THE LISTING

About this vehicle

Lots Elan M100

Description

• Desirable colour combination
• Lots of improvements carried out by previous owner
• Exceptionally good condition throughout
• Advisory free MOT until March 2027
• HPI Clear

For years the Lotus Elan SE Turbo M100 lived in the shadow of more mainstream roadsters. Today, enthusiasts know better. Fast, rare and brilliantly engineered, the M100 is now widely regarded as one of the finest front-wheel-drive sports cars ever built. 

With fewer than 4,000 produced, sharp styling and Lotus handling magic, these are becoming increasingly sought after.

This red SE Turbo is made all the more appealing by thoughtful upgrades, recent expenditure and an advisory-free MOT until March 2027.

Overview

• 84,700 miles 
• Black hood in good order 
• Advisory free MOT until March 2027 
• Gap in MOT history between 2016–2023 explained by time spent in a private collection in France on English plates 
• Serviced annually since 2023 

Exterior

The M100’s styling still looks crisp today. The integrated bumpers, flush lighting and clean, uncluttered lines give it a very modern feel for an early-1990s car.

• Finished in Red 
• Fibreglass body over Lotus’ steel backbone chassis 
• Black hood presents well 
• Original SE wheels powder coated 
• LED headlight upgrade 
• Lotus branded wind deflector 
• The car looks equally sharp, roof up or down 

Interior

Lotus gave the Elan a more luxurious feel than many of its earlier cars, blending proper sports car intimacy with a little more comfort and equipment.

• Black leather with red inserts 
• Matching door cards in good order 
• Leather gear knob 
• Three-spoke polished wood-rimmed steering wheel (original steering wheel also included)
• Black-faced dials with red numerals and needles, echoing Lotus’ motorsport heritage 

The cabin remains a lovely place to spend time and feels far more special than many sports cars of the era.

Mechanicals

The SE Turbo used the famous 1.6-litre Isuzu-sourced twin-cam turbocharged “red top” engine. In standard form these produced around 165bhp and could reach 60mph in around 6.5 seconds with a top speed close to 137mph.

• This Elan has been enhanced further:
• ECU upgrade to approximately 200bhp 
• Piper stainless steel exhaust 
• New injectors 
• Upgraded front and rear brakes 
• New tyres 
• Upgraded roof seals
• Cambelt & water pump renewed in 2023 

The M100 combined all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and clever front suspension geometry that virtually eliminated torque steer. The result is the balance, confidence and agility that only Lotus could deliver.

Summary

Rare, stylish and genuinely rewarding to drive, the M100 Elan is now receiving the recognition it always deserved. This Lotus offers all of the qualities that make them so appealing; strong looks, useful upgrades and that legendary Lotus handling.

A hugely underrated modern classic and one that is becoming harder to ignore.

Vehicle specification

• Make: Lotus
• Model: Elan Se
• Year: 1990
• Engine: 1.6 Turbo
• Transmission: Manual
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Body Style: Convertible
• Colour: Red
• Doors: 2
• MOT Expiry: March 2027

Important information

This vehicle is advertised by an independent eBay seller. The information shown has been taken from the seller's listing. Please review the original eBay advert for the complete description, condition, history, photographs and terms of sale before purchasing.