1972 Lotus Elan Sprint Convertible

• One of the most original Lotus Elans that we have ever seen
• This lovely Elan Sprint was supplied new on 27/01/1972 and has one of the most comprehensive history files that we have ever seen
• With a warranted mileage of just 21,886
• Featured in a four-page spread of 'Classic Cars' magazine
• Offered directly from legendary British racing driver, Steve Soper

The glass fibre-bodied Elan may only have been available initially as a Roadster Kit but its specification was very advanced and adhered to Chapman's “just add lightness” engineering philosophy. Power came from Harry Mundy's Ford-based Lotus 1558cc DOHC engine, it was fitted with disc brakes all round, and the independent suspension was set up to optimise ride quality and handling finesse, qualities for which this little car is still admired. It soon sired other derivatives including the Type 26R racer, the Type 36 fixed-head coupe, the Type 45 drop-head coupe, and the Type 50 Elan +2 of 1967. 

The 1971 Elan Sprint was essentially based on the Series 4 Elan bodyshell and was primarily designed to rekindle demand and improve the performance of the nine-year-old sports car. Conceived by Lotus Sales Director, Graham Arnold, the Sprint's most notable external feature was the horizontally split two-tone paintwork in half a dozen vibrant colours. Meanwhile, providing the 'go to match the show' a new big-valve cylinder head with high-lift cams and a raised compression ratio, the work of Engineering Director Tony Rudd, provided a 25% increase in power to 126bhp. The drivetrain was suitably toughened and braced and the front callipers were redesigned to cope with the increased performance which was brisk for the time with 60mph arriving in 6.6 seconds,100mph in 19 seconds and a top speed of 123mph.

This lovely Elan Sprint was supplied new on 27/01/1972 to a Mr Marcantono of Newcastle upon Tyne in kit form; the car costing £972 and the engine/transmission costing £795. Both invoices are in one of the most comprehensive history files that we have ever seen. There are literally dozens and dozens of invoices (mostly from Midland’s renowned specialist, Paul Matty), old MOTs, CDs containing many pictures and a completed record of all purchases during the car’s life. Unusually for an Elan, this allows us to warrant the mileage of just 21,886 as genuine.

It's one of the most original Lotus Elans that we have ever seen. In June 2014, ‘Classic Cars’ magazine thought so too as they featured this particular car in a four-page spread. The magazine article, which waxes lyrical about the superb originality of this car, is included within the astonishing history file. The condition of the car is also outstanding with the best door gaps and overall panel fitment of any Elan ever seen by us. All original tools, jack and service books/handbook are present and just 4 owners shown from new on the V5C; all of them keeping this car for extended periods and clearly enjoying the experience.

They say the best is never the cheapest. This Elan Sprint drop head convertible is simply the best we have ever seen and represents a fantastic investment opportunity with outstanding provenance, from known ownership and in a completely ready-to-use condition. Spring is here, classic events are beckoning – let’s go!

Our Vendor  Steve Soper

Steve Soper is one the most successful and legendary British drivers of all time and Silverstone Auctions is proud to offer his very special Elan Sprint for sale at our May Sale. He spent 20 years looking for the best Elan before purchasing this exceedingly special car for his own collection.

Steve is one of the greatest all round drivers in the history of British motorsport. Not only one of the greatest saloon drivers of all time, but a man who competed five times at Le Mans, four times at the Bathurst 1000, three times in the World Super Tourers, twice in the Japanese Touring Car Championship, for six years in the German Touring Car Championship and eleven years in the British Touring Car Championship.

His major wins have included the Nurburgring 24 Hours, the Spa 24 Hours, the Guia race and countless individual Touring Car races across the globe. Works drives were mostly with his beloved BMW and in their world dominating M3 Touring Cars, but other notable manufacturer' drives have included McLaren, Rover, Ford, Peugeot, Mazda and BMW at Le Mans.

He is simply outstanding in a car and has continued to be so since his professional career ended, with many recent successes and race victories in historic racing around the world. We rate him as one of the best all-rounders of all-time and wish him continued success on the track and with all his exploits.