Highlights
- Marque enthusiast-owned car in good order
- Lots of recent expenditure in large history file dating back to 1994
- Timing belt, water pump, tensioner and idler bearing replaced March 2023
- Comprehensive suspension overhaul with laser alignment setup
- Upgraded PNM rear calipers and gear change cables
- Chassis painted and Waxoiled for protection
- MOT to April 2026 with no advisories
The Appeal
When new, the M100 appalled Lotus purists with its front wheel drive heresy. Not so contemporary reviewers and modern enthusiasts, who recognise one of the greatest-handling front-drivers ever built.
The SE Turbo added the performance to match the chassis and, really, this is the one you want. Good examples have been on collectors’ radar for a while now and here we have one. The current marque enthusiast-keeper bought it in 2019 and has lavished it with investment. There is a very long list of work, which we’ve provided below. Highlights include timing belt, water pump, tensioner and idle bearing in 2023, full suspension overhaul, new rear calipers and a chassis paint and protection process. The vast history file documents this work and attests to the care of its handful of previous keepers.
The car is very tidy and presentable. There are a few light cosmetic points to note in photos, but perhaps nothing unexpected for a car that is all about using and enjoying rather than merely showing. It comes with the added bonus of a lengthy, advisory-free MOT.
The vendor says:
“The car is great to drive especially on an open 'A' road. Suspension was laser set up, meaning the car handles the way Lotus is famous for. Throttle reponse is very good and the turbo cuts in seamlessly without a sudden jolt of power. I use the car mostly on dry, sunny days with the hood down for shows and weekends away. It is always SORN over winter. I have a Lotus Excel for wet days! I know i'm going to regret selling this car but i need some cash to spend on the Excel.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 1st November 1991
- Eight registered keepers from new
- Current keeper since December 2019
- Supplied with large history file dating back to 1994
- Original factory handbook is missing but history file is comprehensive as shown
- Car is kept on the driveway with a cover by current keeper
- Used mostly on dry, sunny days with the hood down
- Always SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) over winter
- Owner also has a Lotus Excel for wet days
- Being sold because owner needs funds for the Excel
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Various old MOTs and invoices as shown
- Typed list of work to 2019 as shown in photos
- Last serviced at 88,381 miles
- MOT valid to 22nd April 2026 with no advisories
- 91,301 miles showing on test and 92,471 miles in photos
Work advised by seller since 2019:
- New alternator fitted
- New improved PNM rear callipers fitted and pads
- All suspension removed, cleaned, repainted and new bushed fitted
- Suspension laser set up
- New Front callipers and pad
- New flexible hoses
- New metal hydraulic pipe for power steering
- New crank pulley
- Hall Effect Cam Angle sensor replaced
- Side window weather strips replaced
- Chassis painted and Waxoiled where access is possible
- New coils, leads and spark plugs
- All new belts
- Timing belt, water pump, tensioner and idler bearing replaced March 2023
- Headlight lifters refurbished with new nylon gears etc
- Two new tyres fitted to front
- New headlights
- Drive shaft CV joints re-greased
- Wheels repainted and new centres fitted
- Gearbox oil replaced
- New radio with Bluetooth and new speakers fitted
The Condition
- Smart silver metallic paintwork in good general order for age and mileage
- Paintwork benefits from a respray by a previous owner
- Paint polishes up well but has some stone chips and light scuffs as shown
- Rear spoiler could use a respray as shown in photos
- Black fabric roof is in good working condition
- Hood has two small holes where the mechanism rubs against the material
- Hood holes have been sealed from the inside
- Black seven spoke factory wheels have been repainted with new centres fitted
- Two new front tyres fitted and all tyres have plenty of tread
- Car is fitted with quality Toyo Proxes tyres
- Black leather interior in very good order with light wear typical of age and mileage
- Light but not unsightly wear to usual high traffic cabin areas as shown
- Black leather seats with red piping and matching black leather door inserts
- Vendor states that all electrics work, including electric windows and mirrors
- New Bluetooth radio and four new speakers fitted
- Carpet has been removed and cleaned
- Side window weather strips replaced
- Headlight lifters refurbished with new nylon gears
- New headlights
- Underside presents well with no structural advisories on MOT
The Mechanics
- 1,588cc turbocharged engine
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Factory standard and unmodified car we are told
- Vendor states that engine starts and runs well, including the turbo
- No known faults and no engine warning lights says vendor
- Long list of maintenance and servicing work detailed above since 2019
- We understand that the car was last serviced in 2019
- No advisories on current MOT
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
