$52,000US Elan in Arizona . . . most expensive yet?

[Sea Ranch]

Greetings,

I'm sure many have seen this, some may not.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181524107511?fo ... SS:CA:3160

Beautiful car in original colours (I'm very fond of pistachio green), some flaws and incorrect parts.

Will this sell at $52k US?

I'm thinking I'd want the car to have less than 500 miles on a total/complete restoration and be ready for a concours event if I was paying $52k.

Our cars are going up in value, apparently Thoughts?

Randy

(no association with this car or sale, etc.)

[Tahoe]

Not the most expensive yet. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe an unregistered, original Coupe sold at auction last year for $79k. I might be off on that price, but it was close. I'm sure others will chime in on value/condition. I sort of watch prices, but not close enough to give an opinion.

[KevJ+2]

Randy,
Not too sure about US values but say an exchange rate of $1.60 =?1.00 that's ?32,500
I would say that here In the UK that's about right but over here some wealthy Arab or Russian would pay that just for the Elan 72 plate (now maybe even the Chinese when they're not buying property).
Kev.

[types26/36]

Quote from description.....
"The top half of the engine was recently rebuilt and the carbs were just rebuilt using correct Lotus rebuild kits from JAE."
The correct rebuild kits.?........with SU carbs???
As a matter of interest, I see there are no front side lights (next to the indicators) is that a Federal thing? do they have the sidelights built into the indicator's?

[mark030358]

mines worth $150,000 then...

[Sea Ranch]

Yeah, not sure about the front side marker lights. This car has them on rear sides, and certainly my federal 1970 car has front and rear side marker lights. Don't know about the baby Elans, though.

I thought the dash/facia was incorrect: no gloss finish. Again, not so sure about this model/year.

I would, however, like to see your triple-the-price Elan, Mark!

Randy

[types26/36]

I thought the dash/facia was incorrect: no gloss finish. Again, not so sure about this model/year.I would, however, like to see your triple-the-price Elan, Mark! Randy

I agree that and other things like the horn button and lack of front bumper trim...........
Although I have not seen Marks car in the flesh I can well believe his car is far superior in all respects to that car as I know what type of restoration he does

[types26/36]

$52,000US Elan in Arizona . . . most expensive yet? [/i]

Well here is one that would work out to about $76000
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/ ... 72/2694444

[rgh0]

Quote from description.....
"The top half of the engine was recently rebuilt and the carbs were just rebuilt using correct Lotus rebuild kits from JAE."
The correct rebuild kits.?........with SU carbs???
As a matter of interest, I see there are no front side lights (next to the indicators) is that a Federal thing? do they have the sidelights built into the indicator's?

Well if you keep driving it without an air cleaner it will need a new rebuild very soon !!!!

cheers
Rohan

[trw99]

The US car was for sale at auction last year. I noted the following: "At auction 08.13 Chrome wheels! Sellers description: Understated in metallic gray, it has a black vinyl interior with matching carpets and wood-veneer dashboard. An Alpine stereo has been fitted. The engine compartment and undercarriage are unrestored, but generally clean."

So it has had a refreshment and there is quite a bit wrong with it. Wrong steering wheel, wrong gear knob, wrong front bumpers/fenders, wrong silencer/muffler, wrong carbs etc. The Federal Sprints did not have side lights, hence the blank next to the indicators.

It is not worth the top - for the US - money that is being asked for it. Top money should pay for total originality or at least that what I feel!

Tim

[gjz30075]

I don't see any seatbelts either. My car, 0243K has Kangol retractables, along with a 'Fasten Seatbelt' light on the dash between the glovebox and radio.

Greg Z

[gjz30075]

I don't see any seatbelts either. My car, 0243K has Kangol retractables, along with a 'Fasten Seatbelt' light on the dash between the glovebox and radio.

Greg Z

[Fred Talmadge]

I'll be retired in a few years but hope to have many more years enjoying my Elan. Still it's nice to know I'll be able to sell it and buy some time in a nursing home.

[martinbrowning]

Interesting......By coincidence I was browsing through one of the practical classic type of magazines in the local supermarket last friday. The magazine does a regular piece on cars to watch, based on current market trends. This month focussed on the Elan - they estimate that values have risen by 74% in the last 3 years.

Looking at the ever upward trend of prices, it might just be right. I bought my '72 Sprint 3 years ago straight from a total resto to original specs. Paid top end money (?40K) but at least if all went wrong I could sell it and recover my money - not that I intend to of course!

Cheers

Martin B

[Elan45]

Obviously done by someone not familiar w/ Elan DHC, since the tonneau to cover the stowed hood is installed wrong. You should not see the aluminum trim piece if it were done correctly. I was not aware that the side marker lights were not installed on Federal Sprints. I'll check that one in the parts book.

Roger