The LOTUS ELAN has always set standards that other sports car manufacturers have tried to match. The New LOTUS ELAN SPRINT gives performance hard to obtain even in cars costing twice the price with engines double the size. This is the result of using the latest Big-Valve version of the LOTUS twin-cam engine. Colin Chapman's designers have successfully combined this performance with the already legendary handling, road-holding and braking characteristics of the ELAN to provide what must be one of the fastest and safest sports cars in the world today.
   Each ELAN SPRINT body is individually hand-moulded in glass-fibre reinforced plastic. This material is ideal for the exciting style of the ELAN SPRINT and of course is completely unaffected by corrosion and is less expensive to repair following minor accidents as damage remains localised to the area of impact.
   Tremendous reserves of safety are built into the SPRINT to complement the performance. The car is perfectly balanced and the race-proved suspension principles ensure perfect handling and road holding. Servo-assisted disc brakes can bring the car to a standstill from 100 m.p.h., in around five seconds, whilst swift acceleration, an important safety factor, is instantly available throughout the speed range. All these qualities give the car primary safety—the ability to avoid accidents caused by other people's mistakes or the driver's own errors of judgement. Secondary safety is provided by the impact cushioning properties of the body; the immensely strong welded steel backbone chassis which is fully rustproofed; the facia which has a crash pad and no damaging protrusions and lap and diagonal seat belts. Other safety features include burst-proof locks, a laminated windscreen and safety glass.
   The ELAN SPRINT is available in two specifications. The stylish Fixed-head Coupé and, for lovers of open-air motoring, the Drop-head Coupé. The Drop-head has a folding top which is easy to erect and dismantle and which folds neatly under a quarter tonneau when not in use. When in position the hood fits snugly without draughts and leaks.
   The interior of the ELAN SPRINT is built for comfort: the contoured seats are adjustable to suit large and small drivers alike and hold them firmly in place through fast corners. A tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge and water temperature and oil pressure gauge set in a fine teak veneer facia instantly give the driver the information he needs. Standard equipment includes a leather-rim wheel, steering lock, cigar lighter, air horns, wheel rimbellishers, servo-assisted brakes, two-speed wipers and electric washers. The vacuum-operated retractable lights which fold into the body when not in use come up flashing. A very efficient heater and demister warms the car on the coldest winter day and the LOTUS air-flow ventilation keeps the occupants fresh. The electrically operated windows glide up and down at the touch of a button. Doors are doubly sealed against draughts and rainwater, close without slamming and open wide for ease of entry and exit. The fully carpeted boot provides ample luggage space for the driver and his companion. Further storage space is available behind the seats and in the glove compartment.
   Whether you choose a Fixed-head Coupé or Drop-head Coupé, the ease of control, the fabulous road holding, the terrific acceleration, the comfortable ride and seating position, all combine to make the ELAN SPRINT an exhilarating car to drive. The ELAN SPRINT is motoring at its best. Drive it, then reappraise the standards by which you judge and assess ordinary cars.

LOTUS PLUS 2S 130   £2,627 (incl. P.T.)
The 'Big Valve' version of the famous Lotus 1558 c.c. engine powers this thoroughbred car and gives it quite a tremendous performance—as a 0-100 time of only 23 seconds indicates. The new engine has a 25 per cent higher output, which makes the 130 an even more exhilarating car to drive than previously—and that's saying something! Roadholding has always been a Lotus speciality and this car feels beautifully balanced, with cornering power far beyond normal requirements. The car is a 2+2, but the rear seats are strictly for children. The rest of it is strictly for enthusiasts!
London report

LOTUS EUROPA TWIN CAM £1,996 (incl. P.T.)
It may look near enough the same, but the new version of the exciting, low-slung Lotus Europa is a very different animal. The engine is slung amidships, behind the driver, and is now the powerful Lotus Twin-Cam unit instead of the 1470 c.c. Renault pack. The formula gives much greater acceleration as you would expect and the outstanding roadholding is more than good enough to cope. A highly responsive car in which the driver almost lays down to work. His comforts are improved with a re-designed interior giving more leg, head and foot room, besides re-shaped seats and modified controls.
London report

3rd (E. Fittipaldi) French GP (Lotus 72)
3rd (E. Fittipaldi) British GP (Lotus 72)
2nd (E. Fittipaldi) Austrian GP (Lotus 72)

The 56B is a further development of the 1968 Lotus 56 built for the Indianapolis 500 race in the USA. Its very unusual deisgn with 4 wheel drive and Pratt & Whitney turbine engine proved uncompetitive. Emerson Fittipaldi used the car in the Italian Grand Prix and managed to bring the fragile design home 8th.

Emerson Fittipaldi driving the Lotus 72 at Nurburgring.

Lotus 56B

Targa Florio (Sebastiani - Nardini).