1972 Other Makes

•Late-model Elan registered during the final year of production

•Galvanised Lotus chassis

•Extensive recent work including engine rebuild

•Safety Devices roll bar with side-intrusion protection

The Lotus Elan has become a benchmark sports car thanks to its sublime steering and precise handling, and it perfectly embodies the lightweight ethos of legendary marque founder Colin Chapman.

The Elan Sprint being offered for sale here was first registered in January 1973, which was the final year of Elan production at the Hethel factory. A replacement Lotus galvanised chassis was fitted during the mid-1990s, having been sourced from marque specialist Mick Miller, and more recently the car has been treated to an in-depth mechanical refurbishment.

A solid driveshaft conversion was carried out, replacing the standard Rotoflex couplings, a Safety Devices roll bar with side-intrusion bars was installed, and the interior was retrimmed in black leather. A new hood was fitted and the Elan now sports genuine Minilite centre-lock alloy wheels.

In 2017, new stub axles and rear wheel bearings were fitted, and the braking system was overhauled. Three years later, the Twin Cam engine was rebuilt by JSWL Classics, after which dyno testing showed that it was producing 140bhp at the flywheel. It also benefits from electronic ignition and an alternator upgrade.

In 2022, the Elan was sold to its current owner – a discerning collector and marque enthusiast– via renowned Lotus specialist Paul Matty. As a late Sprint, it’s a highly desirable example of a car that still has few peers when it comes to pure driving pleasure.