New Purchase

[The Falcons 3]

Hello all,  I would like to ask for some help.

In 1972 I built an new Elan Sprint, but had to sell it after 2 years to buy a flat.  I have now found a very similar car which is for sell at £40K. It is very original but I think over priced for the condition. Does anyone know of an expert who could do an independent valuation on the car for me?

It has had a replacement chassis, and an engine rebuild about 13,000 miles ago. I am concerned about the doors not fitting correctly and problems with 2 areas of crazing ( worst around o/s boot hinge) and bubbles on the bonnet paint.

Any pointers would be very gratefully received.

[hartleyj]

Try Paul at PJS Sportscars. Lots of Elans in the workshop last time I was there.

[DeanB]

Yes, what Hartley says. PJS are Elan experts, have restored loads of them and Paul Shipley is a very straight and decent chap. A real enthusiast too.

 

[Mutley00]

I think you've answered your own question really - yes it's overpriced! Bubbles on the bonnet and paint crazing will not be cheap to fix properly. If its had a full respray, will bubbling occur somewhere else after you've had it a while? Very rare to get one where the doors fit correctly. Where is it for sale? There are regularly ones for sale in Club Lotus Mag if you arent already a member. 

Just found this that PJS are selling! https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1652164

Edited October 26, 2023 by Mutley00

[Oakman]

Try calling Chris Foulds at CJ Foulds Motors - Tel 01484 666552.  He doesn't trade in the cars but has been an independent servicing and maintenance specialists for well over 40 years.  He gives very straightforward and unbiased advice, also will undertake inspections of cars, they would have to be taken or sent to him at Honley near Huddersfield.  

A new chassis and related new/rebuilt components is good news as is a rebuilt engine if all done correctly and by acknowledged specialist.  Body work is very expensive to do properly, minor blistering on 'original' first paint (or older repainting) can be expected - realistically its the extent and degree of paint deterioration overall that must be considered. Most Elans suffer the out of alignment door shuts, either due to hinge mis alignment or repairs or repaints done that never attended to them at the time. Often the door skins are slit and re profiled to achieve the desired smooth alignment - best done as part of a full body restoration.  If the car overall has a nice patina of age and is in very genuine condition otherwise they're often best left like that.  Option 1 Cars the specialist fibreglass painters are quoting a minimum £17,000 for a bare shell repaint on an Elan.  

My own early 1971 car had a replacement chassis in 1991-92, had an engine rebuild before I bought it in 1989, the shell was repainted in original cellulose in 1983.  The paint is now blistered badly throughout.  Mechanically it is fine, all the wiring was redone 3 years ago, it  drives very well indeed.  I am presently contemplating the repainting options - I've rung around quite a few of the known specialist hence the price quoted above, it's one of the dearer quotes. 

Also a lot can depend on who's offering the car for sale, some dealers do still over inflate their prices and exaggerate the condition/restoration of the cars for sale.  Don't forget many dealers may only be acting as brokers for a private seller too.

Good luck

 

[Mutley00]

Fully endorse the above about Fouldsy. He had done a body off restoration on my Elan Sprint for the chap I bought it off. Used to use him all the time for our Elises (as its a great drive to his place over The Strines) until the MOT chap he uses, got to be a real PITA about emissions.

Ironically Lotus went to him for advice and testing for the S2 Sport 190 Elise and he advised them that emissions would be a problem, but they chose not to listen apparently and released it unmodified!