Help to find an Elan please.

[jon1986eac]

Hi all,
I have just registered and pleased to see such a well put together site!!
Ive had quite a few Elans in the past and would love to have a baby Elan again. Unfortunately my budget will not stretch to top cars at dealer prices but I would be more than happy to pay a fair price for a decent car. Drop head or fixed is fine and some mods are ok. I seem to be a bit slow of the mark and have missed a couple that I liked the look of. I would prefer something that is "up together" as finding time to do too much work would be difficult.
I sold my last Sprint to a dealer when I needed the cash about 3 years ago and although I replaced it with a modern lotus which was enjoyable for a time I always missed the Elan.
Many Thanks,
Jon

[Elanintheforest]

Hi Jon
Have you seen this one at Paul Matty's for ?9k? S4 dhc up and running with bad paint, but looks like a good price. Anything less and you're into a project of some sort.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1015029.htm

What's your budget and what is your model preference?
Mark

[jon1986eac]

Looks OK in the pics. Must be really bad paint at that price!! I wonder what the chassis is like? I will give him a call today. Thanks

[jon1986eac]

Budget is up to about 13K and would consider anything really. I have never owned a FHC though and would prefer a car with a bit of extra poke!! My last Elan had some TT shocks and front springs and I thought that made a fantastic difference.

[adigra]

I was in a similar situation myself where any car at a decent price I called about was sold before I got to it. I eventually agreed with a dealer to have the first refusal on a car he told me he was getting before he had a chance to advertise it. I ended up stretching my budget a bit but I'm getting exactly the car I wanted (S3 FHC S/E). However, if you are a gambling man there seem to be a few bargains around still if you're quick on the draw. Someone I know just got a FHC for half of your budget because he was quick and the seller was put off by the TLC it required. But even with all the work required the car can be made perfect for well within your budget (and you'd end up with a car worth considerably more). We were just out in it over the weekend and aside from patches of worn paint, and carburettors needing setting up, it was fantastic. Made me think that I was spending way too much on mine.

Adi

[jon1986eac]

Think that was a red one with gold bumpers? One of the ones I missed.

[adigra]

That's the one. Nice car, amazing for the price really. But there was another FHC that same week for not much more that was sold the same day it was advertised. So they still seem to be around.

What about this car: http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C83209/

Seems like a decent example (aside from the odd dash) for a decent price for a Sprint.

[ppnelan]

Looks OK in the pics. Must be really bad paint at that price!!

I'd be happy with paintwork like that - it's s~h~i~n~y

Matthew

[Elanintheforest]

I think that if I was going to spend ?13k on an Elan, I'd beg, borrow or steal another ?2k and buy the yellow S4 that's recently been advertised on this site with 5000 miles from new. Can't be many / any of those left, and is cheaper than buying a ?9k car and having it re-painted.

Mark

[adigra]

This must be the cheapest Sprint around: http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C93237/

Not sure how it's possible for the original chassis to be "in perfect condition", especially in Scotland, but even with a replacement looming, I'd be tempted...

Adi

[Elanintheforest]

That Sprint was first registered in Brighton, and could well have had occasional use all it's life....or a new chassis 20 or more years ago! Great looking car...the right colour.....and it's cheap.

Mark

[richard sprint]

That is quite an unbelievable price and it looks in great condition....

[adigra]

I know, pretty remarkable. I wouldn't have been surprised to see a 1 at the front of that price. I hope it goes to an enthusiast rather than someone only looking to make an easy profit.

Adi

[jon1986eac]

Thanks everyone, I've bought it. Taken a complete flyer on it and paid a large deposit without seeing it!!!! (I have missed a couple in the past due to bottleing it )

Seems a really nice chap and although I am sure I will want to improve it in due course hopefully it will be fun as it is for a while. Like many cars, the pictures are apparently flattering but I have always loved the colour

[adigra]

Congratulations. I hope it's fantastic for you. I love the colour as well. Please keep us updated, I'd love to know what you think of it once you get your hand on it.

Adi