1971 Elan Sprint Project North Carolina USA

[alan.barker]

I thought one deciding feature is the Flange under the back of the Body.
Alan

[pharriso]

I thought one deciding feature is the Flange under the back of the Body.
Alan

No... there were multiple sets of molds... here is a picture of 2 Sprints at the 60th anniversary at Hethel recently, both well known & verified Sprints, one with the flange, one without:

With Flange & Flangeless...

[alan.barker]

A great shame they didn't have multi moulds for the Doors with a better fit lol
Alan

[alan.barker]

So as i understand all cars with the flange are Sprints. Some cars without the flange were converted to Sprint spec by Factory or were Sprints without the Flange.
But things with Lotus are never 100% for example i have a Sprint with 100% known history but it doesn't have a Chapman signed Steering Wheel.
Alan

[trw99]

Anomalies, dear boy, anomalies!

I sense most of us with at least a passing interest in Lotus history understand that at the time Elans were made Lotus were an even smaller car manufacturer than they are today, that any sense of historical accuracy in record keeping or Germanic sense of order in manufacture or parts introduction was cursory.

We know we can never be definitive about many aspects of Elans. But that does not stop us enjoying them, whether through restoration, showing, modification or most importantly, driving these wonderful cars.

Tim

[alan.barker]

Hi Tim,
I think that's why we like them always something to chat about.
Have fun with your Sprint lol
Alan

[TBG]

Tim, has yours got the hanging down dirty knickers flange? If I had one I would cut it off as it is not attractive. Hoewever owning the Queen of the Elan family - to whit an S3SE dhc I don't have that problem.

If any one reads this nonsense I would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a truly spiffing New Year. We could all do with it. As ever, D

[trw99]

David, no, no flange on mine, as it happens. See photo above, mine is the yellow DHC, the tawny FHC is Jim Estall's.

There are four months between our cars. It depends on the mould in use at the time the body was laid up during production.

I have to agree that the flange is something of a bump on an otherwise attractive rear!

I first raised this issue here: viewtopic.php?f=19&t=17272

Tim

[TBG]

Tim - as you know I am an old sailor of sorts so "otherwise attractive rear!" is quite heart warming.........D

[alan.barker]

MMM15L NOV 1972 and OCN40L MARCH 1973.
Alan

[trw99]

MMM 15L produced in Oct 72, registered Nov 72; OCN 40L produced Feb 73, registered Mar 73.

Both in original paint from the factory and both on original chassis and engines.

Tim

[pharriso]

My Federal car was made in February 1972 & has the flange…

Back to the original topic, anyone showing any interest in buying & restoring this car?

[EdT]

The Car is sold...thank you to all for the great information that was offered, and thank you Lotuselan.net for the space to find this great car a new home!

[SENC]

Congratulations!

[pharriso]

Can you or the new owner tell us where the car is going?