Lotus Elan SE Turbo

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Launched in 1989, the new generation Lotus Elan marked a radical departure for the Hethel-based company. The only Lotus ever to feature front-wheel drive, it also had an engine and gearbox sourced from Isuzu.

While some purists turned their noses up at these developments, there was no denying that it added up to very effective package. The chassis was as fabulous as ever with all the handling precision that one would expect from a Lotus. Also in the Lotus tradition was the lightweight GRP bodyshell, bolted directly to the backbone chassis.

In turbocharged form the 1,588cc engine was rewardingly punchy, delivering 162bhp and rocketing the car to 60 in just 6.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 137mph. Keeping everything under control were all round coil-sprung independent suspension, disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering. On release the Elan was described by Autocar magazine as "the quickest point to point car available," while CAR magazine judged it “the best handling front-wheel drive car in the world.”

As the original purchase invoice confirms, this Elan was bought new from Mann Egerton of London in August 1991 at a cost of £24,000 including red paintwork, a full grey leather interior and a remote alarm. It has only had two other keepers since, the second from May 2002 and the current since June 2007.

The car has covered just under 57,500 miles with an excellent service history comprising 13 stamps in the book up to 41,109 miles in May 2008 plus bills for two subsequent services at Paul Matty and a stamp for another service at 57,378 miles in December 2014 making 16 services in all with many supporting invoices. We are told that a new hood was also fitted last year although there does not appear to be a bill for this.

With an MOT until November 2016 (the only advisories being both front tyres close to the legal limit), it also comes with its original owner’ handbook, a period sales brochure, the aforementioned purchase invoice and enough bills and other literature to keep the new owner engrossed for hours!

AMENDMENT: The vendor advises that the battery is not charging on this car.