Lotus Elan Sprint convertible, 1971
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Colin Chapman is one of the big names in the history of car engineering. His firm Lotus Engineering Company
creates racing and sportscars which form a class of their own. Lotus cars are fitted with relatively small engines but because of the low weight and the superb
road holding capabilities they are extremely competitive. Starting with the Lotus Elite the firm used GRP to produce the car bodies. The lotus
Elite was the first car with a unitary bodywork construction of GRP. The later Lotus models were given a strong steel backbone chassis. From 1962 until 1971 the Elan series 1 up to series 4 were built. Every series incorporated small technical or exterior changes. The S2 was given larger front brake
calipers, the fantastic (optional) centre-lock wheels and a veneer dashboard. The S3 featured framed power windows, a higher final drive ratio and a better
hood for the convertible. The S4 was given wider wheel arches and new dashboard switches. Additionally the optional servo brakes and the centre-lock wheels became standard equipment. 4 cylinder
in-line engine (twin cam) Colour two tone red/white with a golden
stripe all round (original colour combination). Black leatherette
interior, black soft top and hood cover. This Lotus Elan convertible is
in fully original condition. The car shows all original
details and is fitted with a period car radio. It is a scarce Sprint model
in even scarcer convertible variant. This is a very impressive driver
car, it is a sheer joy to drive fast on twisting roads! The powerful
engine delivers 126 bhp in a small car that weighs only 558 kilogram's. |
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