Highlights
- Highly impressive Lotus Elan with extensive paperwork file
- Rolling restoration from 2017 to 2019
- Beautifully presented in metallic blue
- 1,588cc Isuzu 4XE1-MT Turbo I4 engine
- Extensive history file with catalogued costs
- One of only 3,855 built between 1989 and 1992
The Appeal
“A Lotus with front-wheel drive?!” - we can practically hear the purists barking over the 1989-1995 Lotus to this day. Thankfully, the Lotus team were never ones to back down when they felt confident, and it’s easy to see why Elan managed to inspire it. These were highly impressive, future-proofed cars with bona-fide speed-demon performance packed into an affordable, comfortable and tight-handling car. Sadly, the MX5’s introduction in the same year made the M100 just a little too bold for its time, and it remains distinctly scarce compared to its major competition.
More’s the pity - these are utterly superb roadsters with plenty of character and, through a modern lens, it’s become all-too-obvious that the market really missed out.
This example is beautifully presented, having been subject to a highly comprehensive restoration between 2017 and 2019. It’s only covered a few thousand miles since, which - in our mind - makes this an utterly superb prospect that you simply can’t miss!
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in June 1992
- Nine previous owners
- Highly impressive restoration undertaken under the last owner
- Restoration largely completed by Craig Moncrieff, the only independent Lotus specialist in Scotland
- As a result the car’s restoration is catalogued with some fifty invoices complete with money spent
- Since the final year of the overhaul, the car has done less than 1,500 miles
- Currently indicates 71,198 miles
- MOT valid until July 2023 with only one advisory
- Paperwork file includes:
- Over 50 invoices, coming to over £7,500
- Selection of MOT services
- Handwritten history and a printed Excel spreadsheet cataloguing costs
- Original anti-corrosion guarantee booklet
The Interior
- Highly impressive red and grey leather seats, reupholstered during restoration for £700
- Door cards matching with feature chrome screws, upholstered for £388
- Mats and carpets in excellent condition
- Dashboard has been nicely restored with replacement dials
- All instruments working well, though the vendor notes a defective window motor on the driver’s side
- The car is being supplied with the motor and attachment ready to be installed after its repair by the buyer
- No rips, tears or significant wear we can spot
- Boot is in good order with no significant wear, concealing a spare wheel and full toolkit
The Exterior
- Impressive metallic blue paintwork with no significant faults we can highlight
- Bodywork is straight and well-presented with no dents or dings
- Glasswork and trims are well presented with no problems
- Fitted with a new Double Duck hood
- All four Lotus alloys have been refurbished
- Carrying a full set of Advan Neova tyres, which cost £320 and are in excellent condition
- Underside is in solid order, with the car showing only surface-level corrosion
The Mechanics
- 1,588cc Isuzu 4XE1-MT Turbo I4 engine
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Mechanical work includes:
- Turbocharger overhaul
- Rear wheel bearings
- New discs, pads and callipers on the front brakes
- Short-shift gearbox
- Rear wheel brake overhaul
- New wing mirror motors
- Car passed its current MOT with only one advisory
- No reports of any leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke from the car
- It’s reportedly starting, shifting and running well with no issues
Summary
With impeccable history, a thorough restoration and a cosseting level of care under its belt, we see no reason any collector would resist this impeccable example. A perfect opportunity!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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