Highlights

Finished in Pacific Blue over Raven Black
Largely original example
OEM OZ Racing 15-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels
Extensive service history & invoices
Valid, advisory-free MOT until Sept 2027

The Appeal

When Lotus revived the Elan name in 1989, it surprised a few people. Out went the rear-wheel drive layout of the 1960s original, and in came a compact front-wheel drive roadster with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and pop-up headlights. It kept the sharp, feel-first driving character the company is famous for, and today the later Elan is admired as one of the more distinctive small sports cars of its era.

The vendor describes this one as “great fun to drive, has excellent handling and a lovely exhaust note”, and it certainly looks the part. Finished in Pacific Blue over Raven Black leather and sitting on the original OZ Racing 15-inch alloys, this largely original example was first registered on 18 May 1992 and shows an indicated 115,147 miles on the clock. Power comes from the 1.6-litre turbo 16V four-cylinder, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

What sets it apart is the paperwork. An extensive service history with invoices, the original Owner’s Handbook and “lots of paperwork back to 2004” suggest a car that’s been looked after, and the current keeper says it was bought from a mechanic who had carried out “a considerable amount of recommissioning”. It has also been “kept in a garage for the last two years”, according to the vendor.

If you value the feel of a drive over the numbers on a spec sheet, this is a car to take seriously. Imagine… Roof down, headlights up and a turbocharged Lotus in front of you.

Key Information

Mileage: 115,147 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
First registered: 18th May 1992
Technical inspection status: Valid, advisory-free MOT until September 2027
Technical specs: 1.6-litre Turbo 16V Inline-4 with a 5-speed manual transmission
Front-wheel drive
Paperwork: V5C present, extensive service history and invoices, original Owner’s Handbook, and ”lots of paperwork back to 2004”

The Detail

Finished in Pacific Blue over Raven Black Leather interior
The Pacific Blue paintwork presents well overall, with some small areas of lacquer peel, scratches along the passenger side, and the bonnet shows signs of paint touch-ups
OEM OZ Racing 15-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels
The distinctive pop-up headlights are smart and appear to be functioning
The soft-top appears intact, though there are some signs of shrinkage
Underside of the vehicle appears straight and as expected
The engine bay appears smart
Raven black leather seats show wear consistent with age and usage
Lotus floor mats are in situ and intact
Factory switchgear and instrument cluster, all of which are described as “working”, with “some bulbs in the dash needing replacement”
The seller notes the car “has air con, but it needs a recharge”
Spare wheel and tools can be found in the boot
Largely original example with the addition of an aftermarket sport exhaust system
Mechanically, it’s said the “engine takes a few seconds to start”, and it’s believed “the car has possibly been remapped at some point”
The vendor notes the car “has been kept in a garage for the last 2 years.”
We’re also advised the existing keeper “bought the car from a mechanic 2 years ago who had done a considerable amount of recommissioning, including a new alternator, new roof, new radiator, cam belt, drive belt, and plugs”
The vendor adds, “I have replaced the thermostat, temp sensor, ht leads, fuel pump, new Yokohama tyres, and a stainless exhaust from Lotus parts specialist”
The vendor notes, the car is “great fun to drive, has excellent handling and a lovely exhaust note”

BEFORE YOU BUY

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