Lotus : Other Elan Sprint Coupe

This is a rare and extremely original Elan Sprint Coupe with sunroof as fitted by the distributor. According to the website lotuselansprint. com. there were only 25 US spec (type J) Sprint coupes built. I purchased this car about three years ago from a dealer with the intention of doing some cosmetic restoration. but too many other projects have gotten in the way. It's believed the slightly over 20. 00 miles shown on the odometer are original. The car had been off the road since 1989. before the dealer reconditioning and my purchase. The 1989 Pennsylvania vehicle inspection sticker is still on the windshield. Original cars like this are almost nonexistent.

The car was initially listed in the summer of 2011 as a "barn find" by an individual in Pennsylvania who I spoke with after he sold the car to the dealer I purchased from. He had only owned the car for a few weeks. enough time to clean it up and list it. He said he'd bought it from the daughter of the original owner who had passed away. Per the daughter. the car was on the road until 1989 when her father became too disabled to drive and that it had been stored in a garage ever since. Her father had purchased the car new from Lotus East in Millerton. NY in 1973.

BODY: The fiberglass body itself is in amazing original condition with no accident repairs evident anywhere. The paint appears to be completely original (except for the bumpers) with minimal stress cracks. but is tired and old as can be expected with only a little of the original gloss left. All the glass appears to be date-correct original in excellent overall condition.

CHASSIS: Original Lotus chassis.

INTERIOR: Original Colin Chapman “autographed” steering wheel is in very good condition. Seats. carpets. console and door panels are excellent for their age. Seat belts are new. Wood dash is in poor condition as seen in the photos but a new burled wood dash from Prestige Autowood is included.   Dash top is very good with no cracks. Headliner is tired and would benefit from replacement.

ENGINE: Original engine and Stromberg cylinder head runs very strong with new plugs. electronic ignition and gear reduction starter. Approximately 140 compression in all 4 cylinders and excellent oil pressure. Original exhaust manifold with aftermarket dual-outlet muffler.

GEARBOX: Original four-speed Lotus box. Shifts nicely with the “electric switch” precision associated with these cars. Recent heavy duty clutch operates as it should. without chatter or slip.

DIFFERENTIAL and DRIVETRAIN. STEERING and SUSPENSION:  Front and rear suspension rebuilt with all bushings and hardware replaced along with ball joints and tie rods. New Rotoflex couplings. Excellent steering. ride and handling with no shake. play or other issues.

WHEELS and TIRES:  Four new Vredestein Sprint 155x13 radials. Original Lotus steel “knock-on” type wheels. Spare wheel but no spare tire is included.

BRAKES: Fluid just flushed. New pistons. seals. gaskets and O rings. New hoses. Excellent pedal pressure and feel. Handbrake needs new pads and adjustment.

ELECTRICAL: Has the original 12v generator charging system.   All gauges. lights. signals. fan. wipers are in proper operating condition with the exception of an inoperative fuel gauge. Power windows working properly. Headlights stay down for only a short time after the engine is switched off. I understand this is typical of the cars with the “failsafe” system.

COOLING SYSTEM: Original radiator with electric fan. Hoses are in good shape. Have had no overheating issues with this car.

FUEL SYSTEM: New alloy fuel tank. Original Zenith-Stromberg carbs.

GENERAL: PLEASE read the description and conditions completely before making an offer. Remember. this is a 41 year old used car and is being sold as-is with any existing faults. whether known or unknown. There is no warranty of any kind. either expressed or implied. The above description is accurate to the best of my knowledge. but I encourage your inspection BEFORE bidding. The car is located in the Chicago metro area.

Feel free to contact me for any additional information. photos. etc.

Terms:

I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS ON REQUEST. THANKS FOR LOOKING!

Also published at eBay.ca

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