Highlights
- Single registered keeper from new, purchased May 1990
- Factory standard 163bhp Elan Turbo rarity
- Recent work completed including timing belt, water pump, and head gaskets
- MOT valid to September 2026
The Appeal
When Lotus chose to reboot the Elan template, it did so brilliantly. The M100 Elan was rated by contemporary reviewers for its cross-country pace, while history has decided that it is simple one of the greatest front wheel drive sports cars ever built.
Despite those plaudits, few were built and good surviving cars are rare. The one you want is this car: the SE Turbo with the 163 bhp version of the Lotus-developed Isuzu 1.6L engine. This classic sports car red example has been with the current keeper from new and has a history file to match.
The car was dry stored off the road between 2007 and 2024, and in recent years has been lightly recommissioned. This has included new head gasket, timing belt and water pump. As a used and loved ca,r there are some points to note in the photos and description, but we’re told it runs well. The MOT to September 2026 provides further reassurance.
The M100 is a car that needs to be driven. While there is scope to take this to the next cosmetic level, perhaps the buyer's first priority is to jump in and discover what all those rave reviews are about.
The vendor says:
“This car has always been fun to drive, sticks to the road like s... to the proverbial.”
History and Paperwork
- UK market RHD car first registered 17th May 1990
- Single registered keeper from new, purchased May 1990
- Vendor states that there is full service history up to 2007 when placed on SORN
- Garaged and on SORN from 2007 to September 2024
- Returned to the road September 2024
- Recommissioning work in recent years detailed above and below
- Some history shown in photos dating from car’s earliest days
- MOT valid to 19th September 2026 with advisories to note
- V5C present
The Condition
- Classic red paintwork in fair condition with some age to note in photos
- Vendor advises that clear coat blistering present in places
- Vendor states that some panels have been resprayed
- Standard factory alloys in fair condition with some marks to note
- Convertible hood requires repair or replacement
- Fabric seats are original and show some age
- Driver's seat leather trim worn on outer edge
- Original Lotus wheel and period Blaupunkt stereo fitted
The Mechanics
- 1,588cc inline-4 turbocharged 163bhp engine
- 5spd manual transmission
- Timing belt, water pump, and head gaskets replaced in recent years
- Engine runs smoothly we are told
- Advisories to note on MOT
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