1973 Lotus Elan Sprint

Compact, lightweight, and beautifully balanced, the original Lotus Elan remains one of the defining British sports cars of its generation.

Paint

The yellow and white Sprint colour scheme is one of the defining features of this car. It is complemented by the contrasting side stripes, “Elan Sprint” lettering, and dark-gold painted bumpers.

The finish retains an excellent depth of colour and lustre. The yellow upper body is bright and even, while the white lower section provides the familiar Sprint contrast.

There are a few little marks on the car that have been photographed.

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.

Bodywork

The Elan’s glass-fibre body presents to an impressive standard. The panels sit neatly on the chassis, the car appears level from each angle and the shut lines are consistent with a well-restored Elan.

No significant gel-coat cracking, distortion, or obvious damage can be seen in the current photographs.

The steel backbone chassis is galvanised and was installed as part of the car’s comprehensive restoration.

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.

Dashboard

The wood-veneer dashboard is one of the most appealing elements of any Elan interior, and this example presents particularly well.

The veneer has a rich, even finish, while the Smiths instruments, switches, and warning lights are clean and clearly legible. The padded dashboard top appears free from significant cracking or distortion.

A period radio remains fitted, and the Elan retains its electric windows; an unusually civilised feature for such a compact and lightweight sports car.

The drive

Alison has not had the opportunity to drive the car, so there are no current-owner driving impressions to report.

When previously tested in summer 2025, the Elan was described as composed and remarkably comfortable, while retaining the light steering, brisk acceleration and immediate responses for which the model is known.

The Big Valve engine pulled smoothly through its rev range, the twin carburettors produced the expected purposeful induction note, and the steering was reported to be free from unwanted looseness. The absence of rattles and mechanical noise was also noted.

Those observations were made before the present ownership and are included as part of the car’s documented history rather than as a current road-test assessment.

Glass and trim

The windscreen, side glass, and light lenses all appear clear and well maintained. The seals sit neatly and the brightwork around the windscreen, door frames and exterior fittings presents very well.

The Lotus lettering, bonnet badge, side badges, and Sprint graphics remain clean and correctly positioned. The gold-finished bumpers are neatly mounted and show no obvious distortion.

The black folding hood was previously described as being in excellent condition and forming a good seal when raised.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

Wheels and tyres

The Sprint retains its correct 4½J black steel wheels, finished with polished outer rims and distinctive chrome three-eared knock-off spinners.

All four wheels present very well in the photographs, with the black painted centres, bright rim finish and spinners appearing clean and free from significant damage. They suit the car perfectly and are an important part of its period-correct appearance.

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.

Seats and carpets

The black vinyl interior is exceptionally well preserved and provides an attractive contrast to the bright exterior.

Both seats retain their original-style perforated centre sections and horizontal lower pleats. The bolsters appear firm, with no obvious splitting, heavy creasing, or significant wear. The rear storage area and surrounding trim are equally tidy.

The black carpets were reported to be clean and free from damp, while the luggage compartment was described as showing very little use.

The door cards, armrests, and interior handles remain in excellent order, helping the cabin feel remarkably fresh for a car built more than half a century ago.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

Engine and gearbox

Power comes from the desirable 1,558cc Lotus Twin Cam Big Valve engine, breathing through twin Dellorto carburettors and driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox.

The engine compartment remains largely original in appearance, with the black Lotus Big Valve cam cover, twin carburettors, period airbox, and associated hardware all present.

No mechanical work has been carried out during Alison’s short ownership because the car has seen very little use.

Electrics and other

The Elan has avoided conspicuous modernisation and retains its period instruments, switchgear, electric windows, and radio.

History and paperwork

The chassis identification records the car as having been built in February 1973. Although its V5 shows a registration date of 30 November 1982, the long-term previous owner believed this resulted from a DVLA administrative error when the original logbook was exchanged for a V5.

The Elan was originally registered as JKL 458L and was involved in an accident when only a few months old, sustaining damage to the front and rear. The previous owner disclosed that it was repaired using replacement body sections and re-finished before he purchased it in November 1973.

In 1992, the Elan was entrusted to respected Lotus specialist Peter Day of Daytune for an extensive ground-up restoration. According to the previous owner’s records, this included a replacement galvanised chassis and a complete replacement body supplied by Lotus. The restoration cost £18,524 at the time, with further servicing, maintenance, and renovation carried out throughout the 1990s.

This is a particularly appealing late Elan Sprint: correctly presented, comprehensively restored, and supported by a remarkable 51½-year period of single ownership. With its Big Valve Twin Cam engine, iconic Sprint colour scheme, and elegant open-top body, it deserves to be returned to regular use and enjoyed as its designers intended.

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.

Suspension and brakes

The Elan’s independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes are central to its reputation as one of the finest-handling road cars of its era.

During the previous on the road segment, the suspension operated without knocks, vibration, or unwanted movement. The brakes were reported to stop the car effectively and in a straight line, without judder, squealing or feedback through the steering.

Given the car’s limited recent use, the usual recommissioning checks of the braking system, suspension components, and fluid condition would be sensible before sustained driving.

Steering wheel gear stick

The original-style three-spoke steering wheel features perforated alloy spokes, a Lotus centre badge, and the familiar Colin Chapman signature. It remains in excellent condition and is one of the cabin’s most characteristic details.

The wooden gear knob and slender gear lever are similarly well preserved. Together with the close-set Smiths instruments and low seating position, they create the focused driving environment for which the Elan is renowned.