1992 Lotus Elan SE Turbo

Description

Just one owner from 2004 - 2024; regularly serviced by the same Lotus specialist; advisory-free MOT; a most usable example of the 'best-handling FWD car in the world'; ready to enjoy

Launched in 1989, the new generation Lotus Elan M100 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. On release the Elan was acclaimed by Autocar as "the quickest point to point car available," while CAR magazine judged it “the best handling front-wheel drive car in the world.”

First registered in August 1992, this SE Turbo has covered 107,387 miles in the hands of six owners to date, the 5^th keeping it for 20 years (2004 – 2024). Although there is no service book, there are dozens of invoices back to 2004 to show that it has always been looked after by Lotus specialist Chris Foulds Motors of Huddersfield.

A quick flick through the bills shows services as follows:

June 2004 @ 70,678 miles
March 2006 @ 73,544 miles
July 2007 @ 76,848 miles
May 2009 @ 80,420 miles
Feb 2012 @ 87,172 miles
Sept 2013 @ 89,680 miles inc timing belt
Feb 2015 @ 94,408 miles
Feb 2019 @ 103,428 miles
Feb 2020 @ 104,251 miles
Feb 2022 @ 106,110 miles

There are also many bills for new parts fitted – either between or at service times. There is also a virtually unbroken run of 25 old MOTs back to 1998 when it had covered 35,605 miles. The current MOT is valid until June 2026 with no advisories recorded.

As you can see in the photos, it is in decent nick for a Lotus of this era and has been starting promptly and running nicely as we have moved it around on site.

Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – [email protected]