Highlights

• Superb example of the M100 Elan
• Fastidiously maintained by enthusiast owner
• Terrific original condition
• Two-tone leather interior

The Appeal

 
Lotus returned to past glories with the launch of the M100 Elan in 1989. Under the ownership of General Motors, the Norfolk-based sports car manufacturer set about developing a new, small and affordable sports car to sit below the Esprit and Excel, but with an entirely new powertrain and, for the first time in the company’s history, front-wheel-drive.

Power would come from a 1.6-litre turbocharged Isuzu engine but some traditional Lotus traits would remain – notably a steel backbone chassis and fibreglass bodywork, with a delicate sports car body designed by Esprit stylist Peter Stevens.

Given the Type number 100 and the project name during development of M100, the Elan went on sale in 1989. Feedback from the media was initially positive and pent-up demand meant more than 1,200 had been sold by the end of 1990, while the car picked up a prestigious award from the Design Council.
 
But it was not a commercial success, with only 3,855 cars sold between 1989 and 1992, followed by a further 800 of the Elan S2, which was introduced in 1994. The car was also obscurely sold as a Kia from 1995 to 1999 for the Korean market only, after Lotus sold the production rights.

A fascinating car with an equally engaging history, the M100 is now starting to attract the attentions of collectors thanks to its rarity and quirkiness, and this example is an absolute gem. Owned by an enthusiast who has cherished and maintained the car himself for the past eight years, it’s now reluctantly for sale for health reasons and the owner is very keen for it to be passed on to an enthusiast.

It's a lovely, well-presented example in striking Calypso Red with Pewter Grey alloy wheels and a full two-tone leather interior – as good as they get.

The History and Paperwork

• UK V5C in the name of the vendor
• MOT until May 2024
• Cherished registration number included in sale
• Original handbook and owners’ manual 
• Some invoices documenting service history and recent MOT work, but the vendor has serviced and maintained the car himself during his ownership and has treated it to an oil change and full service annually despite covering a relatively low mileage
• Also included are a Lotus Elan M100 book and a Lotus F1 team gilet, plus a metal Lotus wall plaque for the new owner to display in their garage

The Condition

• Stunning Calypso Red paint with a lovely shine
• Superb Pewter Grey alloy wheels with no kerb marks and quality Uniroyal tyres all-round
• The vendor reports that the chassis is in good order – historic invoices document some repairs that pre-date his ownership
• One very small area of micro-blistering on one front wing
• Small amount of fibreglass crazing on rear tonneau slam panel
• Smart two-tone leather interior
• Two areas of front carpet require replacement
• Modern USB/Bluetooth stereo
• Original hood in very good order with original brace panels
• TOAD immobiliser and additional electric cut off switch behind driver’s seat
• Dynamat under-bonnet soundproofing 
• Overall, the car presents beautifully and has clearly been very well cared-for by the current owner

 

The Mechanics

• 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder GM-Isuzu engine
• Five-speed manual transmission
• Always frequently serviced and well-maintained, with the owner carrying out all jobs himself as required
• Cambelt replaced in 2021 at 102k
• Good oil pressure, smooth idle, steady temperature and no excessive exhaust smoke
• The vendor reports that the car drives brilliantly, with no known faults

BEFORE YOU BUY