The Lotus M100 Elan, launched in 1989, was a two-seater, convertible sports car designed by Lotus and built with the development and testing resources of General Motors.  Around £35 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 monocoque chassis, was true to Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s original philosophy .

Lotus put an enormous effort 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 lovely series 2 car in Racing green number 346 of a limited edition of 800 Series 2 The S2s are popular cars now as they provide a very responsive drive, boast a slightly lower overall vehicle weight, have future-classic pedigree and represent good value in the ever-competitive sports car market.

This lovely example has been owned by an enthusiast for the past 3 years and has a good history file and well maintained having just been service and fitted with uprated PNM front brakes this year.

On the road it’s surprisingly brisk and although front wheel drive it’s very neutral and balance much like an Alfasud.