Highlights

Low documented mileage of 41,100 miles
Only two registered keepers from new
Garaged throughout its life
Cambelt, water pump, tensioner, idler, belts and all filters replaced in early 2022
All injectors replaced in 2025
MOT valid to October 2026 with no advisories

The Appeal

In the late 80s Mazda and Lotus had the same idea: reboot the original two-seater 60s classic template, epitomised by the original Elan. The M100 Elan SE arrived in August 1989, just after the Mazda. Widely acclaimed as one of, if not the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars of its era, in Turbo form it had the power to capitalise on the chassis’ agility.

Thanks to a high cost when new and traditionalists’ sniffiness about front-wheel-drive cars, just 3,855 Series 1 examples were built. That makes this low-mileage, two-keeper Turbo extremely rare. It is a very tidy example that has always been garaged and properly maintained by its owners. Recent work includes over £3,000 spent in 2022 on servicing, cambelts, tensioners and a new water pump. The car has covered few miles since, and the condition is supported by a lengthy MOT.

Few two-seater classics can match the Elan SE’s sheer, well, elan. They remain surprisingly overlooked outside enthusiast circles. Here’s a chance to discover why those 'in the know' rate them so highly.

The vendor says:

“The vehicle is tight and drives well, holding the road and delivering a fun, sporty ride. The turbo offers overtaking power as required.”

History and Paperwork

First registered in January 1991 in the United Kingdom
Two registered keepers from new
Current keeper since November 2021
Little used in the 2000s and garaged throughout, we are told
Always garaged under current ownership
MOT valid to 28th October 2026 with no advisories
Recent maintenance and servicing shown in photos and summarised below
2 keys with Lotus fobs
Factory tool kit
Factory handbooks

Service history (further details in photos):

03/00 - 34,419 miles - M E Taylor
01/97 - 26,127 miles - Chris Foulds Lotus
01/96 - 22,243 miles - Chris Foulds Lotus
07/94 - 16,711 miles - JCT600 Lotus
01/93 - 10,731 miles - JCT600 Lotus
02/92 - 6,320 miles - JCT600 Lotus
09/91 - 4,221 miles - JCT600 Lotus

Notable recent maintenance:

04/24 - £359 - Performance Autocare - headlamp motor refurbishment
01/22 - £3,200 - Simon Graeme - cambelt etc plus servicing at 38,690 miles

The Condition

Factory standard and unmodified car in red with well-kept body and paintwork
Vendor reports some slight scrapes painted upon taking ownership
The vendor reports the underside to be in very good order
No structural advisories on MOT
Factory alloy wheels present well
Recently fitted with new Falken tyres, we are told
Steel spare wheel
Black folding roof with clear screen, said to be in good working order
Black and red leather interior with well-kept seats and switchgear
The glovebox catch needs attention
Retains original wheel and period Blaupunkt radio cassette
All instruments and dials working
Vendor reports interior is in good order for 35-year-old vehicle
We are told that there is some wear on seat bases

The Mechanics

1,588cc four-cylinder transverse turbocharged engine
Five-speed manual transmission
Reported to start and run well
All injectors replaced in 2025
Cambelt, water pump, tensioner, idler, belts and all filters replaced in early 2022
Service history as shown in photos
No advisories on MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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