Advice

[kihansi]

I have a 1972 sprint located in the UK, with a genuine 45,000 miles on it, bit of a strange history, it started out as Pistachio, then was refurbished in the 80's by Foulds and colour changed to yellow, then around 2005 it experienced some engine and suspension up grades and yet another colour change to blue over white, I purchased the car in 2007 and since then its been in storage for the most part.

Underneath the changes there is a really nice car, the body is straight and mechanicals are sound albeit they need some minor works such as a minor oil leak.

I would like to get the car back to its original colour (Pistachio over white) have the oil leak sorted, and generally have the entire car lifted back to a useable / show condition.

Time is not an issue since im currently overseas on a long term business assignment, obviously money is a consideration, but im prepared to pay for good quality.

Who would you recommend to do the work, the Elan is currenly located in Cheshire?

[trw99]

Kihansi

There are a number of people you could consider:

Paul Matty www.paulmattysportscars.co.uk Worcestershire - Well known enthusiastic Elan dealer

Ken & Neil Myers Tel 01604 644982 Northamptonshire - Has a long waiting list, only to original spec

Miles Wilkins www.fibreglassservices.com West Sussex - Wrote the book on twin cams and bodywork

Dominic Le Fanu www.dlfclassiccars.com Suffolk - Susan Miller thinks he does a good job on Elans

Morland Jones www.lotusservice.com W London - Lower profile Elan restorer, does moderns

SMS www.smsautospray.co.uk Lincolnshire - Well known for bodywork and car restoration

I'm sure others on here will chip in with suggestions.

You need to speak to a number of people and get to know and trust them before deciding, especially as you will not be able to regularly call in on them to check on progress/harry them along.

Tim

[gjz30075]

Kihansi, it's a great looking car, as is.

Can you provide a good shot of the wheels?

Thanks,

Greg Z

[trw99]

Greg

See: elan-photos-f18/boys-elan-t15027.html

Tim

[martinbrowning]

Kihansi,

Tim's list is quite comprehensive. I would choose Paul Matty as he can do all the mechanical work and is very close to a good body shop called Option One.They resprayed the shell of my Plus 2 last year - not cheap but an outstanding finish.
Finally, Matty's are only 30 minutes from Birmingham Airport which may help you if you sometimes come back to the UK.

Regards

Martin B

[elansprint71]

Option 1 for the bodywork, no doubt. Matty sends cars to them.

imho, if you have to have a two-colour Sprint, it HAS to be blue.

Car in Cheshire but not a member of the Cheshire Lotus Owners Group?