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Lotus Elan SE

Mileage: 27,726 Top Speed: 137 Year: 1992 0 - 60: 6.5 MOT Expiry: Aug 14 BHP: 165 Tax Expiry: July 14 Transmission: 5-speed manual Exterior Colour: Pacific Blue Metallic Engine Capacity: 1588cc Interior Colour: Grey Engine Configuration: Inline 4 Turbo

Lotus Elan SE | £9,995

Mileage: 27,726

Model History

The Lotus M100 Elan was launched in 1989, a stylish 2 seater it was fitted with a reliable Japanese engine and manual transmission supplied by Isuzu. Around £35 million was invested in its development, more than any other car in Lotus history. Its design, featuring a fibreglass composite body over a rigid steel backbone chassis, was true to Lotus founder Colin Chapman's original philosophy of achieving performance through low weight, and the name "Elan" connected the car with its 1960s ancestor, the original Lotus Elan.

Lotus put an enormous effort into testing the car; over a two-year period 19 crash cars and 42 development vehicles were built, logging nearly a million test miles in locations from Arizona to the Arctic. The Elan was driven at racing speeds for 24 hours around the track at Snetterton. Finally each new car was test-driven for around 30 miles at Lotus's Hethel factory to check for any manufacturing defects before being shipped to dealers.

The M100 Elan's cornering performance was undeniable (on release the Elan was described by Autocar magazine as "the quickest point to point car available"). Press reaction was not uniformly positive, as some reviewers found the handling too secure and predictable compared to a rear-wheel-drive car. However, the Elan's rigid chassis minimized roll through the corners and has led to its description as 'the finest front wheel drive car bar none.

Two variants were available at launch, the 130 bhp Elan 1.6 (retailing at £17,850) and the 162 bhp Turbo SE (£19,850). Initial sales were disappointing, perhaps because its launch coincided with a major economic recession in the UK and USA and perhaps also because it coincided with the cheaper Mazda MX-5 which was arguably similar in concept, though the MX-5 was quite intentionally nostalgic and old fashioned (mimiking the original Elan), while the M100 was deliberately futuristic, modern and forward looking. The Elan was regarded as a good product in a bad market place.

Equipment

Alloy wheels, Electric windows, Electrically adjustable door mirrors, Sony 10 disc CD changer, Central locking, Adjustable steering column, Digital clock, Turbo boost gauge, Power steering, Body coloured door mirrors, Spare wheel and jack, Tool kit.

Exterior

This delightful Elan Turbo is presented in the popular Pacific Blue Metallic paintwork. Having always been carefully stored when not in use the paintwork remains in excellent condition, boasting a sharp metallic flake and deep shine. On close inspection there are some expected light stone chips on the nose cone that have been carefully touch-in. Both body coloured bumpers and wing mirrors are free from any unsightly scuffs and the window rubbers remain in fine fettle with no major perishing issues (a common issue for this model).

 

The body coloured tonneu cover is in fine condition operating as it should and neatly covers the hood when in the lowered position. The hood itself is in excellent condition and remains watertight.

Interior

With such low mileage and just one careful owner from new the interior space of this example is in fine order with minimal wear. The two seats are trimmed with half grey leather and cloth, on close inspection there is a small amount of wear to the drivers bolster leather surface however there are no cracks or tears to report. Both cloth inserts are in excellent condition with no sagging or damage whatsoever.

 

The dashboard and centre console surfaces still retain a crisp appearance boasting a deep un-marked texture that can only be found in cars that have been kept away from direct sunlight and carefully stored. The switchgear is equally impressive, with minimal wear to any buttons and all electrics working exactly as they should.

Engine & Transmission

Having covered a mere 27k miles the mechanics of this Elan are fine order. The last service including a cambelt change was carried out by Lotus specialist Christopher Neil Ltd at 26k miles. The 165bhp turbo charged engine fires into life and idles correctly up to temperature.

 

On the road the 5-speed gearbox feels tight and precise to operate, pulling through the rev range with ease.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

The 15" Ruote O.Z. alloy wheels are still presented in their factory coat of paint. As expected with original wheels of this age there are a few light scuffs on close inspection, however nothing serious enough to detract from the cars over-all good looks.

 

The wheels are shod in a set of Pirelli P700 tyres on the front and Kumho tyres on the rear. All the tyres have 6mm of tread remaining.

 

The brakes feel strong and competent, pulling the car up confidently in a straight line.

History File

The Lotus Elan SE was first registered August 1992 and sold through the supplying dealer Reynolds Sports Cars to the current owner who has cherished the car ever since.

 

The first three services were carried out by the supplying dealer up to 15k miles. It was then taken to Lotus Ribble Valley for a full service at 21k miles and then more recently Lotus specialists Christopher Neil Ltd carried out a C service and replaced the cambelt at 26k miles.

 

Within the history file every MOT certificate from new has been kept to help verify the low mileage. There are various invoices for replacement parts and service work as well as the original owners handbook containing all the relevant manuals.