Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi All-

I've been involved with Lotus for about 25 years, having restored/modified a Europa Special from the ground up that I acquired while in college (car was completely apart in boxes). I've also had a hand in a couple of LOG events and club activities in Colorado and have had the good fortune to meet a lot of great people through the various events.
Recently (I must have fallen and bumped my head), I became the proud owner of a 1972 Federal Elan Sprint. Some of you might recall the car from Tony Vocarro's posting of it for sale in Steamboat Springs, CO a while back- it's Maroon with gold wheels. Turns out, through mutual connections, that I took the drive up to see it and couldn't leave without it. I am still a bit stunned at how impulsive this seemed, but feel I got a very good, original car. It's dirty, leaky, dried out, but all there and in running condition.
I look forward to getting to know the group and being able to contribute (pay back) for the wealth of information I anticipate receiving from many of you while I get this car back to sorted and driving.

Good to join up-
Cheers!

Welcome and congrats on your Lotus acquisition!

Welcome! PM sent to get your details for the Federal Sprint Register.

Welcome Bill

Welcome Bill!

Thanks much!
Here's a few pictures, from when I first saw it in person picking it up and a bit of cleaning.


I've only driven it a few test miles, as it pushes oil out the bottom (believe rear main seal) fairly heavily, and could use a once-over when up on the rack. The color doesn't come out well in the pictures, but with some time it will shine up well. The car sat with the top down in the garage, and the garage door open, for a while, so it was well covered in dust inside and out. Mothballs were throughout the car and I'm finally getting it to the point that it doesn't smell like it. I'm in the process of a large home project, so the garage isn't available yet for me to really get the car sorted, but I'm counting the days!

The plan is to service and clean it as needed for regular driving while keeping the originality, and with some further research I hope to be able to document the car's condition thoroughly.

Great website and forum so far, you guys are really great and there's a ton of helpful information for an Elan novice like me!

Looks great, Bill - congratulations!

I forgot to ask, where in Colorado are you?

I'm in the front range greater Denver area, great roads close by and a fairly active local Lotus club

Looks great. I'd love to see more pics. What's the VIN?

That IS a great area for curvy roads! My best friend lives in the Denver metro and I've stopped-by on motorbike trips a couple of times.