Sprint 5 value vs “normal” Sprints

[MenBret]

Hello,
We’ll probably never know the exact number of Sprint5 really built (even though Tim’s page on this topic gives a clue http://www.lotuselansprint.com/index.asp?pageid=41830), but it it is usually considered that because of its rarity it calls a premium price compared to “normal” 4gear Sprints.
Can you please share your thoughts about the added value (%) on the market for those rare models?
Thanks in advance!
Cheers
Vincent

[Mazzini]

You can always ask the seller https://www.classic-trader.com/uk/cars/ ... 973/202914

[661]

Was the 5 speed box an option or were all the 'very last' cars fitted with one?

[pharriso]

You can always ask the seller https://www.classic-trader.com/uk/cars/ ... 973/202914

I communicated with the owner last year, was asking 65,000 Euros.

[pharriso]

Was the 5 speed box an option or were all the 'very last' cars fitted with one?

It was listed as optional.

[Bill]

Phil

My Federal Sprint Coupe has 2 build tags

Typical Engine room; - Unit # 7100000035j
Engine # T/24123
Type 36

Door Frame Manufacturers tag
- Manufacture date 12/71
Vehicle ID +0035/J

It looks as if this is one of the redone S4's, when I bought it there was no engine or transmission so I have no idea if it was a 5 speed. It came with a Duratec engine and I have a spare 4 speed tranny to use. that is of course if I can find a supplier of an exhaust header that will get past the left hand drive steering shaft, Or I could fall back to installing my spare Twink.

It also has a Wabasto (spelling?) sun roof which I believe was installed by the US importer.

Bill

[MenBret]

You can always ask the seller https://www.classic-trader.com/uk/cars/ ... 973/202914

I communicated with the owner last year, was asking 65,000 Euros.

Hello
Do you think this price difference makes sense?
Cheers
Vincent

[samplomp]

Phil

My Federal Sprint Coupe has 2 build tags

Typical Engine room; - Unit # 7100000035j
Engine # T/24123
Type 36

Door Frame Manufacturers tag
- Manufacture date 12/71
Vehicle ID +0035/J

It looks as if this is one of the redone S4's, when I bought it there was no engine or transmission so I have no idea if it was a 5 speed. It came with a Duratec engine and I have a spare 4 speed tranny to use. that is of course if I can find a supplier of an exhaust header that will get past the left hand drive steering shaft, Or I could fall back to installing my spare Twink.

It also has a Wabasto (spelling?) sun roof which I believe was installed by the US importer.

Bill

Hi Bill,

It's a Webasto sunroof, also see: https://www.webasto-group.com/en/the-company/history/

[trw99]

Bill,

You have a retrofred Sprint. See my article below. No Lotus 5 speed gearboxes were fitted to Federal Elans or Plus 2S 130s by the factory production line.

Tim

[Spyder fan]

Monetary value or desirability value?

The 4 speed gearbox is described as really nice to use, the 5 speed is described as ________________?

I can’t see there being a lot of monetary difference between equal condition cars, personally I would prefer a 4 speed over a 5 speed

[Bill]

Allen

4 speed is my preference as well, on this tight little rock, Vancouver's Island, there are no extended high speed motorways but a myriad of twistys through the forested boon docks.

As well, after almost 58 years of driving my 1600 (26/0538) I am too used to and happy with the snick, snick, snick of the 4 speed box.

Happy Lotusing Gents!

Bill

[andyj007]

the 4 speed better for the sunday enthusiastic drives, not sure id personally pay more for a 5 speed like for like over a 4 speed. but would not rule it out if the car I wanted had it fitted. the 4 speed is regarded as a better box for feel and use.. but then for log journeys it could be a godsend
are you able to drive both versions back to back?

[Verve]

Having owned both .... I think both gearbox`s are good ( if they are in good condition ! ) ... but the rarer 5 speed with it`s alloy bellhousing is more valuable & when fitted to an Elan Sprint ( especially from new ) , makes for a very desirable & ultra rare car ... hence would command a premium in value , in my humble opinion .

Paul .

[rgh0]

Lotus 5 speed gearbox in a non original earlier 4 speed car is worth around A$2000 - A$3000 if you can find one as that whats the conversion will cost. In one of the last few Elans where it was original its worth more as the cars are very rare and people will pay for that

cheers
Rohan

[nmauduit]

From a practical viewpoint I've installed a Lotus 5 speed in my '68 s4se to be able to travel long distance at a bearable noise level (~3600 rpm @ 130km/h), while keeping a 3.77:1 diff which retains the natural livelihood of the elan for track days using up to 4th gear only. I still hope to improve the operation (esp. 5th disengagement), but for short distance use exclusively I would not bother. Also, in comparison to alternate modern adaptations this is 100% period correct and reversible. As for the cost of the swap in Europe, in reply to Rohan's post I certainly did not manage to do it for less than 3000 euros (and this was several years ago), even doing most of the work myself.