1972 Lotus Elan Sprint DHC

A genuine "Sprint" model in classic 'Gold Leaf Team Lotus' colours

Excellent history file including the original Bill of Sale

Fully restored with a new Spyder chassis and excellent panel fit

A superb driving example of one of the finest handling of all British classics

In 1962 Lotus launched a legend, the new and ground-breaking Lotus Elan. Following on from the Elite, the new car offered improved handling allied with better performance. Below the bonnet sat a new 1558cc, twin-cam four-cylinder engine which would become a legend in its own right, powering other classic Lotus models including, of course, the Cortina sporting saloons.

Initially, the Elan was produced as an open two-seater, but in 1964 a fixed-head coupé became available, with both bodies being constructed from GRP and mounted on a separate chassis. In 1967, the very distinctive Elan+2 joined the range and both models continued to sell well throughout the late sixties with various detail changes.

The desirable 'Sprint' model was introduced in 1971 and was the ultimate incarnation. It justified its name thanks to a substantial increase in power to 126bhp resulting from the adoption of a big-valve head with high-lift cams, a raised compression ratio and (initially) Weber 40 DCOE 31s. The drivetrain was suitably toughened and braced and the front callipers were redesigned to cope with the increased performance.

''To say that driving the Elan is immense fun is almost an understatement. It is a car which keeps young men young and makes old men younger'' 'Motor Magazine'

The car presented here is a 1972 Lotus Elan Sprint Drop Head Coupe (DHC) which has been fully restored. Within the interesting history file are the original Bill of Sale from Lotus dealership 'Foley Park Motors' of Kidderminster, many period and recent invoices, and numerous old MoT Certificates. The V5 reveals that the car's chassis number is 72040665G which indicates that it's unit number 0665 and the letter 'G' confirms that it is a UK Market, right-hand drive, DHC 'Sprint'.

Described by the owner 'as possibly one of the best Elan Sprints available today', this example is believed to have had only a few owners from new (with the records showing the same owner from 1972 until 2015) and has been exceptionally well restored in the original colour scheme confirmed by not only the marque owners club, but also from the original Bill of Sale. Equipped with a 'Spyder' replacement chassis, the body and panel fit are some of the best we have ever seen on an Elan, a testament to the hours spent on the full nut and bolt restoration and we understand that it drives and performs as well as it looks. Restoring an Elan properly is a complicated and time-consuming process, particularly to this standard, and in this case, all a new owner has to do is simply enjoy it.

This is a lovely example of a super 1960s classic car, which is both a fun, sunny-day convertible and a thoroughbred sports car with unbeatable handling.