1983 CN Sprint |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1983 CN Sprint

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Mileage6,855 on the Clock
TransmissionManual
Engine2.0L
LocationAboyne

AUCTION CLOSED

1983 CN Sprint

Introduction

Colin Bashford

Professional Consigner

This CN Sprint is chassis number 1, being used as the demo car for all the magazines in its day.

The CN Sprint was a kit car version of the Lotus Elan by Christopher Neil, who were a Lotus Dealer at the time. The kit had everything you needed to build the car apart from the drivetrain, Christopher Neil recommended some engines and gearboxes.

This car was originally fitted with the engine from an XR3, however it has been upgraded to a 2.0L Zetec unit which is mated to a 5-speed Sierra gearbox. The car comes to market after ~4 years of ownership, it comes with a MOT valid until 17.11.2023.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Colin after meeting Archie the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Archie wanted a classic car but with modern technology, so this CN Sprint ticked the right boxes.

Archie told us he has always been a huge fan of the Elan, he told us he loves the raspy engine note and pops and bangs on the overrun. With the modern Zetec engine Archie told us he doesn't need to worry about the car starting, you know it will turn over.

When he first bought the car Archie said the suspension was needing work done so he decided to fit a Tony Thompson fast road setup on both front and rear. Archie has recently started a new business and needs to sell one of the cars so as it was the last one in he's decided to sell the CN Sprint, he told us he will miss the car, but he is happy for someone else to enjoy the car as intended. He will be on hand to answer any questions about the car.

Archie

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The sleek body shape of the CN Sprint and two tone Gold Leaf paint scheme are the timeless choice for this car.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with Lotus Europa style 13" wheels, they looked in ok condition, we noticed a few small marks on some of the wheel rims. We also noticed some paint peeling on some of the wheels too.

A matching set of Uniroyal tyres were found on the CN Sprint, however we noticed a lot of cracks in the sidewalls of the tyres, this was noted as an advisory in the latest MOT, we would recommend changing them if the car is to be used at pace.

Please have a look at the photos and video below to asses the condition of the wheels and tyres for yourself.

Bodywork

The fibreglass body looked in ok condition we did notice a few areas which could be improved though, we saw a slight hole in the driver side rear wheel arch as well as a slight crease just behind the passenger side headlight.

The doors also stick out slightly at the bottom, Archie told us all the kits left the factory like that (even most Lotus examples too), some people cut part of the door out to fix it but this car is original. other panels lined up well.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The paint around the car could do with improvement, we noticed a lot of small spots like stone chips on the rear of the car. In direct sunlight we did notice some swirl marks across the car. The boot lid also had a bit of a mottled effect on the paint too. Archie showed us a new boot lid which he had bought for the car, which will be included in the sale. We also noticed an area of paint which had flaked off below the driver's door.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass on the car looked in good condition, we didn't notice any chips or cracks in any of the glass. We did notice a slight discolouration at the bottom of the windscreen.

The vinyl roof looked in good condition, however the "Elan Sport" stickers along the doors looked slightly faded and frayed at the edges.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

A classic wooden rimmed steering wheel, a wood veneer dash and smart black interior.

Seats and Carpets

The leather seats looked in great condition, showing hardly any signs of wear, we didn't notice any rips or tears in the seats.

The carpets looked in good condition too, we didn't notice any bad stains in the carpets. Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

Dashboard

The wooden dashboard looked in good condition if a little dusty, Archie told us the speedometer was temperamental and only working occasionally, the rev counter was working fine though.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel was showing signs of wear around the rim, nothing major but it was noticeable. The gearstick looked to be in good condition we didn't notice any signs of wear, the Lotus logo was on the top of the gearstick.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to check the condition of the steering wheel and gear stick for yourself.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The 2.0L Zetec engine gives plenty of power to the lightweight CN Sprint, accompanied by a raspy note with pops and bangs on overrun.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine burst into life with no problems at a first attempt, we didn't notice any untoward noises either.

On the road the engine felt great, propelling the CN Sprint along the with ease. The 5-speed Sierra gearbox felt good too, going into gear with little effort. We didn't notice any unusual noises from the gearbox either.

Please take a look at the cold start video below to see for yourself the performance of the engine and gearbox.

Suspension and Brakes

Archie told us the car needed work done on the suspension when he first bought it, he put a fast road setup on from Tony Thompson, it held the road well, without being too stiff or crashy, even on greasy roads.

The brakes felt good, we didn't test them properly whilst on our short run though, but Archie told us the stop really well.

Please take a look at the on the road video below to see how the suspension and brakes performed.

The Drive

On our short drive with Archie the CN Sprint felt really good, the raspy engine tone added to the experience, the car felt tiny on the road as if you are sitting on the road.

A proper fun little sports car that has plenty of character.

To see the car in motion please take a look at the on the road video below.

Electrics and Other

The lights and clock were working as expected, we didn't test out the radio but Archie told us it was working.

As mentioned above the speedometer wasn't working when we were out, Archie told us it would work every now and again so he thinks its a problem with the gauge itself rather than a cable.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

This CN Sprint is chassis number 1 built by Neil Shepherdson and used as the demo car for the company.

The car comes with various receipts including one for the Zetec engine swap. More recent receipts include the supply and fitting of the new suspension. The latest MOT includes advisories for a slight oil leak, slight play in both front wheel bearings and perishing in all tyres. The MOT is valid until 17.11.2023.

This CN Sprint would make a great project for someone looking for a fun little sports car in need of a bit of TLC.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle. The personalised number plate is not included in sale. The car comes with the original registration number - A548 TLG.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
18.11.2022	MOT	6,854
02.09.2021	MOT	6,848
20.08.2020	MOT	6,846
25.07.2019	MOT	6,846
26.07.2018	MOT	6,445
27.06.2017	MOT	5,690
15.05.2014	MOT	5,487
11.08.1999	MOT	5,208
27.03.1998	MOT	4,539
22.04.1996	MOT	4,055
28.03.1995	MOT	3,975
26.05.1994	MOT	3,737
09.06.1993	MOT	3,597
31.03.1992	MOT	2,799
27.03.1991	MOT	1,073