Alternative to Lotus Elan Sprint?
Discussion
A few months ago I had the chance to drive a friends Lotus Elan Sprint around a track for a few laps and can’t get this lovely motor out of my mind. So I went home and checked the prices and most of the sorted examples are around 30-40k.
My budget is limited to 20k tops, and it seems like that would only buy me a bit more than an engine rebuilt for the twin cam engine these days...
Are there any cheaper cars from the pre-1980 area that handle and perform similar to an Elan, but maybe at a lower price?
My budget is limited to 20k tops, and it seems like that would only buy me a bit more than an engine rebuilt for the twin cam engine these days...
Are there any cheaper cars from the pre-1980 area that handle and perform similar to an Elan, but maybe at a lower price?
All very interesting suggestions. The same friend also owns a Lotus Europa (albeit not Twincam), I’ll bug him for a test drive one of these days.
+2 is also an option, I wonder how it drives.
Here’s a lovely video I found on Youtube... love the bit with the Maserati tyre...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3KWU1qlfIM
+2 is also an option, I wonder how it drives.
POORCARDEALER said:
You can buy a decent Sprint for 20 if you are patient......get one, they are superb.
That is what I’m secretly hoping for… but the cars on the market are all extremely well restored examples and the prices reflect that. Here’s a lovely video I found on Youtube... love the bit with the Maserati tyre...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3KWU1qlfIM
I mean the Evante, there was one on www.carandclassic.co.uk but it looks like its gone, if you are like me you will never find an alternative to the Elan Sprint, I sold my sprint drophead, in 1978 and is still miss it, tried all sorts of things to replace it, Europe 5 speed, Lotus Sunbeam, Esprit, 7, Lotus Carlton, never found anything that gave me the buzz of the Elan, but I used it as an everyday car and as a sport car, today at the price they are I don't think you would use it the same way and the std Elan or the plus 2 would be as good, I'd look at the plus 2 convertable on the above web site for 12k if I was in the market.
I wouldn't restrict the search to Sprints. They have always attracted a premium with the big valve engine, but if you really must have that extra 10bhp then it's no big deal to convert an earlier engine and you'll certainly manage that for less than the price premium. Personally I'd look around S3/S4 fixed heads if I were in the market for one today. Same driving experience, cheaper to buy and still the Elan charm.
But if it's 70s handling then for me the Europa is the better handling car. There were quite a few changes between the early ones and the TC engined versions (71/72 onwards) were more than just engine swops. They changed seating and also improved the cabin space which might be important as they are "cosy" by modern standards.
Brian
But if it's 70s handling then for me the Europa is the better handling car. There were quite a few changes between the early ones and the TC engined versions (71/72 onwards) were more than just engine swops. They changed seating and also improved the cabin space which might be important as they are "cosy" by modern standards.
Brian
I have owned a Europa Special and a Europa Twin Cam, and they are amazing sports cars. The big valve engine frankly does not make a huge difference in performance. The grip, handling, and braking are exceptional.
The Special is likely to be outside the 20K budget, but you can get a very good TC for under 20K.
The Special is likely to be outside the 20K budget, but you can get a very good TC for under 20K.
I've been dipping into various Lotus related threads in recent weeks as the liking I've long had for Europas has finally taken root - similar to many on here it was a case of seeing a neighbours orange S2 in the early '70s that did it for me, a real eyeful back in the day. I'd dearly love to make the leap into Europa ownership but hand on heart I know I'd have to sell one of my two classics to make way for one, plus I'd have to stick to a strict budget! I've spent (wasted..?) several hours looking at the Banks site, the Lotus Europa Central site and hoards of gorgeous examples on google / flickr and am finding it very hard to look away... this classic car lark really is a desease after all!
Hope the OP finds the right car...
Hope the OP finds the right car...
not pre-80 in build (or build quality) but a modern(ish) alternative -
a fabulous restored/maintained early MX-5 - you can wave at the Elans as they adjust their points again and you get to where you're going and grab the best of the food and drink
a fabulous restored/maintained early MX-5 - you can wave at the Elans as they adjust their points again and you get to where you're going and grab the best of the food and drink
Edited by nta16 on Monday 8th July 17:58
nta16 said:
not pre-80 in build (or build quality) but a modern(ish) alternative -
a fabulous restored/maintained early MX-5 - you can wave at the Elans as they adjust their points again and you get to where you're going and grab the best of the food and drink
Not quite the same.a fabulous restored/maintained early MX-5 - you can wave at the Elans as they adjust their points again and you get to where you're going and grab the best of the food and drink
Edited by nta16 on Monday 8th July 17:58
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