1971 Lotus Elan Sprint

The Lotus Elan Sprint is widely regarded as one of the greatest British sports cars ever built, combining lightweight construction, sharp handling and the characterful Lotus Twin Cam engine. Finished in the Sprint's signature gold and white livery, the paintwork has a deep gloss and excellent overall presentation. The finish looks particularly striking in natural light, highlighting the Elan's delicate curves and subtle design details. The Sprint graphics and badging are all present. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint. The bodywork presents impressively throughout and benefits from the comprehensive restoration completed in 2022. Panel fit appears good, with the lightweight fibreglass body retaining the elegant proportions that have made the Elan one of the most admired sports car designs of its era. We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves. The beautifully finished wooden dashboard remains one of the highlights of the Elan's interior. Housing the classic Smiths instrumentation and period switchgear, it provides exactly the sort of character enthusiasts expect from a Lotus of this era. Alison reports that all gauges, switches and controls are functioning as they should. Behind the wheel, the Sprint delivers the driving experience enthusiasts have come to expect from Lotus. The combination of low weight, communicative steering and the lively Twin Cam engine creates a wonderfully engaging package that still feels special today. Alison reports that the car drives beautifully, with no unwanted noises and all major mechanical systems functioning exactly as intended following the restoration work. The glass appears to be in very good order throughout, with no obvious damage noted during our visit. Brightwork, badges and exterior trim pieces present well and complement the quality of the restoration. The car also comes with a brand-new hood, which is included in the sale but has not yet been fitted. Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself. The car sits on smart black alloy wheels that suit the Sprint's sporting appearance perfectly. The wheels present well with no obvious signs of damage visible, while the tyres appear to be in good visual condition. Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old. The black interior presents exceptionally well and appears to have benefitted from the recent restoration. The seats remain in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear, while the carpets and interior trim continue the high standard of presentation seen throughout the car. The combination of black upholstery and polished wood detailing creates a timeless and sporting atmosphere. Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself. At the heart of the Sprint is Lotus' legendary Twin Cam engine, which benefitted from an extensive rebuild during the restoration. The accompanying invoices detail substantial specialist work, including a full strip and inspection, cylinder head overhaul, new valve seats and guides, replacement pistons, crankshaft machining, balancing work, new bearings, seals and timing components. The engine was subsequently dyno tested and tuned, ensuring it performs as intended while retaining the lively character that has made the Elan Sprint such a celebrated drivers' car. The gearbox and differential also benefited from refurbishment work during the restoration programme, helping create a drivetrain that feels tight, responsive and confidence inspiring. Alison reports that the car drives beautifully, with no unwanted noises and all major mechanical systems operating exactly as they should. The electrical systems are reported to be in good working order, with all lights, gauges and switchgear operating as intended. The car also benefits from a brand-new hood which is included in the sale but has yet to be fitted. Please note, the passenger door does not currently open from the exterior handle, although it opens normally from the inside. Aside from this minor issue, Alison advises that everything on the car functions as it should. Having remained within the same family since 1987, the car benefits from a wealth of supporting paperwork, invoices and specialist correspondence. Most notably, the history file documents the comprehensive restoration completed in 2022, including significant expenditure on the engine, drivetrain and running gear. Invoices from respected Lotus Twin Cam specialists detail extensive engine rebuild work, machining, balancing, dyno testing and component refurbishment, while additional paperwork supports work carried out across the gearbox, differential, suspension and braking systems. The result is a history file that not only evidences the quality of the restoration but also provides reassuring proof of the considerable investment made to bring this Elan Sprint to the exceptional standard seen today. We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check. We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming. If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. Trade Classics Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of AFS Compliance Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm number 625035. Trade Classics Limited is a vehicle sales business with permission to introduce prospective finance clients to Revered Finance Limited who is also an AR of AFS Compliance Ltd and an independent asset finance brokerage not a lender. We are not independent financial advisors and are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. Trade Classics Limited and Revered Finance Limited will receive payment(s) or other benefit from the finance provider if you decide to enter into an agreement with them. We work with both discretionary and non-discretionary commission models. Commission payments are factored into the interest rate you pay. As part of the restoration, significant attention was paid to the running gear, with invoices documenting refurbishment and replacement work across the suspension and braking systems. The result is a car that feels composed, responsive and true to the lightweight handling characteristics for which the Elan Sprint is renowned. The braking system performs exactly as it should, while the suspension allows the car to retain the agility and balance that helped establish the Elan's reputation as one of the finest handling sports cars ever built. The wood-rim steering wheel sits proudly ahead of the driver and remains in excellent condition, complementing the rest of the cabin perfectly. The manual gear lever falls naturally to hand and contributes to the engaging driving experience that has made the Elan Sprint one of the most celebrated British sports cars ever produced.