Ultra-rare Evante Mk2 Luxury Gran Premio (1 of 15). Just 24k Miles. Outstanding condition.

Reducing my Lotus-themed collection, I have a very interesting Evante for sale. It is a charming thoroughbred sports car offering many of the benefits associated with a Lotus Elan but without the complexities and real-world costs of owning one. Featured 'Showroom Star' in Octane magazine.

The Evante was conceived as a continuation of the Elan and incorporated features designed to improve on the Elan’s weaknesses . Around 100 Mk. 1 versions were made by Lotus specialists Vegantune, using their highly-tuned development of the Lotus twin cam. Sadly there were quality issues, and Wikipedia states the company failed in 1991. The rights were purchased by another specialist who then developed the Mk. 2 Evante, adding the proven Ford Zetec 16V twin cam engine for reliability and ease of maintenance plus, at 130bhp, it was more powerful than the final ‘Big Valve’ Lotus engine and definitely more robust, and it did not require the expertise nor frequent tuning of the Lotus’ Weber carbs. Maintenance costs were further reduced by using a much more substantial tubular spaceframe chassis in place of the Elan’s delicate chassis which proved vulnerable to corrosion.

The addition of a 5-speed gearbox transformed cruising and the ability to cover a meaningful distance without strain (at 70mph, c. 4200rpm in the Elan, the Evante a comparatively relaxed 3100rpm).

Specialist Motoring Press:
Classic & Sports Car Magazine: ‘The brilliant sports car you’ve probably never heard of.’
Motor Sport Magazine: ‘…a wonderful reincarnation of Colin Chapman’s best-loved product, full of all the Elan’s virtues and lacking its short-comings.’

I’m on my third Elan Sprint since the ‘70s and in my view the Elan is without reservation one of the all-time greats. However, maintaining one can result in some eye-watering bills. For example, a dropped exhaust valve resulted in a very sobering £8000 bill - way back in 2001! Even the latest Elans are now 50 years old and specialist expertise is harder to find and expensive. Recently, that £8000 bill was dwarfed by replacing the chassis on my current Elan (along with envy for the Evante’s more robust chassis).

Hence the very appealing combination of Elan-based styling and dynamics whilst enjoying Ford-based reliability and affordability.

This, the Gran Premio version, is high specification: a full leather interior with high-quality carpets, wooden dash and door caps. Full instrumentation. Electrically operated windows. The boot release is operated electronically, too. The hood and hood cover are finished in German Rivenhood, as used by Mercedes and Porsche.

And it’s size? Like the original Elan, the Evante is somewhat of a Tardis. It will comfortably accommodate six-footers. There is peace of mind from having a full-size spare, which is located under the boot floor giving a surprisingly large boot…easily big enough for two people touring. Its small size makes parking a doddle and, importantly, the Evante’s narrow width makes it extremely easy to place confidently – meaning it is both enjoyable on country lanes and practical in tight spaces, too (oncoming 4x4 in the middle of the road, anyone?).

The Evante’s rarity means an extra dimension from driving something so different (when, if ever, did you last see an Evante?). It always creates a talking point amongst enthusiasts and onlookers alike. And the Lotus-DNA delivers a special driving experience which is unbeatable for the outlay…….. and from a longevity and cost viewpoint, the Evante is some 25 years newer than even the very last Elans which with similar mileage and condition would require an investment of at least 2x, likely more.

Further, as well as delivering very lively performance, the Ford 16V engine’s relative simplicity and ubiquity mean cost of ownership is far lower than running an Elan - plus a classic which is substantially easier to live with in everyday circumstances, especially on today’s over-crowded roads. The combination of a fuel-efficient engine in a lightweight vehicle should see consumption around 35mpg and using normal grade fuel rather than super-unleaded.

The Evante combines desirable economics and exclusivity of ownership whilst delivering great fun on a spirited B-road blast or touring in relaxed comfort. Quite something. This one, with such low mileage, a very recent recommissioning service and brand new wheels and tyres should be very cost effective indeed, and rarity will ensure its future value.

Searching the web reveals only one recent sale, with 33, 644 miles, at Historics in July 2022 for £17, 160 plus premium (c. £18k) and worth noting the same car had sold two years earlier for £11. 8k. In 2023, only one other on the market, a LHD Mk. 1, in Italy, for sale at £22, 000.

(apologies for the listing 'Lotus' Evante…it is the only option on the site). So, how does it drive?

If in the market for a traditional convertible sports car in the £15-£20k range, typical choices could include a Triumph Stag, a TR6, an MGB or an Alfa Spider. I’ve owned all of these, and they each have their respective strengths. In my experience, the Evante is a substantially better driver’s car than any of them since its all-round independent twin-wishbones suspension has a purity that is unmatched – both in terms of accuracy for spirited driving and also for ride quality, making it comfortable on decent roads and typically demanding rural B roads too. At just 790kg, the Evante’s considerable weight advantage has a dramatic effect on driving dynamics (less to pull, to turn, and to slow down) and the gutsy 16V Zetec is untemperamental, feels bulletproof, and offers 0-60mph in just 7. 9 seconds, with a 125mph top end - easily the best performance of this selection.

Nowadays, crowded roads mean frequent and lengthy traffic jams which cause many classic owners anxiety, yet the Evante’s Ford engine will idle for hours without drama, even in the hottest weather. And again unlike many classics, the ‘modern’ Ford engine can be left unused for extended periods and, after, it always starts on the first turn of the key. Stress free classic ownership.

Steering-wise, the Evante’s rack and pinion rewards with plenty of feel and accuracy, and is light to use. The brakes are servo-assisted discs all round and offer easy modulation and stop this lightweight car convincingly. The gearchange is typically Ford, nice and light, and easy to use.

These attributes make an equally enjoyable drive in seemingly conflicting uses: it really is a joy when driving in a relaxed manner, for example with the roof down and enjoying the countryside – and also, when the mood takes for a spirited drive, it has such outstanding dynamics that it simply elevates the driving enjoyment above its peers.

In outstanding condition for a twenty-five-year-old vehicle, the bodywork was repainted in the original Lotus Oxford Blue about 5 years ago and remains lustrous, being of a very good standard. The silver bumpers contrast well, and the overall effect is enhanced by the unmarked new alloy wheels. The hood is in very good condition with hardly any signs of use. The leather interior is again in excellent overall condition for its years with just a few age-related marks as one might expect. The navy carpets were replaced recently with quality items and as such are lovely. The wooden dash has a few age-related marks, but is good overall, and the door caps have just been stripped and re-veneered by a cabinet maker and look very good indeed. A period-correct Blaupunkt CD player has been recently fitted. Overall, the cabin is a very nice place to be.

Every MoT is present in the history folder, and the mileage from each is listed below. New MoT expires 7th March 2025, the car having covered only thirty miles since.

The history file also includes valuable documents from the manufacturer: detailed Evante Cars’ history, Launch Press Pack from the NEC 1992, Official Specification.

Mechanically, it is in very good order and in the last 120 miles a full service has been carried out, including the change of all filters and fluids and, prior, the braking system was overhauled.

Plus a brand new set of Minilite-style alloy wheels of the correct size and offset, and fitted with new premium Yokohama tyres. Less than 50 miles covered since.

The car is very well sorted. As with most classics there are a few minor things requiring consideration: the silencer, when cold, can sometimes tizz, until warm. Body-wise, all is good excepting two small areas underneath the hood cover - smaller than a 10p piece - unseen with the hood cover in place. There is a slight ticking from the speedo perhaps suggesting the cable needs attention (the unit, works fine).

Kept in a De-humidified garage / Carcoon.

MOT Certificates present / mileage history

15 January 2002    4, 318 miles
24 March 2003     4, 325 miles
8 May 2004       7, 516 miles
16 June 2005      9, 717 miles
21 June 2006      12, 156 miles
6 June 2007       13, 010 miles
9 June 2008      14, 984 miles
11 June 2009      16, 750 miles
2 June 2010       18, 711 miles
27 June 2011      21, 274 miles
12 June 2012      22, 704 miles
24 June 2014      23, 241 miles
12 Aug. 2017      23, 537 miles
21 May 2020      24, 011 miles
23 Oct. 2021      24, 149 miles
8 March 2023      24, 198 miles
24 Feb 2024      24, 470 miles

At 24, 312 miles…service: £800. Including new engine oil and filter, air filter, spark plugs. Fresh brake fluid. Flushed cooling system, fresh coolant.
Mileage now…. 24, 498 miles