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Discover the iconic Lotus Elan Pre‑76, the lightweight, chassis‑centric sports car that defined summer driving for a generation. Whether you’re eyeing a 1972 model or a later pre‑76 version, the **Lotus Elan [Pre‑76] price** varies according to condition, mileage, and provenance. Most buyers look for the near‑original fuel‑car, but you’ll find a range of *used Lotus Elan [Pre‑76] price* listings that reflect the market’s nuanced valuation. --- ## Core Specifications (Pre‑76 Lotus Elan)

• Engine: 1.2 L—1.5 L 4‑cylinder, originally 78 hp (1.2L) up to 115 hp (1.5L).
• Transmission: 4‑speed manual, fully synchronized over the years.
• Fuel type: Gasoline (regular/diesel‑free).
• Drivetrain: Rear‑wheel drive.
• Dimensions: Length ~139 in (3,533 mm), Width ~59 in (1,498 mm), Height ~39 in (990 mm).
• Weight: 934 kg (2,061 lb) – one of the lightest sports cars of its era.
• Suspension: Independent double‑tray MacPherson struts (front) and independent rear with trailing arms.
• Brakes: Drum brakes on all wheels, later fits available with front disc units.
• Performance: 0–60 mph in 8.2 s (worst) to 4.5 s (best) depending on the engine swapping.
• Top Speed: 80‑110 mph (136‑177 km/h).
• Design influence: Produced at the Pininfarina plant in Italy, the sleek “box‑y” styling remains instantly recognizable.

--- ## Depreciation Insight: Lotus Elan [Pre‑76] Depreciation When you’re evaluating a **used Lotus Elan [Pre‑76] price**, it’s critical to understand the typical depreciation curve for classic sports cars. From a collector’s standpoint: * **First year:** a new purchase or acquisition from a resale market typically loses **15‑20 %** of its value as the day‑to‑day wear and original journey count off the register. * **Years 2–5:** depreciation slows to **4‑6 % per annum** on average, depending on the car’s originality, service history, and market sentiment. * **Beyond year 5:** appreciation curves start to kick in for well‑maintained examples, especially those coupled with a “well‑documented” vintage logbook, often adding **3‑5 %** annually or more in hot markets. These estimates align with what you may read in classic car forums and auction houses, and they help place the *Lotus Elan [Pre‑76] price* in context. You might ask: **“what is a 1972 Lotus Elan [Pre‑76] worth?”** A rough baseline: a 1972 model that traversed a single owner’s journey, maintained a full service record, and proves its originality (original body panels, chassis numbers) can command a **Lotus Elan [Pre‑76] 1972 price** in the upper range of classic vehicle auction results. However, the final figure remains “varies by market/condition,” underscoring the importance of third‑party valuations and professional audits. --- ## Comparison Context When comparing the Lotus Elan Pre‑76 to its contemporaries: * **MG Midget (LX):** Older but heavier. The Elan outperforms it in handling due to the lower curb weight and more advanced suspension. * **Triumph TR3:** While the TR3 offers a more powerful engine out‑of‑the‑box, the Elan’s chassis design delivers a superior track day feel. * **Porsche 914‑2 (Volkswagen platform):** The Elan at same production year offers a more responsive steering ratio, making it more engaging for spirited driving. In dedicated “middle‑weight” or “punch‑driven” communities, the Lotus Elan

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4 years ago	used	£28,500.00		Unlock all links
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5 years ago	used	£42,995.00		Unlock all links