Lot details Registration No: J686PFX Chassis No: SCC100ZT1MHD18475 Mot Expiry: Sept 2009
The new Peter Stevens-designed Lotus Elan shocked traditionalists when it appeared in 1989 - it was front-wheel drive, a total departure from tradition for the Hethel company - but it soon won over the motoring press for being the best-handling fwd car thus far. Autocar described it as: 'The quickest point-to-point car available.' A technical tour de force, the composite-constructed M100 provided a very rigid platform from which its sophisticated all-independent suspension could work properly, and it was powered by a 1588cc Isuzu all-alloy twin-cam engine - Lotus was owned by General Motors at the time and this was the most suitable engine from the group. The turbocharged version gives 162bhp, allowing for 0-60mph in 6.5 secs and a top speed of 137mph, still impressive today. Only 126 normally-aspirated cars were supplied, and fewer than 4000 M100 Elans were built in all before Lotus closed production in 1992. SE versions are well appointed with electric windows, power steering and tilt-adjustable column.
The vendor variously describes this Elan as "excellent", "all good", and "very clean and well-cared for, with unmarked paintwork and very smart half-leather trim" and says "the oil pressure is good, with no sign of overheating". "Very quick and an excellent car to drive", he summarises.
With only three owners from new and "full service history", this turbo presents very well. It has just been fitted with a new battery and comes with handbook, large workshop/parts manual and old MOT certificates.
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