***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.

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