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.
 
This one is an early car, dating from 1990, and comes with the cherished registration shown in the picture. The vendor acquired it from a deceased estate and the car has been parked up for over six years. The upper body appears sound and It has plenty of potential, but will require some restoration work. It starts and the engine runs, but issue with the brakes and power steering mean you won’t be driving it away, while it will also need welded repairs to both sills and both front door hinge areas.
 
It's all there, though, and has the potential to become a really good car again – ideal for a classic car specialist to restore and sell on, a private restoration or even as a vital set of parts to keep other Elan M100s motoring.
 

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