1969 Lotus Elan S4/Sprint 5 Drophead Coupé

Highlights

• Extremely rare Sprint 5 specification: upgraded with the Lotus five-speed gearbox, a factory option at the end of production
• Comprehensive rebuild completed in 2004 on a new Lotus galvanised chassis
• Engine rebuilt to Big Valve Sprint specification with additional head porting
• Recently recommissioned, including engine servicing and carburettor balancing

The Appeal

Wholeheartedly embodying Colin Chapman's "simplify and add lightness" philosophy, the Lotus Elan is one of the most celebrated lightweight sports cars ever produced. The Sprint 5 specification, combining the Big Valve Sprint engine with the factory-option five-speed gearbox, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the model's development. The vendor describes this as an extremely rare example of this sought-after configuration, fitted with a number of sensible and desirable upgrades.

This car benefits from a comprehensive rebuild completed in 2004, built upon a new Lotus galvanised chassis. Further enhancements include an uprated radiator with a Kenlowe fan, an alloy fuel tank, and Spyder driveshafts. Having been stored in a dry barn for a decade before being purchased from a dealer in California in 2016, the car has covered fewer than 1,000 miles in the last 22 years.

Recently recommissioned, the vendor reports it drives well with a strong clutch, smooth gearbox and good braking. The oatmeal interior, as offered on the Elan +2, presents well, though the carpets would benefit from replacement. Minor scratches are noted on the body and front bumper, and some bubbling is present on the boot lid. The vendor notes that a small amount of further recommissioning work would make this a thoroughly usable car with great touring capability. Now permanently imported with duties and taxes paid, this Elan awaits its next chapter.

Key Information

• Mileage: the odometer has been replaced and reads 0 miles; the estimated actual mileage is approximately 900 miles since rebuild
• Country of registration: USA (permanently imported to the UK, duties and taxes paid, registration pending)
• Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
• Technical specs: 1.6-litre inline four-cylinder, five-speed manual
• Paperwork: significant history file with numerous specialist invoices and previous sales listing

The Detail

• Left-hand drive US car
• Uprated radiator and Kenlowe fan fitted
• Alloy fuel tank fitted
• Spyder driveshafts fitted
• Elan +2 alloy wheels fitted
• Oatmeal interior fitted, as was available on the Elan +2
• The vendor states the door cards, seats, tunnel cover and dashboard are in good condition
• Carpets would benefit from replacement, appearing moth-eaten
• Minor scratches on the body and front bumper
• Some bubbling present, particularly on the boot lid
• Folding roof appears in good, serviceable order with some creasing from storage
• The vendor states the car drives well with a strong clutch, smooth gearbox and good braking
• Stored in a dry barn for 10 years prior to purchase in 2016
• Driven fewer than 1,000 miles in the last 22 years
• The vendor notes a small amount of further recommissioning work is required to make it thoroughly usable

BEFORE YOU BUY

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