Beschreibung:

To be sold by the order of the Sheriff's Officer of Bedfordshire 1972 LOTUS ELAN S4 SPRINT DROPHEAD COUPE Registration No.: EDF 212L Chassis No.: LR 327 Engine No.: K 18758 Blue over white/gold with black interior Engine: four cylinders, twin overhead camshaft, twin Weber carburettors, 1558cc 126 bhp at 6500rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: fully independent, front by coil springs and wishbones, rear by Chapman strut with wishbones; Brakes: hydraulic four wheel disc with servo. Right hand drive Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus, was one of the most innovative designers in the history of the high-performance automobile and as a Grand Prix driver ranked with the professionals in his Formula One team. In consequence, the road-going sportscars which his company built were usually at the cutting edge of design and possessed wonderfully rewarding handling. His first venture into production cars was the mettlesome Elite of 1957, a technical miracle, not without its problems, but an instant classic. It was followed in 1962 by the delicately beautiful Elan, a more practical proposition, its elegant glassfibre body underpinned by a pressed steel backbone chassis. It was a much more practical, habitable automobile, a commercial success which provided a secure foundation on which Lotus could build and grow as a high performance production car manufacturer. The Elan was progressively developed through the S2 and S3, until in 1968 came the final development, the very capable Elan S4 Sprint with 'big valve' 226 bhp version of the Lotus twin cam engine. By now, build quality matched the type's looks and specification, and the Elan took its place as one of the most desirable cars of the period. Light, compact and wind-cheating, the Elan S4 Sprint offered a maximum speed of some 120 mph, handling beyond the dreams of most of its competitors and had a notably frugal thirst. They are generally the most sought after of the 'first generation' Lotus road-going cars. This finely presented example is offered in good original condition after an extensive restoration to original specification. It was given a new chassis eight years ago and the body has been repainted to a good standard. The engine was rebuilt by a leading specialist about 500 miles ago. The car is offered with a current MoT certificate. With its comfortable ride, snug hood and rigid framed windows winding into the doors, the Elan drophead should provide the successful new owner with its uniquely elegant long distance touring car which would be enthusiastically welcomed at club events. ITHOUT RESERVE