Price: £0.00 - £49.99, Price: £60.00 and above, Profile: 80 | Lotus Elan Sprint 1970 to 1973

Big-valve version of the practically perfect Elan had bigger arches and slightly wider tyres. Built from 1970 to 1973. Originally fitted with a 155SR13 radial tyre.

The original Lotus Elan arrived in 1962 in fully built or kit forms, with a 100bhp Ford 1499cc DOHC engine, disc brakes all round and all-independent suspension with rack-and-pinion steering. By 1963 the engine size had increased to 1558cc then a year later the Series 2 arrived with larger front brake callipers, a full-width wooden dashboard and single-piece rear light clusters; earlier cars got three separate units.

The Series 3 fixed-head coupé appeared in 1965 with electric windows as standard and an optional close-ratio gearbox. There was also a longer boot lid (to cure leaks) and the battery was now in the boot. The Elan SE (Special Equipment) of 1966 brought a 115bhp engine, a close-ratio gearbox, servo-assisted brakes and centre-lock wheels; the Series 3 convertible arrived at the same time.

In 1968 the Elan Series 4 coupé and convertible arrived, with flared wheelarches and new rear light clusters, a revised fascia (now with rocker switches) and a power bulge in bonnet. The final flourish in 1971 was the Elan Sprint, with a 126bhp big-valve engine, stronger transmission and two-tone paintwork.