Lot 29 - 1990 Lotus Elan SE

ABOUT THIS CAR

“The Elan M100 has made its mark in history as arguably the finest handling front wheel drive car ever.” PistonHeads Road Test.

When the ‘M100’ Lotus Elan was unveiled to an expectant public by Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley at the 1989 Earls Court British Motorfair, it heralded the arrival of the iconic, ground breaking Lotus Elan that was to rewrite the rulebook for front wheel drive cars’ ride and handling for the next two decades. Today, having probably ‘troughed’ in terms of value a few years ago, the second iteration of the famous Elan name is finding favour with a whole new generation of Lotus fans.

This very early ‘M100’ Elan is, according to Lotus records, the 60^th built and it displays the features of the first machines such as the distinctive ‘Opera Spectacle’ headlights. It is also one of the best examples we have seen and a testament to its previous owners and the regular, frequent specialist servicing it has enjoyed throughout its life. This is documented in the Lotus’ original Owners Handbook (full to overflowing with Service Stamps) and is supported by an extensive selection of invoices for work carried out over the years including the all-important cam belt change, last carried out in October 2014 just 2500 miles ago. This comprehensive history is being bought bang up to date with an ‘A Service’ being carried out by an Authorised Lotus Service Centre virtually as we type. They have also carried out a comprehensive 29 point health check which is available to view on file.

Mechanically in very good order the Elan drives superbly feeling taught, squeak and rattle free; it displays little evidence of the 100,000 miles it has covered since new. Having broken that psychological barrier it is frankly one less thing for a new owner to worry about. The engine is eager and willing with no over-boosting of the turbo which has been known to afflict these SE specification Elans if the waste gate sticks closed; fun if not good for the engine’s longevity! Benefiting from a well-adjusted ‘Quick-shift’ gear linkage, ratios can be swapped smoothly and positively.

Braking has not traditionally been a strong suit for front wheel drive Elans so the uprated cross drilled disks and their associated pads fitted all round are a bonus and on the road the benefit is evident.

The original factory OZ wheels, complete with ‘Route OZ’ logos and optional extra Lotus centres, are generally in very good condition all round and the full set of Toyo Proxes tyres fitted have a good level of tread remaining. All the electrical equipment and switchgear functions correctly, perhaps evidence of its GM rather than Hethel roots…

We have always considered Lotus Racing Green one of the most desirable and attractive colours for an Elan and on this example the paintwork is also in good shape overall, a testament to both the care the current and previous owners have lavished on the car but also the paint and bodywork standards Lotus achieved when these cars were new. At over twenty-seven years old there are understandably one or two marks, chips and blemishes but nothing that would remotely merit repainting the car. The most notable of these is on the petrol filler cap as can be seen in the photo gallery.

From an interior trim perspective, M100 Elans are not the most robust machines and as they approach the end of their third decade (incredible isn’t it) many are showing signs of fatigue. We are glad to say that this example has survived remarkably well with even the very fragile hood mechanism covers present and un-cracked.

The black cloth roof has generally worn very well though an expert repair to a small tear has been made as illustrated in the photo gallery. There is no ‘misting’ of the rear window and all the door and screen seals are in pretty good order having been replaced in the past. The grey with contrasting yellow leather seats (an optional extra when new) are in very good condition as are the carpets, protected with Lotus over-mats. The factory tool kit is present and while probably not comprehensive enough to rebuild the car, it appears to be absolutely complete with even the original white gloves – handy for an unexpected wheel change or impromptu roadside stint as a snooker referee. All the external plastics are in very good order importantly including the now unobtainable rear lights and early-cars-only rear number plate cover. 

The underside of the car is amongst the best we have seen for an M100 Elan and close inspection of the photo gallery is recommended to fully appreciate the condition of the chassis (complete with its ‘no jack’ stickers) and that well known M100 achilles heel, the rear wishbones which have previously been replaced. Please note the apparent discolouration on the chassis is simply protective wax for the various securing nuts and bolts.

The car’s extensive History File contains a raft of invoices dating back to the early 1990s, a similarly comprehensive selection of MOT certificates including the current one valid until October, the Lotus Cars anti-corrosion guarantee and all important Owners Handbook/Maintenance Record plus the current V5C.

In a previous life your correspondent purchased numerous M100 Elans for a Lotus Main Dealer and some twenty plus years later this car was a timely reminder of just how much fun these pocket rockets are to conduct along a twisty country road. Whatever its value today, (and the owner has we feel set a very realistic reserve for the car) it seems highly likely it will increase significantly over the next few years as the market for ‘Modern Classics’ becomes ever more vibrant and active.

• Registration number: G478 BFC
• Chassis Number: SCC100ZT1LHD16159
• Engine Number: 855049