Lotus Elan Sprint 30-year review. Why the Elan Sprint is one of the greatest sports cars of all time
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- Опубликовано: 1 авг 2024
- The Lotus Elan Sprint was one of the fastest accelerating cars to 60mph on sale in the UK when it was launched back in 1971 but what's it like to drive today and what have I learnt about Elans from owning one for the past nearly 38 years? Find out here:
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One of my favourite cars and it demonstrates exactly what’s wrong with modern performance cars
couldn't agree more.
100%. Nothing beats size, weight and feel.
Atleast it wasn’t designed around the nürburgring
@@s.kxx1956 I would bet it would be great fun around there. Especially in the twisty bits.
I have a similar car, yet it's completely different. I drive an AX GT. 680kg, 4seats(more like 2+2) a roof and a boot. 13" wheels with 165 tires. Granted, a little down on power to the Elan, but still faster than an Escort RS Cosworth ( only 2 tenths of a second but still...). But the way it drives and feels and sounds is just fantastic. Every one that has driven it always says it reminds them of the Elan. Very direct steering, instant throttle response and the carb makes a fantastic sound once over 4000rpm. Also, because of the small size it's fantastic on small single lane roads. Anyone who wants to feel what a really light car feels like has to drive one of these two. In my opinion, these are two (Elan and AX GT) of the most fun cars to drive ever made. Ok, the Elan is a lot prettier!
I really do find these classic cars more interesting than modern hypercars: cheap, fun and you can use the performance on the road.
Exaclty, where and how are you going to deploy your 1000+ hp on the road? And I doubt most with those hypercars have the desire to go tracking
Could not agree more !
Agree👍
Only if there is a electronic fuel injection 2 .. perfect for daily.
"...classic cars more interesting than modern hypercars: cheap, fun and..." Fun, yes. Cheap - no more.
@@robertharris7027 35-40k or the price of a mid range Peugeot 308, Golf, Renault Megane...etc and it won't loose it's value
I was lucky enough to drive an Elan Sprint at an auto test at an airfield in Oxfordshire. I was absolutely blown away with how quick and agile it was. There was about 20 different cars on the day ranging from modern Cooper S's to full fat 992.911's. To my surprise only a couple of track cars (trailered to the venue) (and the fastest of the 911's) were quicker on a tight 2 min course. It was incredible. I can't believe you don't see more on the road, as surely every petrol head needs to experience the purity of this little Lotus. I've been in a few decent cars, and very few put such a big smile on my face. Modern fast cars just don't compare for thrills.
I imagine you don't see many because they're worth a lot of money and bought by people as an investment rather than a thing of beauty to do what they do best- drive.
Lovely, swell, great!!! Fiat 124 Sport Spiders are 925 kilos, integral body construction, and allows turbo or compressor to be installed, within the model specification.
@@cliveadams7629 few in the classifieds for approx £25-30k, but I suspect Harry's fully sorted is more like £50k. So in essence I agree you're right Clive.
@@jamesbingham1081 but a car you could happily spend money on I guess. Maybe next year...
What a great little car!!! The "snickt" sound of those gear changes is incredible! Thanks, Harry!
I bought an all orange Elan Sprint in '72. It took me 8 days to build, 3 days trying to compress the rear springs to fit in. Eventually I loaded the boot with bricks whilst jacking in the springs.
Driving it was a dream, it was like it was on rails sticking to the road. Wish I still had it!
Who can forget Emma Peel ( Diana Rigg ) sprinting around in her Silver Lotus Elan, in the mid sixties, chasing or being chased by the bad guys in those wonderful episodes of The Avengers.
Harry gets to drive the most bonkers hypercars whenever he wants, here he is, madly in love with the tiny Elan, that's what I call an insider.
What a fabulous review; nobody does it better! A million times better than those Top Gear efforts where the only thing they can do is trash a set of tyres in five minutes.
Not watched TG in years, and Grand Tour, Clarkson etc smash nice old cars to death for a laugh.
@@Markycarandbikestuff Someone in the comments section on one of Harry's videos once described Top Gear as "an entertainment show for tw*ts", I chuckled and then agreed, a fair assessment.
The BBC for you. Overpaid, overhyped.
they’re all good
Yeah but could Harry play conkers with caravans?! That's real automotive journalism!
669kg! Wet! The comparison pics with the Yaris tell a huge story on their own. Thanks for sharing it.
Oh to have my 1969 S4 again!!!
Enjoyed it from 1976-88’.
Totaled twice by friends and always came back to life.
This is why I drive my 99’ Miata to this day.
How does the Miata compare?
@@Petrospect as nimble as the Miata is the Lotus was far lighter and more fun, but I love my Miata.
License plate seen on an Elan: “63 MIATA”.
My first ride in an Elan back in the '60s remains etched in my mind. Nothing since has ever made such an impression. These days I potter about in an M3, which is fun, but nothing like the quantum leap of that Elan.
There was a reason why Mazda used the Elan as an example of the perfect roadster when they developed the MX-5.
I have an MX-5 because I can't afford an Elan 😀
@@1justgo my wife has an MX-5 because I’m not a tinkerer. Get in press start and away it goes, heated seats, effective heater and reliable….
She wouldn’t swap it for the world and neither would I.
@@PhilbyFavourites unnecessary info. Thanks though.
@@mattmorris2867 unnecessary comment, but thanks anyway.🙄🙄
@@PhilbyFavourites me too, the Elan is lovely but I like to drive cars not tinker with them so bought the Elan that works, the MX5.
I think this may just be my favorite car of your entire garage. It's just wonderful in it's own right and there's the added story of you putting it together in the first place.
I love how you can effortlessly turn the wheel at 4:38 with the car stationary and with no power steering to help. Takes me back to my Austin/Rover Mini days. Lightness and compactness, unlike today. Another great video Harry, many thanks.
Those ABS-Airbag-crash-test people with their life-numbing addiction to their concept of "passive safety" will never understand what makes an eldery Chapman-Lotus or a well behaved while potent motorcycle the better ride, not only in terms of "active safety".
I believe the steering rack was same as used in the Triumph Herald...?
@@paulluce2557 Yep, front uprights and brake callipers too.
@@paulluce2557 Yes & Spitfire, though there were some spacers/stops added to reduce the insane angle that it could originally turn to. Brakes from the GT6.
When my Europa is in my garage (smooth surface), I can turn the wheels by grabbing one front tire and rotating it left and right!
What a great way to share the enthusiasm of this terrific little car.
It is like a good motorcycle. Zero weight. Lots of power and handling. Nothing to save you in a crash. Just pure driver joy.
The sound of the gearchange, and that "sizzle" took me back 40 years to when my best friend an an orange and white coupe Sprint. We were both primarily into bikes (Ducatis), but a year or so later, when I met the lady who was to become my wife and found she was terrified of riding pillion on a Ducati 900 MHR, I needed to buy a car. I wanted an Elan, but couldn't afford that and the Ducati, so the compromise was a Ginetta G15 with a 998 engine. Not in the same class as the Elan, but still a lot of fun.
Dianna Rigg in Lotus Elan - my idea of heaven.
Put simply, that's what a sports car should be all about. I haven't had the chance to sample an Elan, as these cars are very rare here in Italy, but your video already shows how much fun it is. Now I want one myself, that's for sure :)
Ageing really well from a style perspective. As beautiful now as it was on release. Lovely!
Constructed by a genius! It's really fun to watch this car driven on wonderful britsh countryside roads. Thanks for sharing.
Back in late 60s this is the car (never owned a one) that made me into a petrolhead...a green version with dayglo orange bumper came through a road that ran through our farm in co durham you could hear it for miles up and down gears and the noise ....happy days🥰
That would have been the BRM tweaked Elan, which are highly prized today. Had similar power to mine at circa 135bhp. Nice spot!
Respect to the camera man for managing to keep Harry and the car fully in frame when doing the walk around - some height difference there!
Superb, Harry, one of the greatest sportscars of all time! I drove my brother's Sprint around Donington GP circuit flat out in 1994...it really shifted! 😱
A lot of people who make videos about well anything should watch this one and take notes. This gentleman knows from real first hand experience his subject matter. I know not everyone can acquire fifty years of experience before making a video. But it is a bonus when they do.
What a car! Lotus at it's 60's best! I love the small mods you've done to make the car pin sharp. Excellent video.
Loved my Lotus Elan Sprint! Its only archilles heel was those bloody rotten rubber donuts driveshafts!! Thanks to technology we have replacement solid driveshaft ones now!! Nice one Harry!
I remember my jaw hitting my chest when one shot off the line at a LDC sprint at Wellesbourne. As he hit second gear the driver's side donut failed and by the time he'd stopped half of the boot floor and inner wheelarch had been totally mullered by the flailing drive shaft. That was when my mate told his mom she was getting UJs on her Plus 2
Love hearing all the mechanical bits and whatever else wants to be heard.
You are the most proper car guy on RUclips. Unadulterated petrolhead. Respect.
Thank you so much Harry for this absolute gem of a review giving one a sense of how it is to own one of these brilliant little cars. I grew up with my Dad's 71 S4 Elan FHC and have had my 69 S4 DHC for 4 yrs-I second everything Harry described much more eloquently than I could have. The feel of a Lotus is unique and once these cars get under your skin, nothing else will do. We have been having very cold days in Virginia recently and I haven't driven my car for 2 weeks and was unable to start it this am- cranked over but didn't really fire. Checked several things as one does, changed the plugs and put in a new rotor- put the battery on a charger for a couple of hours while I watched Harry's video. Came out to the garage and she started right up! Harry the magician with the timely video to get me going. As an aside I am replacing the battery-even though its a strong one it is about 8yrs old so its time. Cheers Harry-absolutely love this channel with the best, most intelligent reviews from the ultimate enthusiast.
Colin Chapman’s maxim of “Simplicate and add more lightness” shines!
How refreshing to revisit and compare with the bloated cars of today.
Brings back some great memories. A young man working at a Lotus Garage in Ramstein Germany. These things were just a blast to drive. Not that easy to work on, fragility was an issue. Customers could be interesting. I suspected one fellow was always high on drugs. 1970-1971,
Love the mechanical rifle bolt gearchange, had the same in my Elite, lacking in modern sports cars and a thing we will never see again.
The feel of the gear-change in both the Elan and the Elite is very special. So mechanical, I couldn't bring myself to say rife bolt in the video as it's too much of a cliche! Yet it's still the best way to describe how it feels. Damn..
@@harrysgarage And in the Elite it's just as good with the ZF or the MGA 'box.
Thank you Harry. A fantastic video. I have owned my Elan Sprint since March 1985. Your video shows exactly why I still own my wonderful Elan.
Great video Harry, you bring to life just how exciting a car it is. And you can actually use it as intended on the road, unlike today's 500+bhp computers. Love the way the rev counter flaps around when you're pressing on - classic Lotus!
That rev counter is just like my '69 911 :)
I can only assume the bouncing tachometer is the result of fitting electronic ignition to the car. Am I right Harry?
Thank Goodness it was Cold so we can See the the car with the Top Up!
It looks great!
Most people on these channels Think because the car is a convertible; the Top MUST be down/off!
I for one, love driving with the Top Up and the Windows Down!
I love the Look and Feel of the canvas!
Thanks Harry.
Namaste!!!!
I experienced the joy of owning an Elise a few years ago such an involving car; an adventure in every drive. I recently purchased a Mazda ND 1,500, the last brand new one in Australia I'm told, sadly now discontinued I thoroughly enjoy it and have to say while it is different from my Elise in certain ways, it's thrilling to drive. I would have an Elan in a heartbeat.
What a little beast that car is! The way it eats up the road even in the wet is unreal, even more so if you come to think how narrow those tires are. Also, the fact that is faster to 60 than something with 3 times the amount of cylinders is incredible! Really nice car and review, I think is one the best reviews I have seen.
He has a great way of telling the story. Reminds me of my dad; passionate about cars and their engineering. Harry tells it as it is; no-nonsense.
That little Lotus Elan shows me how pure and lovely a small and light car can be. The essence of a sportscar. Thank you Colin. And thanks to you Harry. Enjoyed this one.
I bought my Elan S4 in 1980 and I still enjoy restoring, maintaining, and driving it. My son wants to be the next owner. :)
What a beautiful little machine! I love it when you can hear everything!
Brilliant stuff Harry, thank you. Two pictures on my bedroom wall in 1969. The fold out Lotus sales leaflet with the Elan on it which I got when my dad took me to the Motor show and Diana Rigg as Emma Peel. These were the two loves of my life aged 11. It seems a lifetime away now.
When I was 17, I got to drive an Elan Sprint on the roads around Mid-Ohio. Consequently, I now own an NA Miata... Not the same, but as close as one can get at the moment.
10 seconds slower 0 to a 100, I think you'll need to V8 swap it just to even get close, hell even the new one is a good 3 seconds slower than it lol
Thanks for sharing this.....the closest to understanding an Elan without actually seeing one or getting in one. The images of it next to the Yaris really explain its size so well. I'd click 10 likes if I could.
Nice car. Makes me glad to own my '97 Miata.
Many years back there was a Cosworth BDA powered kevlar bodied Lotus Elan race car in Western Australia.
An absolute weapon, I remember it starting a race from the back of the starting grid of about 20 cars only to be in front in about 3 laps, before starting to lap the back markers. A trip to the drag strip netted a flat 11 second quarter mile. Awesomeness.
I've got the Japanese copycat of this car and I can now see why there's so much hype about lightweight British roadsters. If I were trying to convert someone to a gearhead, a car like the Elan is what I would have them drive. This thing must have melted faces back in the day with its acceleration and handling combined with the open-air experience. Beautiful machine.
Of all the cars in his garage and all the cars he tests, this is the one I’d pick
Having been a child of the E-type and currently owning a concourse XK 4.2 convertible I must say that I would love and have always loved the lotus elan, take my hat off Harry, I salute you with a dram in hand, I am a Chapman and proud 👌👍
Fanstastic car, fantastic episode. And you know what? I don't think I've ever seen Harry happier driving one of his cars. Good lord though - the picture with the Elan and Yaris from the rear, were it a thumbnail for the video you'd think it was a clickbait photoshop job.
This is all you need to enjoy the UK's roads.....so pure, so alive, so perfect.
You can keep your supercars, this is pure motoring. Best of all, it actually fits our country roads!
Harry, when you stand next to it , (being tall), it looks like a pedal car, and yet you have plenty of room in it.
700 kilos is crazy light, but throws into perspective how much of an achievement the current 4th gen MX-5 is- just over 1058 kilos in soft top form and still meets modern regulations.
No question, the ND & A110 are incredible achievements in light weight. Instant classics.
I always look at MX-5s and think, there’s a formula that’s still working yet they still manage to pack it with all the tech you need. Strangely never driven one but can imagine I’d love it.
@@NickG24 Oh yeah, plus in an MX5 you can brace yourself on the windshield when you get into it and it doesn't bend - bonus! I mean I'd love an Elan, I really would, but jesus I wouldn't want to be in one in an accident. I've seen 30 year old MX-5s with no roll bar end up on their back and the windshield frame actually hold the weight of the car and saved the driver. I still added a roll bar though, but I don't think she'd have fared so well in an Elan.
The new kei sports cars are only 40kg heavier
The heaviest trim of the new honda N one rs is 10kg lighter
350 kilos is a big difference it like having four big men in a cars. Performance will suffer badly with only 120 bhp. The acceleration would be a lot worse.
The greatest thing about cars of this era is the lightness and the agility. Also, the purity and sheer pleasure of driving get us a smile on our face. It's the complete opposite of how modern cars feel. It's okay when you are looking for safety and comfort, but this 'the more, the bigger the better' comes to an end when you are looking for pure joy and fun. This little tool is such an effective antidote to any kind of boredom that every car enthusiast must and will love it. Fantastic video again, Harry!
What a great car love that engine and you can’t beat a busy axle,nice to see
the reference to Jim Clark brilliant driver, cheers Harry for the video. More on
your car collection please 👍🚗
Tremendous review, Harry, as always. Good lord that Elan is the epitome of driving purity. Beautiful machine, thanks for sharing with us.
I owned a 1967 S/E which was apparently Colin Chapman's favourite. No bulges on the bonnet or wheel arches, and not much slower than the Sprint. I had it 18 years and finally sold it for more than 5 times what I had paid. Only major mod was removal of the doughnuts on the drive shafts. It was one of the better conversions and improved the gearchange dramatically, and surprisingly the ride, although I also fitted Konis all round (the standard shocks were only good for about 10,000 miles). I was lucky to get the right parts to install an alternator.
The Elan Sprint just has to be one of the best cars ever made. How nice to get a proper review. This is an official mug of tea video.
A pure and simple drivers car. I always wanted one back when they were new but could never afford one. Beautiful car.
Absolute simple automotive perfection! How marvellous that it’s never been bettered. Thanks for sharing Harry 👍
A friend of mine had one of these, a 72 Elan. I borrowed it as often as possible as it was the most fun, I ever had the privilege of driving. In this exact colour as well!
I built one from a kit, saving 45% Purchase Tax at the time! The fastest cross country car on the road and it used to do 40mpg on a trip (mine was an S4 with Stromberg carbs). The biggest snag was the rear disks hung inside the struts (towards the centre of the car) instead of inside the wheels, got wet immediately and did not dry out quickly, so wet braking was pretty scary. It was so light the disks barely got warm enough to dry the pads, so the front wheels locked up too easily. Lovely report thanks Harry, takes me back in time.
I can't help but appreciate this channels content.
Harry's commentary, and explanation of the cars experience and charm, makes me appreciate and lust for older cars.
It makes me appreciate the feel and sensation these cars offers, rather than focusing on a spec sheet!
Harry, have you ever thought of installing a garage lift? A lift would be awesome for your car walk-arounds to show and explain chassis and suspension components in detail, providing an additional dimension to your great presentations!
The quality that Harry brings to the automotive world is beyond words.
Love this review, what a fantastic little car and it looks pukka in yellow. Highlights what a proper drivers car is all about. Would like to see a review of the new MX-5 to follow this up due to it being the modern equivalent and designed with the same ethos. Great work Harry
Wouldn’t it be nice if the Japanese made a less expensive more reliable and safer version of the Elan in modern times. Oh wait, they did! Please give us the obvious comparo!
I don’t think the MX-5 can be viewed as the modern day equivalent of the Elan anymore, but rather it is now the modern day equivalent of what the MX-5 used to be.
One of my favourites too, A friend had two Elan kits which four of us built over a weekend and he drove back to his RAF camp on the Monday, after those to he got a Sprint ready built, Great cars. great memories. Thanks Harry.
I've always admired the Lotus when i got into the motortrade in 76 , such a sweet design and a usable vehicle. Also as a bodywork / painter love the colour combinations Lotus put togeter.
Hi Harry,I had an Elan S130+2 back in the late 70's which I absolutely loved.
I have been madly in love with the Elan for 52 years. I was fortunate to have a coupe in my fiberglass shop for repair, about a year. The owner said "take your time", famous last words. I occasionally drove it around the block and then when my shop moved 100 miles, I drove it to the new location. Yours is perfect, with a great exhaust note.
Really lovely. Wasn’t this the inspiration in many ways for the Mazda Mx5 Miata….
Its so nice to see these cars instead of the bloated over sized over powered electronic excess of today’s sports cars and super cars. I wish we could go back to those simpler times…
That sound is addictive! It does make one yearn for the old days when cars were truly light and tossable, yet as you've shown not the safest car to drive. My SAAB Sonnet was like this in that there was very little protection. I'll hold on to my NA generation MX-5 as its the closest modern car to this. Hold on to this as long as you can Harry! Its beautiful. Cheers!
Great hearing you speak about something clearly so personal that you enjoy so much.
15:32 I love the sound of a straight four.
It is an amazing car. I always loved these cars, it's a purest sport car lover's dream. It's art, engineering, style, and a great car, thanks Harry.
Thank you, Harry. Lovely too see the Elan out and about and great to hear your knowledge and seemingly undiminushed enthusiasm! How wonderful too to have a car that's featured in in one form or another in most of your adult life. A very enjoyable snapshot of the car's life. Another watch is in order I feel!
That little snick when changing gears is perfect.
I got taken out for a burn in a tin top one of these in 79 and it was phenomenal. Thanks for the reminder
One of my all time favorite cars. It amazed me back in the 90's when Mazda made a great job of recreating the Elan then Lotus themselves tried but failed abysmally. The gear change reminds me of my days with MK1 and 2 escorts which also had gear sticks screwed directly into the gearbox.
Thank you Harry for this great review of the Elan. I am lucky enough to own a 1965 S2 Elan and I can only echo your thoughts of this brilliant little sports car. It really does put a smile on my face every time I drive it as it connects with the driver in a way that no other modern car does in my view.
I had a friend in High School who had a 71 Elan. It was great fun.
Love this Harry, this car is now on the 'want' list as a car to own before I'm 50!
Still a stunningly beautiful car and a wonderful driving experience. Thanks for sharing Harry 👍
Great review Harry, and what a great little car, I remember years ago back in the mid 1970's my boss had one and some times he would let me use it to collect parts locally but I am afraid I always took the long way round and came back with a big silly smile on my face (at the time my car was a Vauxhall Viva) but my boss didn't seem to mind.
I love the fact that yours is not a pampered car, never used unless the sun is shining and there is absolutely no chance of rain.
The first thing I do whenever Harry puts up a video, I give it a 👍,then I sit back and enjoy.
That's a happy man there. Great video Harry.
Superb review again, they are such a fun and unique experience and way ahead of their time. I am trying to sell a Sprint for a customer that has owned it since 1981 and all people look at are minor flaws in the paintwork, they need to drive it. Hopefully there will be some anniversary events this year.
@Charlote Reported
Fantastic Harry ! I loved the gear change on my Esprit S1 but this sounds even better with that direct linkage. Definitely want to add one of these to my Garage when I can.
Yes mine is good too. All new linkage bushes.
What a wonderful little car! Has so much character and looks so much fun 👍
Just rewatched this video and thoroughly enjoyed it again! Definitely my favourite Harry's Garage vid! I need to buy another Elan !
Awesome review Mr. M. In the early noughties I worked as a program manager at Hethel (as a GM liaison) on the VX220 program. I worked for Mark Vinnels (of MP4-12C fame at McLaren). This video has made me a little ashamed that I didn't appreciate the time more. Great Car. Great review (as they all are)!
Thumbs up! Fantastic episode, still remember the EVO diary one with your little yellow Elan Sprint.. I wonder if you'd fancy making a video on the Elan +2. I am from Czech Republic, so quite far away, otherwise would proudly borrow to the test my one ( a red 1967 early Elan +2, the series still with Alfa Romeo (Carello) rear lights and interior with toggle switches) . +2 is an interesting Elan, it is much wider and longer, but as good proportioned as the little Elan and i wonder what would be your thoughts on this car. There aren't many video reviews on Elan +2 on youtube...
The Europa is another gem as well as the original Elite. All pure Chapman and the better for it.
Nice video H. Your first Elan video is still one of my favourites.
In my top 5 Harry’s Garage videos..what a little star
I had a Europa twin cam back in the day, all it lacked was the Elan gear change. Best fun I ever have had in a car, and surprisingly reliable, had a valve conversation done on it by Vegantune in Spalding - that was to prevent oil going down the guides. Great to see this one getting a work out. Next one to be send for cosmetics perhaps. ? 😀
Great review Harry. I had an S4 SE for 7 years and loved the steering precision. I got the head modified to the big valve set up. When the chassis needed replacement I got a spyder spaceframe fitted (like yours I think) It increased the cabin noise greatly which was the only downside. Bought it for £1850 and sold it for £9000. The only car I've ever made money on!
i watch your chanel frequently and very fervently coz i really like it when you travel long distances with any car you are showing.it gives me touristic pleasure plus the whatabouts of the car.
My Dad had one of these in his 20s and used to race hill-climbs in Yorkshire in it (and get up to all sorts of nonsense besides, by the sounds of it). He was changing the springs one day and ended up with one through his chin. I'd love to own one - such a beautiful little sportscar.
Great video Harry - love the photos - the Elan looks great & then when you see it next to other modern day cars you can’t quite believe how small it looks! #pocketrocket
This is such a lovely car. Thank you for a great video.
The view of the Elan next to the Yaris was a very vivid demonstration of its diminutive size but what a punch it can pack.
Will we ever get back to sub 700kg cars? I doubt it.
The health and safety people, and now the eco nutters have definitely put an end to that.
Great car. You can definitely see the influence the Elan had on the designers at Mazda who did the MX-5.
My favorite small sports car.love the sounds ,thanks for the ride harry.