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Found: '72 Elan Sprint

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kevlin

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While househunting a couple of months ago, I spotted an under-used Elan in a neighborhood driveway. Turned out to be a Sprint, and the owner admitted he hadn't driven it in a couple of years. Mildew on the body, tires half deflated, listing on the driver's side, but owner claims it'll fire up and "is driveable." He's willing to let it go for 'round $10K, but I figure he'd settle for a lot less, if only to get it out of his driveway (he's the original owner, by the way).
My question is this: Cruddy looking though it was, it's still an Elan, making it one of the neatest cars around. Any thoughts on how difficult an Elan is as a resto project? My only experience restoring LBCs is my '67 MGB-GT, so comparisons between the two would be helpful.
Alternatively, if anyone out there is looking for a Sprint to restore, let me know and I'll see if I can put you in touch with the owner. I hate seeing a classic car like this rotting away.
Thanks
 
If all the bits are there and you've done a B-GT, it'd be a similar project with regard to time/effort. As for the specifics, you'd have to learn a "new language" (fiberglass) where the body's concerned. The Elan is a car of the same period as the MG, so not a lot of mystery to it. Only thing to keep in mind is some of the proprietary parts are a bit less available, as there were fewer of them made (supposedly 12,244 total production). Mr. Chapman used a LOT of stuff from other cars, though. Dave Bean in CA is the place to turn for most parts in the US, though there are plenty of other good sources as well.

I've owned MGB's since "childhood" (age 19) and Elans from age 21. Restored and maintained a number of both (my avatar is my '69 +2). If you've the time and inclination, there's plenty of grin factor in owning that LBC: It's a Formula Junior of the period, with an envelope bodyshell. Fun-per-dollar factor is "waaay up there!" I still have my first Elan ('67 S-3 DHC, I'm second owner) and would not hesitate to recommend one to someone who's restored an MGB. We have an early B as well, only owned it since '88 so we consider it the "new" car inna fleet. Doing the B's cosmetic resto now, the Elan is next on the list. This will be the third time thru it and I'm actually looking forward to the job... Some view this LBC fascination as a sick addiction, but they still want a ride when offered /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Go negotiate a deal and ENJOY the ride! They're fabulous cars to own IMHO (see "addiction" comment above /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif).
 
Go for it.. They are a fun car to work on, and everything is light and easy to handle ( relatively )I don't think there are any parts that you couldn't find, but I think it's safe to say that the resto would be close to double what the B would be ( but the cars are worth about double, so it all works out..)
 
Along with Dave Bean contact Ray Psulkowski at r.d. enterprises ltd. https://www.rdent.com. He's not to far from you, just outside Philadelphia. He specializes in Elans and I have used him for hard to find parts for my Se7en. As pointed out, Chapman used major parts from other cars in his designs, ie: English Ford, Triumph, etc., so if you have worked on English cars and are familiar with their mechanical & electrical quirks (Lucas) you should feel right at home.
 
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