Highlights
- Well preserved turbo Elan ready to be enjoyed
- Smart bodywork with only minor stone chips
- Overall nice condition with scope to be improved
The Appeal
The M100 Lotus Elan was a ground-breaking model for Lotus under General Motors management. Launched in 1989 it was developed with the idea of reviving the earlier Elan's recipe for a fun, lightweight sports car. The original Elan was always going to be a hard act to follow, combining as it did a feather weight body with Lotus’s twin cam engine and excellent handling.
The new M100 Elan was praised for its pin sharp handling despite being front wheel drive. In truth, the Elan M100 is an absolute blast to drive. Its Isuzu sourced four pot engine might not make a particularly fruity sound, but it does push out a healthy 165bhp. It is a talented and interesting alternative to the ubiquitous MX-5.
The new M100 Elan was praised for its pin sharp handling despite being front wheel drive. In truth, the Elan M100 is an absolute blast to drive. Its Isuzu sourced four pot engine might not make a particularly fruity sound, but it does push out a healthy 165bhp. It is a talented and interesting alternative to the ubiquitous MX-5.
The example offered here has fared better than most. The seller has owned it for just one year having been offered it in lieu of a debt. He has enjoyed driving it on a few occasions, but admits he is more of a motorbike enthusiast so has decided to sell. It is in good overall condition, with just age related wear. It sounds rorty, and it’s reported to drive nicely with no problems or rattles.
Looking at the exterior it has minor chips as you might expect, but no major damage. The interior also shows wear and some minor nicks in the seat leather but in general it would be greatly improved if treated to a good valet.
Looking at the exterior it has minor chips as you might expect, but no major damage. The interior also shows wear and some minor nicks in the seat leather but in general it would be greatly improved if treated to a good valet.
History and Paperwork
- Built and first registered in September 1990
- Acquired by the Seller in lieu of debt
- V5c In Seller’s name
- MoT valid to 8th June 2024
- Just 87 miles covered since MoT
- Good folder of older invoices back to 2012
- Cambelt change in 2015 at 66,000 miles
- Recent replacement battery
- Sony Radio/CD with Bluetooth fitted recently
- Lotus Elan M100 Factory Parts and Workshop manual CD
The Interior
- Graphite grey leather interior with mid grey carpets
- Seats in reasonably good condition, with some wear and two small tears on passenger seat
- One leather panel on base of passenger seats looks to have been replaced
- Mid grey carpet with some wear, small tear beneath accelerator pedal
- Black woollen mats with red stitching
- Interior trim in acceptable condition with expected wear
- Glove box door requires adjustment
- Clean gauges, all working correctly with no warning lights
- Original Lotus leather steering wheel, some loose stitching on rim
- Fold down wind deflector behind seats
- Clean and tidy boot with black carpets
- Steel spare wheel and tools
- Additional comprehensive toolkit in plastic carry case
The Exterior
- Smart red paint in excellent condition for age
- Minor chips here and there, and small area of cracking round aerial on rear wing
- All glass in good condition, electric windows functioning correctly
- Crack and damage to nearside rear light
- Headlights pop up on demand, all lights working
- Folding hood with a few marks, but fits and stows well
- Some age degradation of rubber roof seals at top of windscreen
- Clear plastic rear window with no cracks scratches or holes
- Original Ruote OZ six spoke 15 inch styled alloy wheels in excellent condition
- Lightly worn Toyo Proxes on front, Continentals on rear
- Correct Lotus badging and exterior trim in good condition
The Mechanics
- 1600cc Turbo four cylinder good for 165hp
- Five speed manual gearbox
- Runs and drives well, just 87 miles since last MoT
- Less than 30,000 miles since cambelt changed
- Clean and tidy engine bay with just minor age related marks
- No visible oil leaks or stains around engine
- Clean, tidy and corrosion free underside
- Good folder of earlier invoices
- Seller reports nothing requires attention, and its ready to be enjoyed
Summary
Overall this Elan is in particularly well preserved condition. The areas that might be improved if required all appear to be easy jobs and it wouldn’t take much to bring the car to the next level. The fibreglass body is particularly impressive considering the age. These Elans are a real hoot to drive with pin sharp handling and old school turbo “push” they are an underrated bargain!
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.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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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.
