Registration No: NEV 96J
Chassis No: 7104090237E
MOT: Exempt

• Comprehensive history supplied with the car including a stamped Lotus book
• Subject to a previous bodywork refurbishment and repainted in its original colour scheme of Carnival Red over Cirrus White
• Entered from a deceased estate with the late owner acquiring it in the early 1970s

Brainchild of Lotus design and development engineer Ron Hickman, the Elan was introduced at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show and promptly redefined its class in terms of ride, handling and performance. Arguably the ultimate Elan derivative, the Sprint arrived in February 1971. Characterised by its 'Big Valve' (126bhp / 113lbft) engine and bold colour schemes, the model was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds and 121mph. The Sprint was the final iteration of the Lotus Elan and was marketed between 1971 and 1973. Lotus always intended it to be a distinct model in its own right, rather than a 'Series 5', primarily for marketing purposes, however, the model was dropped by from the Lotus line-up in August of 1973, with the Sprint remaining keenly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

From what we can make out via the extensive history file, 'NEV 96J' was first owned by a Mr Allwright who is stated as the invoice recipient for a number of works throughout the car's early history (the early 1970s). It is understood that the vendor's father purchased the car straight after it was owned by Mr Allwright around the early 1970s and has remained in his possession ever since. In the history file, there is an original owner’s handbook and the original service stamp book and accompanying invoices up to 30,000 miles. There is a separate, larger folder that has the more recent history, in the late owner's name, starting from 1985 with an invoice for rear wishbones from Spyder and going right up to around 2018 when the owner passed away, with the car being transferred to the vendor in 2019. The car has been used only very occasionally by the vendor and stored in a Carcoon but due to the lack of use it has been decided by the family that the car needs a new home.

Upon inspection, we noted that the attractive Carnival Red paintwork appears bright and relatively fresh with minimal aging. The engine started with relative ease, breathing through its correct twin Weber carburettors. On driving the car a good few miles to the photography session we noted that the car appeared to run very well indeed with the brakes doing their job effectively. The vendor advises that everything appears to work as it should but would advise giving the car a service to freshen it up - as he admits that he does not have the knowledge to have done this himself. Surely now, this fantastic Elan Sprint with a rare to find thick history file is worthy of a new loving owner to cherish it?

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430