EVO takes a closer look at Harry Metcalfe's 1972 Lotus Elan Sprint

Everyone has their ultimate vehicle wish list, and ours is littered with a smattering of models both obscure and asinine. One of the more mainstream sweethearts is the original Lotus Elan. Collin Chapman's wonderchild remains an impressive performer even today, thanks to its feathery curb weight and the impressive performance on hand. As you may recall, EVO Magazine pitted editorial director Harry Metcalfe's 1972 Elan Sprint against vehicles like the Toyota MR-2 and Mazda Miata back in the early 2000s. Metcalfe still has his tiny yellow convertible and was kind enough to bring a camera along for the roadster's first run of the spring season.

Weighing in at around a scant 681 kg (1,500 pounds) and packing a surprising 126 horsepower, Metcalfe says the car is still good for sprints to 60 mph (96 km/h) in a tick past six seconds. Unburdened by pesky life-saving hardware like crumple zones, steel reinforcements, airbags or any electronic nannies, the plucky little fibreglass creation is also a pretty smart handler even though this car is now officially 40 years old. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.