New Member - after some advice!

[killysprint]

I'm going to se a 72' Elan Sprint DHC at the weekend - saw the car last sunday at a show and had a brief chat with the owner. initial impressions are the car has been very well looked after and is in very good condition.

I've read a couple of the buyers guides in the monthly mags - but what should I be looking for when I drive the car and inspect it? What should I be asking the owner has been done to the car? what are sensible modifications / changes that should be made to make the car better / more liveable with? what are the major pitfalls with this particular model?

From the discussions at the weekend the car has had a new chassis, and the servo mechanism for the lights has been changed to the american spec? electric solenoid with one servo?, new wheels and has been subject to restoration over the past 20 years of ownership, in which time he has covered ~4000 miles.

Your comments will be greatly appreciated - and I'll let you know how I get on!

[Steve G]

I'm going to se a 72' Elan Sprint DHC at the weekend - saw the car last sunday at a show and had a brief chat with the owner. initial impressions are the car has been very well looked after and is in very good condition.

I've read a couple of the buyers guides in the monthly mags - but what should I be looking for when I drive the car and inspect it? What should I be asking the owner has been done to the car? what are sensible modifications / changes that should be made to make the car better / more liveable with? what are the major pitfalls with this particular model?

From the discussions at the weekend the car has had a new chassis, and the servo mechanism for the lights has been changed to the american spec? electric solenoid with one servo?, new wheels and has been subject to restoration over the past 20 years of ownership, in which time he has covered ~4000 miles.

Your comments will be greatly appreciated - and I'll let you know how I get on!

Hello and welcome to LotusElan.net.

Sounds lovely, what price is he asking? When was the engine last rebuilt? Is it a galvanised Lotus chassis or a Spyder one?

Read all of these for ideas on what to look for/ask about;
http://www.lotuselan.net/publish/buyerguide.shtml

Definitely take someone with you who knows the Elan, or is at least mechanically minded when it comes to classic cars.
Get insured on the car for the day and take for an extensive test drive, let the owner drive it first and you'll get an idea of how he treats it, if he 'gives it the beans' on a cold engine, walk away!

Most importantly, ask him what torque the flywheel bolts were done to and fit a rev-limiter!

Good Luck!

Steve

[billwill]

Steve, he won't understand that last bit unless you point him at your thread.

[trw99]

Killysprint

Let me know the VIN and/or registration number and I'll see if I have it on my Sprint register. Take a look at my website too. Feel free to PM me if you wish.

Tim