1972 elan dhc sprint

[richard sprint]

I bought a dhc elan sprint 4 years ago, the car had been unused and in storage since 1982. The mileage on the clock was just over 21k. However the condition was such that it has required a complete nut and bolt restoration which I started in Feb 2009.

The progress so far has been much slower than I anticipated, however it is now at the stage of complete restoration to the chassis, running gear, engine, gearbox and diff.

I hope to be collecting the body next week from SMS in lincs along with newly rechromed window surrounds, air grille, sun visor arms and windscreen rod.

The reassembly thereafter commences with all fixings either renewed or replated, I will be retaining the original seats but replacing the dash as it has unfortunately delaminated.

Sue Miller is supplying new dash, carpet, rear lamps and a host of new parts.

I became interested in trying to make contact with the two previous owners (the third I knew from purchase) for history and hopefully some photos, by contacting the DVLA I have managed to make contact with the first owner - 38 years have since passed! who still happens to have the original bill of sale and some pics! the second owner has so far been impossible to contact but will keep trying.

I would urge other owners to try and piece together a cars life line as it creates joy between past owners...

I hope to be able to experience the joy of lotus before the Summer is out but have resigned myself that this maybe an ambition too far!

[Elanintheforest]

The end of summer does sound a bit optimistic, Richard, but you didn't mention which year!

It?s really great that you've tracked down the original owner and the bill of sale / early photos. It's lovely to have a full history of the car and to see what it looked like when new...bet you're glad that you kept the original colour now, eh?

I recently bought a Mk 2 Lotus Cortina that the owner thought had little history with it, but when cleaning it out I found a huge box file crammed with old invoices and MOTs and stuff wedged under the front seat...he'd never seen it! So I have details for the owners from 1974 onwards, and need to track down the first one. Could be interesting as it's an 'OO' registration, which was used for the Ford management / press cars of the day. But we'll see.

Do put some pictures up when you have the shell back, eh?

Mark

[pereirac]

SMS did my car about 5 years ago and it's still looking good

Carl

(www.lotuselan.co.uk)

[richard sprint]

Mark

you are right about keeping the colour and since making the decision have given the question no more thought - I cannot wait to get what I believe and hope will be a first class job. the return is slightly ahead of my aim to have all the new or refurbished parts in place as it will be a joy to reassemble without getting my hands dirty! and believe me this was not the case when stripping apart...

I'm also hoping (and slightly sweating) that the engine remains dry and all parts work - the thought of having to correct issues will keep me on tenterhooks until...

I will gladly post some photos when the body is returned - although the stripes and bumpers will be added after final assembly.

Carl

Our cars are twins and wonder how far apart they were on the production line - perhaps we should compare body, engine and chassis no's? Were you happy with the paintwork on your car from SMS?

It was a first class feeling to speak with the original owner, he traded in a series 2 elan for the sprint and bought it in kit form to avoid the purchase or would it be Vat at the time. The car was a second car and he recalled touring Scotland in it with his new (and now old) wife! during his 6 year ownership he had no issues whatsoever and sold it to finance his purchase of a ferrari dino - at some point I hope we will be able to meet up even though its some distance between Hertfordshire and Newcastle upon Tyne...

Regards

Richard