The Lotus M100 Elan was launched in August 1989, reviving the Elan nameplate after 14 years. A two-seater convertible sports car with front-wheel drive, designed in-house by Lotus, it featured an engine and manual transmission supplied by Isuzu, and was built with the development and testing resources of General Motors. Around £35 million (about $55 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 M100 Elan was conceived as a mass-market car and in particular one that would appeal to US buyers. Consequently, Lotus put an enormous effort (for such a small firm) 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. This stunning Lotus Elan M100 Turbo 1992 has covered only 40361 miles. The car has been fully restored to concourse condition, engine has been built using top quality components, Cosworth forged piston, Garrett turbo, custom built intercooler, all bearing shells replaced, top end refurbished plus ceramic coatings on outlet manifold and turbo. Revised adjustable GAZ suspension. New braided brake lines, new discs and EBC pads. New short shift gear linkage. New flywheel & clutch supplied by Formula Friction which was all balanced with the crankshaft. Service History up to date.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine size : 1.6 Turbocharged
Exterior colour : Red
Interior colour : Grey/red leather
Mileage : 40361
Transmission : Manual
Year : 1992