1975 Lotus Elan Sprint
The 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint, registered LRP 301P, is a fixed-head coupé originally supplied in kit form to Ken Myers Partnership, Lotus main dealers in Northampton. Built on the Series 4 bodyshell with Tony Rudd's big-valve, high-lift 126 bhp twin-cam engine and the distinctive two-tone Sprint livery, the car spent 39 years with its first private owners before undergoing an extensive body-off restoration by the original builders to a standard described by a marque authority as among the finest examples in existence.
Ownership
- 2023-02-24Auction saleSold £40,000 (≈ $50K)
- 1975 → 1975Factory deliveryKen Myers Partnershippartial documentation
Lotus main dealers based on Wellingborough Road in Northampton who received the car in kit form. The intended recipient was the dealer principal's son, but the plan changed and the completed car was sold on.
- 1975 → 2014Private saleMedical couple, first private ownerspartial documentation
A husband and wife, both doctors, who had been waiting some time for a new Sprint and retained the car for approximately 39 years before parting with it.
- 2014 →Private saleCurrent vendorfull documentation
Acquired the car as part of a broader Lotus Elan collection and commissioned a comprehensive restoration shortly after purchase. The car has not been driven on public roads since the restoration was completed.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationKen and Neil Myers
Full body-off rebuild carried out to a level described as exceeding concours standard. Chassis, bodywork and engine were confirmed as original throughout. The car was refinished in its factory Sprint colour scheme of Carnival Red and Cirrus White with gold-lacquered bumpers, low-gloss black wheels, stainless rim embellishers and gold sidewinder decals.
Restoration took approximately two years. On completion the car was started and thoroughly checked, then placed in a heated, carpeted garage and has not been used on public roads since. The current vendor commissioned the work as part of a wider collection restoration programme.
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