Lot details Registration No: OAZ 1835 Chassis No: SCC100ZTIMHD18187 Mot Expiry: Aug 2009
Introduced in 1989, the new Elan was designed to "allow 100 percent of its owners to use 90 percent of its performance 90 percent of the time". Built around a multi-piece bonded and riveted backbone chassis with bolt-on GRP bodyshell, it featured all round coil-sprung independent suspension, disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering. Powered by a 1.6 litre Izuzu-sourced DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine allied to five-speed manual transmission, the M100 (as the model was known internally) exhibited the kind of superlative handling and roadholding characteristics that the world had come to expect from Hethel's chassis alchemists. Available in both normally aspirated and turbocharged guises, the latter version proved a seriously quick car. With some 162bhp and 148lbft of torque at its disposal, the lightweight Lotus was reputedly capable of 138mph and 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds. Put head-to-head against a contemporary Porsche 964 Carrera 4 and Lancia Delta Integrale Evo by CAR magazine in an attempt to find the fastest point-to-point car on the market, the Elan SE acquitted itself with honours. Judged the best handling front-wheel drive car in the world, it still conspired to lose GM (Lotus owners at the time) money on each one sold.
Finished in red with black / red leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "very good" (electrical equipment, five-speed manual gearbox, interior trim) or "excellent" (engine, bodywork, paintwork) condition. In addition to having its "cambelt renewed at 65,000 miles", the Lotus is understood to have just been fitted with "new rear discs and shock absorbers". Currently showing some 69,900 miles to its odometer (though, delivery to the sale might take the reading past 70,000), the Elan is said to give "reliability as well as exhilarating performance and roadholding thanks to the Izuzu engine and transmission etc". Further rated by the seller as "a very sensible and practical Lotus", this enticing two-seater is offered for sale with the personalised number plate 'OAZ 1835' and MOT certificate valid until August 2009.
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