Sprint Graphics

[phillipcoombs]

My 1972 Elan Sprint, Colorado Orange and White, Gold bumpers and wheels has a wider side script than those that I see on European cars. Is there a possibility that USA cars had a different script, taller letters and longer too?

[pharriso]

Is there a possibility that USA cars had a different script, taller letters and longer too?

Sorry, but no there isn't... Federal cars had the same "sidewinders" as UK & other cars. Yours are probably poor copies, but accurate reproductions are now available from a lotuselan.net poster... run a search.

Phillip, where are you located?

[garyeanderson]

Steve (elanfan1) makes them up for sprints
Adam (PastaPesto) does them also and custom ones too.

this link to this topic

S3 Sidewinders
elan-f14/sidewinders-t24756.html

Another
Elan Stripes (or Sidewinders across the pond)
elan-f14/side-stickers-for-t25397.html

And
elan-for-sale-f2/elan-sprint-stripes-t17784-15.html

Gary

[elanfan1]

Which do you think look right? Shall we start a poll? BTW my stipes still have the white protective paper on them.

[pereirac]

The lower ones ...

[c42]

Lower set.

Regards
John

[phillipcoombs]

Right, I own a set of Steve's graphics which look great and match every other image I have see. However, like many parts and things British there was always another version or parts bin or source that added to the uniqueness of those hand built cars. I believe my car wears original paint and from what is left of the side graphics, they are rubbed through in places, I would guess they were original as well. Just thought someone might have a similar looking edition ( see photo above with old and new)
Thanks,
Phillip
PS, in answer to question the car lives in Santa Barbara, CA

[holywood3645]

Phillip the top strips are not orginal. I have never seen anything like them, until now.

James

[elansprint71]

Paint the car one colour- bin the stripes. That was 15GBP more back in the day and was the right way to go.

[holywood3645]

Keep the stripes (get the correct set installed) and the two tone paint. I think the car (S4/Sprint body) looks better that way.

James

[trw99]

My 1972 Elan Sprint, Colorado Orange and White, Gold bumpers and wheels has a wider side script than those that I see on European cars. Is there a possibility that USA cars had a different script, taller letters and longer too?

Hi Phil

Nope, Federal Sprints did not have different graphics. I have attached a factory press photo. There would be little reason for Lotus to have different graphics from the same supplier, particularly considering the small production numbers involved.

A possible explanation for your apparently original graphics may be that the car arrived in the US from Hethel in a single colour and was then, at the new owners request, done up in two tone by the dealer who may have got the different graphic sidewinder made up locally.

Tim

[Elanintheforest]

MMMmmm silver wheels on a Sprint

MUCH better!!!

Mark

[holywood3645]

I'm like silver wheels, bumpers and stripes.

James

[elanfan1]

Wow James - your car looks superb - really nice job.

I am hoping those are stripes I supplied (sorry have a head like a sieve) - anyway they really do look good on the car.

Steve

[phillipcoombs]

I think the mystery might be solved. In going through about an inch of original work orders for the Sprint I noticed on the very first warranty service performed at 1100 miles by Bill Young Sportscars of Montrose, California, the notation the says, "gold striping smudged, see Terry". Guess they replaced the smudged set with something they were able to get their hands on. Thanks for all the input.