In Brief:

• Looked after and well presented example of an M100 Elan
• Finished in British Racing Green with a Lotus Yellow racing stripe over a Grey and Yellow leather interior
• Owned by The Vendor for the past 2 years
• Comes with great history file including service book with 23 stamps
• Lots of work and upgrades carried out

On the Surface:

A smart and well-presented example of the M100-generation Lotus Elan, finished in British Racing Green with a Lotus Yellow racing stripe, complemented by a Grey and Yellow leather interior. Owned by The Vendor for the past two years, this car was purchased from our Autumn Classic Car Auction in 2023 and has been cherished ever since.

Maintenance & History:

First registered on 11th May 1990, this Elan has clearly been cherished throughout its life. The original bill of sale confirms it was purchased new from Bell & Colvill, Horsley, for £24,135. The original Owner’s Handbook remains with the car and displays 23 service stamps, covering maintenance from 1991 at 5,935 miles through to 2024 at 69,085 miles. The car now shows a genuine 70,337 miles. A comprehensive history file accompanies the car, containing numerous invoices and related newspaper cuttings.

The engine bay presents well, with thoughtful enhancements including a K&N air filter housed in the original casing, uprated Iridium spark plugs and Magnecor plug leads and Samco yellow hoses throughout. Further upgrades include Gaz adjustable gas dampers and springs for adjustable ride height, grooved front discs with EBC Yellow pads, EBC Green pads to the rear and a PNM 57mm stainless steel sports exhaust, which is said to increase output by approximately 20 horsepower. A new alternator was installed in 2020 and uprated headlamp bulbs with new pop-up light gears were fitted prior to 2023. Practical touches include a cockpit battery charge plug and a wind deflector for improved touring comfort. Benefitting from a new cambelt fitted in 2024, just over 1,000 miles ago, and an MOT valid until June 2026, this Elan is ready for its next chapter. 

The Model:

Launched in August 1989, the M100 Elan marked Lotus’s return to the Elan name after a 14-year hiatus. A bold departure for the marque, it was the first Lotus to feature front-wheel drive, developed in collaboration with General Motors and powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged DOHC Isuzu engine, producing 162 bhp stock. Its performance figures — 0–60 mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 137 mph.

Sale Insight:

With extensive history, tasteful upgrades and a long MOT, it represents an appealing opportunity for the enthusiast seeking a usable British sports car with character and provenance. The vendor is reluctantly parting with the car only due to the recent purchase of a Lotus Elise, leaving this Elan ready for its next enthusiast custodian.

Estimate:
£4,000 - £5,000