Steve Soper’s Old 1972 Lotus Elan Sprint Convertible At Auction

Fancy owning the 1972 Lotus Elan Sprint Convertible owned by Touring Car legend Steve Soper?

Silverstone Auctions May sale 2021 will give you the chance. Available in the first sale of the year where you can attend in person to bid.

The Lotus Elan was ahead of the competition when it was launched in 1963. With its lightweight glassfibre body on a steel backbone chassis the Elan weighed in at just 680kg. This 1971 version is a series 3 Sprint with the 126bhp 1558cc Twin Cam engine. Supplied new on 27 January 1972 this Elan came with independent suspension all round and disc brakes at each wheel. For 1971 the Sprint had two tone paintwork available in six different colours. The yellow over silver suiting the car well. But it was the handling that really set the car apart. Formula 1 designer Gordon Murray once saying it is the best handling car ever made.

This particular car is one of the most original Elan’s available. Coming with a comprehensive history file with many invoices which has allowed Silverstone Auctions to warrant the mileage at 21,886 as genuine. Apparently, they have never seen panel fit and door gaps the auction house has ever seen. It’s only had four owners from new. Classic and Sportscar even featured this very car in a four page article. They commented on the condition and its comprehensive history and condition.

Gary Dunne Sales Controller for Silverstone Auctions added “We are proud to be offering such a special car from our vendor Steve Soper. He is one of the greatest drivers all round, he competed five times at Le Mans, four times at Bathurst 1000 and many more. This is a huge investment opportunity and as Spring is here, classic events are beckoning – lets go!”