Lotus Elan SprintThis beautiful example of an Elan Sprint belongs to Dave Freeman.
Dave has owned this Sprint for many years and it has recently undergone a restoration.
A few words from Dave about his Lotus Elan Sprint -
"I guess my Elan is a testimonial to the long-term application of practical DIY - coupled with trying to achieve (for an amateur, with limited resources) the highest possible standards.
I'm lucky, too, to have had a practical upbringing. (My Dad was an aero-space engineer. There was a lathe in our spare room, at home.)
But I never had the resources to throw limitless money at a project - or pay someone to do it for me.
Also, down the years, I've resisted the temptation to compromise.
For example, when Lotus produced a limited re-run of cold-galvanised chassis back in the 1990s, I jumped at the opportunity to buy one.
But I was able to do all the work myself. (It was a hell of an undertaking mind you, in a small lock-up garage in Blighty.)
In the long run, it's also meant finding enough energy to track down hard-to-find parts at enthusiasts meetings, and so on.
The head-rests for the seats are a prime example.
Upon importing the vehicle to Australia in 2001, NSW RTA left me no choice but to modify original equipment - or fit non-standard seats: something I wasn't happy to do.
Therefore, I dismantled said items and, with the aid of a re-upholsterer I found here in Newcastle (sadly, now retired) welded tubular housings to the original frames.
Into these we inserted headrests gleaned from a car breaker's yard.
The seats were then rebuilt with new hessian, padding, fixings, etc - using the original Dunlop "Ambla" Material.
Seat backs were flexible enough to screw back into place round the new headrest locations.
Job done - but with the option of reverting to original spec, if required. (I've got a bit of a thing about keeping the car as original as possible...)
The other key to success has been the good fortune to meet people like yourself.
The fact that the car's still on the road, and remains reliable, is due in no short measure to the support, assistance and enthusiasm you've always supplied!
I can't stress enough the value of how much you've helped me... and others.
And finally, any long-term-Lotus-owner needs a VERY understanding wife / girlfriend / gender re-assigned partner (or maybe all three).
Living with an Elan is far more demanding than having a child.
I'm also informed that I have a condition known as OCD, which seems to be a fundamental requirement...
With much appreciation and very great thanks for all your friendly assistance and help."
DAVE-THE-MANIC-MECHANIC