1971→1973 Lotus Elan Sprint FHC
In 1971 Lotus released the Sprint as the ultimate Elan. It used the big-valve cylinder head in conjunction with striking paint schemes that celebrated the success of Lotus Players F1. The Sprint followed four series of Lotus Elans that were a major commercial success for Lotus. At the 1970 Earls Court Motor Show Lotus announces the Sprint model
Key to the Sprint was the big valve engine which produced 126 bhp thanks to its D camshaft and 10.3:1 compression. This was developed by Tony Rudd in only 10 days. The Sprint also came with all the S/E features such as knock-off wheels (painted black), inertial-reel seat belts, servo-assisted brakes, nylon-pile carpets and a leather-covered steering wheel.
Many Sprints were imported to the United States as ‘Federal’ cars. These used Stromberg carburettors instead of Webers which necessitated a large power bulge on the hood.
Related: Lotus Race Car List / Lotus Current Lineup / All Lotus Models / Lotus News
Most sprints came with the Gold Lacquer bumpers. Standard colors were Cirrus White, Carnival Red, Pistachio Lime Green, Colorado Orange, Maroon, Metallic Lagoon Blue, Metallic Ford Tawny and Lotus Yellow.
Corresponding with the Lotus F1 Championship win in 1972, a redesigned badge was fitted from November 1972 onwards.
Specs & Performance
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1971 – 1973 |
| released at | 1970 Earls Court Motor Show |
| built at | Hethel, England |
| engine | Lotus 2731E Inline-4 |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| ignition | Lucas 25D4 Distributor |
| block material | Cast-Iron w/Aluminum Cylinder Head |
| valvetrain | Chain Driven DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Weber 40 DCOE 31 Carburettors |
| displacement | 1558 cc / 95.07 in³ |
| bore | 82.6 mm / 3.3 in |
| stroke | 72.8 mm / 2.9 in |
| compression | 10.3:1 |
| engine designer | Tony Rudd |
| power | 94.0 kw / 126 bhp @ 6500 rpm |
| specific output | 80.87 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 177.97 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 153.2 nm / 113 ft lbs @ 5500 rpm |
| redline | 6500 |
| body / frame | Monocoque Fiberglass Body over Pressed Steel Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Knock-off Steel Discs |
| front tires | 155×13 |
| rear tires | 155×13 |
| front brakes | Girling Discs |
| rear brakes | Girling Discs |
| front wheels | F 33.0 x 11.4 cm / 13 x 4.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 33.0 x 11.4 cm / 13 x 4.5 in |
| steering | Triumph Rack & Pinion |
| f suspension | Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Anti-Sway Bar |
| r suspension | Half Shafts w/Lateral Link, Coil Springs, Anti-Sway Bar |
| curb weight | 708 kg / 1560 lbs |
| weight distro | 48 % / 52 % |
| wheelbase | 2133 mm / 84 in |
| front track | 1193 mm / 47 in |
| rear track | 1193 mm / 47 in |
| length | 3683 mm / 145 in |
| width | 1422 mm / 56 in |
| height | 1168 mm / 46 in |
| transmission | Ford 4-Speed Manual |
| tran clutch | 8.5-Inch Dry Plate |
| gear ratios | 2.972:1, 2.010:1, 1.397:1, 1.000:1 |
| top speed | ~194.69 kph / 121 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~6.5 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~19 seconds |
| fuel capacity | 45.42 litres or 12 gal |
Lotus Elan Sprint Prices
1973 Lotus Elan Sprint Coupe – sold for $88,000. Matching-Numbers Example. One of Only 25 Sprint Coupes Built for the North American Market. Approximately 6,000 Miles from New. The Last Lotus Elan Sprint Delivered to Lind Bros. Motors in Waterloo, Iowa. Retained by the Original Dealer for 40 years. Accompanied by Bill of Sale, Original MSO, Window Sticker, Tools, and Manuals. Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
