Lotus Elan (M100)

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The Lotus Elan M100 was launched in 1989 and was, in many ways, quite a departure for Lotus. For one thing, it was front-wheel drive (a first for Lotus), it had a Japanese engine (ditto), and it was the first new car Lotus had produced under the control of General Motors.

The car surprised its critics by being “the best-handling front-wheel drive car bar none”, reliable, and - for a Lotus – well screwed together. However, for a number of reasons, it wasn’t a commercial success, although Lotus did produce nearly 4,000 before GM dropped the car in 1992. The model was resurrected when Lotus came under Bugatti control and even continued when Kia took over the reins in 1996.

H194 VVF is a Series 1 M100 Elan from 1990 and has the naturally-aspirated 1,588cc Isuzu engine – the ‘less-powerful’ one admittedly, but still good enough to haul the car from 0 -60mph in 6.5 seconds and on to a licence-losing 137mph top speed.

The car has been in storage for the last four years or so following the death of its owner. It is currently a non-runner but that is believed to be down to a fault with the immobiliser or isolator switch and nothing major. The car had its last MOT in 2014 when it passed with only one advisory (worn brake disc) and has only covered two miles since. Total mileage recorded is 80,057 and it comes with its V5C.

This Elan is offered with No Reserve and looks to be a very economical way to own one of the finest handling sportscars of its day. In need of a little tlc perhaps, there appears to be no reason why it should not be on the road for the summer.