Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Dear Elan owners,

I am new to this forum and would need some information regarding a Lotus
Elan. I inherited a "Sprint 5" from my dad, and whilst I 've always been
a fan of Lotus cars, I do not have a clue about this particular model. It is very hard
to find any information about it on the net. I know that the car is quite rare, but could
anyone of you please tell me something more about it (general technical specifications,
year built, etc.). Is it true that only a few hundred of those cars were built ?

Thank you very much in advance !

Best regards & greetings from Austria,

Berny

Berny,
There was a thread regarding "Sprint 5's" a while ago on this forum, use the search to locate it in the archives. Put in "sprint 5 speed" to find it. From what I know it is indeed a rare car and only the very last cars had this option..........you lucky man!
Regards Brian.

Berny, I have had a scan through an old Elan book by Graham Arnold, former Lotus Sales Director at the time of the Elan and he remarks that the very last few Sprints were fitted with a 5-speed box (same as went into the Elan Plus 2 S130-5). He writes that this was done for "probably five only". So if he is right, yours might be one of 5 cars with the 5-speed box. Trouble is, Lotus record-keeping was poor so nobody can be very certain. Either way, a nice car to have. What sort of condition is it in?
Matt

Thank you very much for your replies !
The badge on the car says "SPRINT 5", although it only has a four speed gearbox.
I had a look at this thread ...

<a href='http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=490&st=0&#entry1781' target='_blank'>Sprint 5</a>

Am I right to say that the "SPRINT 5" series was the last one Lotus made ? But only the last
three or five cars were equippend with a five speed gearbox. Hmm, that's interesting.
What exactly are DHC and FHC numbers ? Where are they located ?

@ Matt7c:

The car's condition is good. The exteriors are fine, only the dashboard shows some signs
of wear (with small cracks in the wood). But then again: It's a classic car and - in my
opinion - has to show it's age (at least a little bit). Please do not get me wrong: I take
great care of it - it's a new member of my family

Any idea what the chassis number is? That might give a clue as to whether or not it was one of the 5 speed cars.