Period Sprint Photo

[trw99]

On one of my periodic trawls through the net in an effort to find anything interesting on Sprints, I came across this photograph.

This was taken in 1972 at the then Lotus dealers/service agents Tollgate Engineering at Rye in Sussex. The car DPN 102K has a Brighton registration and is still on the road, according to the DVLA, having been first registered on 21 Apr 72. It is recorded as being blue and it could be that is the original colour.

It is of course unusual to see an Elan fitted with an old style number plate on the front valance, as here. After 1 Jan 73 the new style reflective plates had to be fitted and many Sprints were thereafter fitted with a plate in the same way. Most of us now have reverted back to the better looking separate digits inside the front grill, as Colin intended. I seem to recall that there were debates at the time as to the legality of those digits.

Anyone know of this car?

Tim

PS Acknowledgement of photo from this link: http://www.terrytozer.co.uk/pictures_card.htm

[ppnelan]

The car DPN 102K has a Brighton registration and is still on the road, according to the DVLA, having been first registered on 21 Apr 72.

Sorry to disappoint you, it isn't still on the road - the DVLA website shows it as unlicensed since 2000.

Matthew

[trw99]

Ah well! Missed that nugget! Still, it is hopefuly awaiting some love and attention in someone's garage somewhere.

Tim

[elansprint71]

..........as Colin intended.........

I think you mean Ron.

[alan.barker]

hi , the car is still on the road and i am the owner. i live in France and it now has French registration 7200 TV 28. i bought the car in June 1999 and i am 4th owner. 1st it was a Tollgate demo car, 2nd owner was Mrs Best for 23 Years, 3rd Mr Furnell for 41/2 Years then me from June 1999.
It has a Lotus galvanised chassis which was fitted by Miles Wilkins
( Fibreglass services). In Jan 2000 it was resprayed as original Lagoon Blue over White and looks superb. Always garaged and takes part in many Classic car meetings in France
Alan

[trw99]

Alan

Thanks for the info and how wonderful to know the Sprint is still on the road after all.

Tim

[PhilipBest]

hi , the car is still on the road and i am the owner. i live in France and it now has French registration 7200 TV 28. i bought the car in June 1999 and i am 4th owner. 1st it was a Tollgate demo car, 2nd owner was Mrs Best for 23 Years, 3rd Mr Furnell for 41/2 Years then me from June 1999.
It has a Lotus galvanised chassis which was fitted by Miles Wilkins
( Fibreglass services). In Jan 2000 it was resprayed as original Lagoon Blue over White and looks superb. Always garaged and takes part in many Classic car meetings in France
Alan

Hello Alan -
This used to be my mother's car. If you were by any chance a seller I could be interested.. I live in Geneva, so on the right side of the Channel. Could you contact me on [email protected] ? Thanks

[mark030358]

What a great story….

Hope is a great ending …

[alan.barker]

hi , the car is still on the road and i am the owner. i live in France and it now has French registration 7200 TV 28. i bought the car in June 1999 and i am 4th owner. 1st it was a Tollgate demo car, 2nd owner was Mrs Best for 23 Years, 3rd Mr Furnell for 41/2 Years then me from June 1999.
It has a Lotus galvanised chassis which was fitted by Miles Wilkins
( Fibreglass services). In Jan 2000 it was resprayed as original Lagoon Blue over White and looks superb. Always garaged and takes part in many Classic car meetings in France
Alan

Hello Alan -
This used to be my mother's car. If you were by any chance a seller I could be interested.. I live in Geneva, so on the right side of the Channel. Could you contact me on [email protected]" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank ? Thanks

Hi Philip,
I've just sent an email to your email address.
Cheers
Alan
P.s. It still has the Klosters sticker in the back window where your Mum used to Ski.

[alan.barker]

Chatting to Philip who knows what might happen
Alan

[512BB]

I hope you are not thinking of disposing of your Sprint Alan.

Leslie

[alan.barker]

What a great story….

Hope is a great ending …

Hi Mark,
Looks like "Little Lo" will go to Philip the Son of the 1st Owner at the end of this month October.
Once finalised i'll leave it to him to finish the adventure
Alan

[PhilipBest]

A wonderful circular story. My Mother bought the car in 1972 and if I was lucky sometimes she used to take me to school in it- always an exciting drive for a 12 year old. After I got my driving test she used to let me drive it from time to time (but always with her in the car). I must have driven it a few times when I was in my 20s, but then she got ill and the car was sold. I am very excited to be getting behind that wheel again for the first time in 40 years and thank you, Alan, for making it happen! Philip

[alan.barker]

There you go Philip,
Untill 25th Oct and a few Beers.
Alan

[mark030358]

BRILLIANT!!!