1972 Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead

Lotus launched a legend in 1962, the new and ground-breaking Lotus Elan. Following on from the Elite model the new car offered improved handling allied with better performance. Below the bonnet sat a new twin-cam four cylinder engine which would become a legend in its own right, powering other classic Lotus models including of course the Cortina sports-saloons. Initially the Elan came as an open two-seater, then from 1964 a fixed head coupe was also available, both bodies being constructed from GRP and mounted on a separate chassis. In 1967 a new 2+2 joined the range. Both models continued to sell well throughout the late-60's with various model changes including the ultimate and super desirable Sprint model, with a more powerful engine, being introduced near the very end of Elan production, for later 1971 - production ceased in 1973.This charming and genuine Lotus Elan Sprint Drophead was manufactured August 1972 as confirmed by Maurice Storey of the Lotus Archives, however first registration was not until 10th January 1973. A refreshing change from the regular red over white two tone "Gold Leaf' livery, this example looks fantastic as finished in full Lagoon Blue with Aztec Gold bumpers and contrasting black interior. The car is accompanied by a wealth of previous bills and invoices from as early as 1975. Still sporting its original registration of "MRX 332L', this amazingly packaged, extremely capable and surprisingly roomy sportscar was fully stripped to the bare body shell and all necessary components removed for restoration in 1990 by renowned Elan experts Mick Miller of Saxmundham, Suffolk. The body was completely removed from the chassis and the chassis shot blasted and powder coated. The body was then painted again in Lagoon Blue and returned to the chassis. Old MoT test certificates date back to 1975 complete this most impressive of history files and confirms mileage throughout. Supplied with a very rare original service booklet and handbook, along with a photographic record of the rebuild, this is a desirable sports car with a secure future. Equally welcome on either track or road, this punchy Elan performs extremely well and felt very quick and responsive when photographed. A true turn-key investment declared by John Bolster in the very first issue of Classic and Sportscar magazine in 1982 that "Every home should have one". Coincidentally, Malcolm Ricketts was the featured Elan Sprint owner for the story, his beloved Lotus Elite also being offered from the "Stradale' Collection today...