Lot details Registration No: G887CLD Chassis No: SCC100ZT1LHD16100 Mot Expiry: June 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 Silver Frost with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork and wheels / tyres (while, he rates the interior trim and paintwork as "good"). Reportedly a "1989 Motor Show model", 'G887 CLD' is further understood to have been "retained by Lotus for display at Hethel until July 1996" when "Mike Kimberely decided to sell off all the remaining motor show and film models". Purchased by its previous keeper in July 1996 and entering the current ownership during November 1998, the Elan is said to have been "maintained by a Lotus enthusiast" who apparently treated it to "a major service including cambelt change in May 2007". Further benefiting from a Cobra 6422 (Thatcham Category 1) alarm system and upgraded Sony radio / cassette / CD player, 'G887 CLD' is stated to have covered "a genuine 20,000 miles". Riding on alloy wheels, this modern classic is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until July 2008.
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