Fantasy Junction

Description

1973 Lotus Elan Sprint Roadster
s/n 450298K, engine no. T27299
Carnival Red with Black Interior

The Lotus Elan first appeared in October 1962 at the British International Motor Show at Earls Court. Jaguar had launched the E-Type the previous year, AC was offering the Cobra, and Ferrari the GTO. Against these big, powerful, and expensive machines, the lightweight and nimble Elan offered something very different and remarkable: a modern, simple design that delivered tremendous driving fun. Lotus packed the Elan with innovative technical features including a fiberglass body draped over the first backbone chassis of any road car and four-wheel independent suspension. Lotus would later revolutionize racing with their monocoque 25, further enhancing Lotus’ racing lineage. The 1500 lbs (670kg) Elan powered by the new Lotus Twin Cam engine delivered over 100 horsepower, providing endless entertainment for drivers of this featherweight roadster.

The new Elan offered a clean body design with hideaway headlights, and balanced proportions, which masked the car’s diminutive size. Customers swarmed for the reasonably priced Elan, proving to be a welcome replacement to the fragile, expensive-to-build Elite, becoming Lotus’s biggest commercial success up to that point. Sales revived the company’s overstretched finances and enhanced their reputation as a volume car builder. The Elan was later offered with a hardtop in 1963 and a coupe in 1965, but achieved some further improvements in the S4 series and finally between 1971-1973 as the most developed “Sprint” version.

The Lotus Elan Sprint featured the powerful twin cam “Big Valve” engine, which increased horsepower by 20% using twin Weber 40 DCOE carburetors with different jets and chokes, a reworked head, and the rev limit increased from 6,500 to 6,750. Roadholding was improved via strengthened Rotoflex couplings and other suspension enhancements. The body remained largely the same, however the hood no longer contained the bonnet bulge, creating a flat smooth design consistent with the clean lines of the car. Finally a unique two-toned paint scheme was applied with gold theme on the bumpers and SPRINT stripes incorporated into the chosen base color. All Sprit models were painted with the chosen color over gloss white lower body panels.

This wonderful and highly desirable flat hood Weber carbureted Sprint is one of the last examples built, just before production ceased at the Lotus factory. Assembled in July 1972, the car was originally invoiced to Frank Boulton Datsun in Miami Beach, Florida, and later sold on March 16, 1973 to Marion (Richard) Kamp. Kamp is well known among Lotus enthusiasts as the man behind Kampena Motors, a premier Lotus specialist and performance source for these cars. Mr. Kamp retained this car for 35 years, treating it as a representation of his considerable expertise updating it with his sophisticated sense of how these cars should operate. In 2008, Kamp sold the car to the second owner, a local Northern California collector in San Francisco. Kamp continued to work on the car for the new owner. The car was sold to the current and third owner a few years ago, making this Sprint a documented three-owner car since delivered new. Under the care of Kamp and the second owner, the car was extensively improved and mechanically restored including replacing the chassis to the more robust and acclaimed UK developed Spyder Chassis which offers greater structural rigidity, performance, and longevity and is considered the ultimate performance improvement for these cars.

Specific mechanical work performed on the car includes rebuilding the twin cam engine to 1650ccc short stroke specifications using 85mm forged pistons and .410” lift short duration camshafts. An alloy bell housing, alloy flywheel, close (not-semi-close) ratio gearbox, and 3.9:1 differential with Salisbury limited slip were also installed, including original manufacture CV conversion, which are made with higher quality components than current iterations. The suspension has adjustable spring perches installed at both front and rear. Since new, this Elan has been thoughtfully cared for and all improvements carefully executed by qualified Lotus experts intent on completing a capable and beautifully composed Lotus Sprint.

Today the car shows 46,000 miles, which are believed to be original to the car. The paint is very nice overall with vibrant gloss and excellent coverage throughout the three colors and gold stripes. The panels fit well with tight door closures, while the hood and trunk releases operate smoothly. The glass, lenses, and assorted trim are all in excellent condition, contributing nicely to the overall visual presentation. The various chrome trim and handles are in very good condition with good fit not often found on these cars. The handsome genuine Mililite 5.5” width magnesium knock-off wheels are fitted with newer Michelin tires giving the car excellent stance for both road performance and visual presence.

The interior has been finished with quality materials using factory patterns and correct perforated seat inserts. The custom koa laminate dashboard and instruments (including oil temp gauge) are nicely finished with good clear instrument faces, glossy wood veneer, and bright chrome trim bezels. The carpet is in very good condition and the newer convertible top with clear plastic rear window fits tightly to the windshield frame and snugly around the rear cowl. The convertible top boot is also in excellent condition.

Under the hood the excellent overall preparation continues with a beautifully finished crackle red twin-cam cover highlighted by finned aluminum Lotus details, eagerly fed by twin Weber 40DCOE side draft carburetors captured by a factory airbox, which has been properly ducted to the front of the car. The engine compartment is finished off with correct plumbing and wiring, proper fasteners, and handsome detailing. Underneath the car, the gloss red Spyder chassis reveals the celebrated 50% increased torsional rigidity, developed over more than a decade of research by independent Lotus specialists in the UK. The chassis and accompanying suspension are all properly prepared including the brake lines and correct type exhaust. The cleanliness of the chassis shows evidence of use but also reveals attention to detail and cleanliness not often seen with these cars.

This Elan is an absolute joy to drive and reflects the careful sorting it has seen by its enthusiastic owners. The engine has a wonderful exhaust note and absolutely fantastic throttle response. It gives the impression of low reciprocating mass but remains tractable and easy to use at low speeds. The gearbox has a wonderful mechanical feel with very positive feel and short throws. The clutch is progressive and easy to modulate, all of which together signal immediately to the driver that this is a fun and easy to use car that doesn’t distract from the superlative driving experience with operational idiosyncrasies. The acceleration is quite brisk and enjoyable particularly due to the Weber fed higher horsepower twin-cam engine. Carburetion is even and fuss-free. Cornering is of course legendary with great response from the suspension and superb body compliance attributed to the Spyder chassis. Braking is very good from all four discs. In all, the car exhibits the delightful driving, cornering, and sporting pleasure one might expect from Lotus originally, yet delivered with robust expert improvements to yield a reliable and exciting car.

The original window sticker, sales invoice, shipping document, and various more recent records are included in the sale.

This Lotus Elan Sprint offers a unique ownership experience for an enthusiast who enjoys spirited driving in a very well sorted and cosmetically handsome car. The responsive twin cam engine and twin Weber carburetors delivers a delightful sound from this eager and willing roadster, ready to carve the open roads, while widening the driver’s grin exiting each and every apex.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608