The Lotus Elan Sprint was the final and most developed version of the original two-seat Elan. Introduced in 1970 and produced through 1973, the Sprint combined all of the lessons learned during eight years of Elan development with a significantly more powerful “Big Valve” version of the Lotus Twin Cam engine. It represented the ultimate expression of Colin Chapman’s lightweight sports car philosophy and is widely regarded as the pinnacle of two-seat Elan production.
Although mechanically derived from the Series 4, Lotus marketed the Sprint as a distinct model rather than simply another evolution of the S4. The introduction of the Big Valve engine, strengthened drivetrain, revised styling, and iconic Gold Leaf-inspired color scheme created a car that was both visually distinctive and substantially improved in performance.
Available in both Fixed Head Coupé (Type 36) and Drop Head Coupé (Type 45) forms, the Sprint became the final chapter in the story of the original Elan before production ended in 1973.
History
The Sprint was born during a difficult period for Lotus. By 1970, sales of the Series 4 Elan had begun to decline, and contemporary road tests suggested that newer competitors were beginning to challenge the Elan’s dominance. Lotus management recognized the need to revitalize the model while capitalizing on the company’s success in Formula One.
During the summer of 1970, Sales Director Graham Arnold proposed a special version of the Elan inspired by the red, white, and gold colors associated with Team Lotus and its Gold Leaf sponsorship. Early concept cars were produced using existing Series 4 mechanical specifications but featured dramatic new paint schemes intended to attract attention at motor shows and dealerships.
The project quickly evolved beyond cosmetic changes. Colin Chapman tasked Engineering Director Tony Rudd with developing a more powerful version of the Lotus Twin Cam engine. Working under a compressed schedule, Rudd created what became known as the Big Valve engine. The revised powerplant featured larger inlet valves, increased compression, improved porting, and revised camshaft specifications.
The Sprint was officially announced at the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1970. However, the fully developed Big Valve version was not ready for immediate production. The Sprint was effectively relaunched in February 1971 when the final engine specification became available and full production commenced at Hethel.
Lotus intended the Sprint to be more than a cosmetic package. The company viewed it as a separate model that represented the final evolution of the Elan concept. Contemporary factory publications, marketing material, and engineering changes all support the view that the Sprint was conceived as the successor to the Series 4 rather than merely a trim package.
Production Notes
Sprint production began in January 1971 and continued until March 1973, although dealer inventories remained available into the summer of 1973.
Production records are incomplete because many factory records were destroyed in a flood during the late 1970s. However, contemporary Lotus publications and later research generally support a total production figure of approximately 1,353 cars.
Production Summary
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Lotus Elan Sprint |
| Production Years | 1971–1973 |
| Body Styles | FHC and DHC |
| Type Numbers | 36 and 45 |
| Estimated Production | 1,353 |
| Engine | Lotus Twin Cam Big Valve |
| Power Output | 126 bhp net |
Production Milestones
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Summer 1970 | Sprint concept cars created |
| October 1970 | Sprint announced at Earls Court |
| January 1971 | Production begins at Hethel |
| February 1971 | Full Sprint relaunch with Big Valve engine |
| July 1972 | Decision made to cease production |
| March 6, 1973 | Final Sprint produced |
| August 1973 | Remaining dealer stock exhausted |
The final Sprint produced was reportedly a maroon Drop Head Coupé sold to a customer in Portugal.
Unit Numbers
The Sprint continued the Lotus unit numbering system introduced during the Series 4 era.
Type Numbers
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Type 36 | Fixed Head Coupé |
| Type 45 | Drop Head Coupé |
VIN Format
Beginning in 1970, Lotus adopted a format consisting of:
| Segment | Meaning |
|---|---|
| YY | Year |
| MM | Month |
| BB | Batch Number |
| UUUU | Unit Number |
| T | Type Code |
Example: 7002030004G
Sprint Type Codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| E | UK FHC Sprint |
| F | Export FHC Sprint |
| G | UK DHC Sprint |
| H | Export DHC Sprint |
| J | Federal FHC Sprint |
| K | Federal DHC Sprint |
Federal Fixed Head Coupés were particularly rare, with only a small number known to have been produced.
Engines
The defining feature of the Sprint was the introduction of the Big Valve Twin Cam engine.
Tony Rudd’s development work focused on extracting additional performance while maintaining reliability and drivability. Larger inlet valves, revised porting, increased compression ratio, and modified camshafts produced a substantial increase in power over the Series 4.
While early marketing material quoted 135 bhp, this figure represented a gross measurement. The final production specification was rated at 126 bhp net at 6,500 rpm with torque peaking at 113 lb-ft.
The Big Valve engine transformed the character of the Elan. Contemporary road tests consistently reported stronger acceleration, improved flexibility, and noticeably greater high-speed performance compared with the Series 4.
Engine Summary
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,558 cc |
| Configuration | Twin Cam |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Power | 126 bhp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 113 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm |
| Carburetors | Weber, Dellorto, or Stromberg depending on market |
Carburetor Evolution
| Period | Carburetor |
|---|---|
| Launch | Weber 40 DCOE |
| Mid-1972 onward | Dellorto DHLA 40 |
| Federal Cars | Zenith-Stromberg |
The Big Valve engine became one of the most famous and desirable versions of the Lotus Twin Cam family.
Options
Although better equipped than earlier Elans, the Sprint continued Lotus’s tradition of allowing customers to tailor specifications.
Standard Sprint Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Big Valve Engine | Standard equipment |
| Gold Leaf Style Paint Scheme | Standard on most cars |
| Strengthened Differential Mounting | Improved durability |
| Hazard Warning Lights | New feature |
| Heated Rear Screen (FHC) | Standard fitment |
| Improved Driveline Components | Strengthened Rotoflex system |
| Semi-Gloss Black Wheels | Sprint-specific finish |
| Gold-Lacquer Bumpers | Sprint styling feature |
Optional Equipment
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Single-Color Paint | Alternative to two-tone scheme |
| 3.55 Differential | Touring specification |
| Tinted Glass | Available |
| Radio | Dealer-installed option |
| Tonneau Cover | DHC option |
| Heated Rear Screen | Additional configurations |
| Metallic Paint | Extra-cost option |
Late-production Sprint/5 models offered an optional five-speed gearbox, although very few examples were produced before the end of Elan production.
Performance Data
The Sprint delivered the strongest performance of any production two-seat Elan.
Contemporary Road Tests
| Source | Date | 0–60 mph | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autosport | March 1971 | 6.2 sec | 121 mph |
| Motor | March 1971 | 6.7 sec | 121 mph |
| Car | June 1971 | 6.6 sec | 122 mph |
| Autocar | June 1971 | 7.0 sec | 118 mph |
| Car | October 1972 | 6.6 sec | 123 mph |
Motor Road Test Results
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 0–30 mph | 2.5 sec |
| 0–40 mph | 3.6 sec |
| 0–50 mph | 5.4 sec |
| 0–60 mph | 6.7 sec |
| 0–70 mph | 9.4 sec |
| 0–80 mph | 12.0 sec |
Differential Options
| Ratio | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 3.55:1 | High-speed touring |
| 3.77:1 | Balanced performance |
| 3.90:1 | Maximum acceleration |
Lotus promoted the 3.55 ratio as capable of sustaining very high cruising speeds while still offering top speeds exceeding 125 mph.
Technical Data
General Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 84 in |
| Length | 145 in |
| Width | 56 in |
| Height (FHC) | 46.5 in |
| Height (DHC) | 45.5 in |
| Ground Clearance | 6 in |
| Turning Circle | 33 ft 6 in |
Weight Summary
| Model | Weight |
|---|---|
| Sprint FHC | 1,550 lb |
| Sprint DHC | 1,540 lb |
Capacities
| Item | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Fuel Tank | 9¼ gallons |
| Engine Oil | 7½ pints |
| Gearbox Oil | 1¾ pints |
| Differential Oil | 2 pints |
| Cooling System | 14 pints |
Identification Features
| Feature | Sprint Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Paint Scheme | Gold Leaf-inspired two-tone finish |
| Badging | Elan Sprint identification |
| Wheels | Semi-gloss black with trim rings |
| Bonnet | Flat bonnet on most production cars |
| Differential Brace | Unique Sprint chassis feature |
| Big Valve Cam Cover | Sprint engine identifier |
| Gold Bumpers | Sprint-only appearance feature |
These details distinguish genuine Sprint models from earlier Series 4 cars and later conversions.
Library Items
Advertisements
See all Lotus Elan Advertisements
Brochures
See all Lotus Elan Brochures
Magazines
See all Lotus Elan Magazine Articles
Memorabilia
See all Lotus Elan Memorabilia