***Interested parties should note that this vehicle was subject to a Category D insurance loss on 05/06/2008***
Highlights
- Sympathetically refurbished by the current owner
- Winner of a rosette at the Swansea Car Show in 2019
- A number of upgrades result in an estimated 230 horsepower
The Appeal
Codenamed the M100, Lotus spent unprecedented sums developing the new Elan and it is often rumoured that designing the dashboard alone cost more than the entire Excel project.
The result was Lotus’ first and, to date, only front-wheel drive car. It was praised in contemporary road tests for its performance, handling and suspension geometry – something that Lotus have seemingly always been good at.
Here we have a sympathetically refurbished 1990 Elan that incorporates a number of choice upgrades installed during the vendor’s ownership. Now producing around 70 horsepower more than standard, this Lotus is a capable example that never fails to deliver sports car thrills.
The History and Paperwork
- Acquired by the vendor in 2017
- The vendor then spent 4 years refurbishing and upgrading it
- Has been displayed at numerous shows in South Wales since completing the work
- Winner of a rosette at the Swansea Car Show in 2019
- V5C present
- MOT valid until August 2023
- Handwritten notes from the vendor detailing work carried out and when
- Service book and owner’s manual present
- Workshop manual on a zip drive
The Interior
- No cracking visible on the dashboard and other interior plastics
- Smart carpeting covered by fairly new, unblemished overmats
- The seat material looks to be in very good condition, with a little creasing from use
- Very little wear we could discern on any of the controls
- The headlining in the occasional hard top roof presents well as it is new
- The vendor informs us that everything works as it should and that the stereo is new
The Exterior
- Smart red paintwork
- A few stone chips here and there have been carefully touched in
- The vendor points out some minor gel coat crazing although this is hardly noticeable
- There is a slight blemish on the passenger door although this is not immediately apparent
- Convertible soft top roof operates as it should and the fabric is in good order
- While standard Elans sit upon 15” wheels, this example now has 17” alloys
- The tyres will need to be replaced shortly
- For the air intake, a hole has been fashioned in the bonnet
- Where possible, all the lights have been converted to LED
- Underneath, the vendor has carried out some refinishing and it now looks really clean and smart
The Mechanics
- Tuned stainless steel exhaust which speeds up turbo spool
- Rochester fuel injectors
- Competition spark plugs
- Everest chip installed
- Cold air intake fitted and complete with wet weather blanking plate
- Upgraded front disc rotors
- 3-pot racing callipers fitted up front
- New fuel pump and fuel filter
- Recent oil change (Mobil 1)
- A new overhead cam belt has been fitted
- Overhauled turbocharger with new seals
- Start, runs and drives really well and is reportedly really quick
- Now produces around 230 horsepower to the front wheels following the aforementioned upgrades
Summary
If you’re a fan of the M100 Elan Turbo then this car has to be the ultimate iteration available.
True to the Lotus ethos, the owner of this fine example has refined it mechanically to make it a really rather fast little sports car that never fails to impress.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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