderminster and first registered in February of the same year.

Documents within the history file record that the Elan remained in single ownership from delivery in 1972 through to 2019 when it was sold by Paul Matty Sports Cars to its second owner showing just 15,862 miles. The description in the advertisement stated that Paul Matty had in fact performed the original Pre-Delivery Inspection at the Lotus dealership when new, that it retained its immaculate original interior, dashboard, hood and tools and that it was 'one for the serious collector'.

In 1990, this Elan featured in Mike Taylor's book Lotus Elan the Complete Story and the images from then show fine details that appear to remain untouched to this day including the 'sticky' front number plate and period pressed rear plate.

Further documentation within the history shows recent attention in October 2020 from a classic car service specialist showing a full inspection, steering column service, starter solenoid, brake system overhaul, carbs stripped and rebuilt, a full service and five new correct tyres with a final invoice of just over £3,500.

Today, this remarkable Elan Sprint is presented to public auction with its hood, tonneau, tools, the history file, current V5C registration certificate, old V5Cs supporting low ownership, the Heritage Certificate confirming chassis and matching engine number, a 1972 dated (likely original) Elan owners handbook, trophies from concours wins and a copy of Lotus Elan – the Complete Story, featuring the car throughout. There is also a period photo that appears to show the original owner with his prized Elan, having won the 1978 Lotus Open Day Concours and being congratulated by Colin Chapman. Although exempt, it will have a fresh MOT prior to the sale.

The universally respected motoring journalist and brand ambassador, Harry Metcalfe, has owned an identical example for over 30 years with numerous videos available online demonstrating his appreciation and showing praise for, to quote 'One of the greatest sports cars of all time'. A link to the 30 year review [Here]

To summarise, this is an unrepeatable opportunity to take ownership of a remarkably well preserved, low ownership, low-mileage Elan Sprint. One of, if not the best we have seen that drives every bit as well as it looks. It is utterly wholesome, charming and ready for its next adventure.