1991 Lotus Elan M100 Roadster
Factory Turbocharged Engine & 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Power Steering - Power Brakes
Air Conditioning 


Body Style: 2dr Roadster
VIN: SCCGA36B6MHF28074
Engine: 4-cyl. Turbo 1588cc/165hp MPFI
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Miles: 56,811
Exterior Color: Red
Interior Color: Black 


Model description:
In 1991 Lotus revived the legendary Elan, which had been out of production since 1975. Rather than update the basic ideas behind the original Elan, though, Lotus controversially designed an entirely different kind of car. The new Lotus Elan M100 was still a small two-seat roadster, but it was front-wheel drive, one detail that put it in stark contrast to the traditional rear-drive design of the original Elan. Perhaps even more striking, Lotus employed a Japanese-made drivetrain for the new Elan.

This was largely the result of Lotus having been acquired by General Motors in the 1980s. GM already had a relationship with Isuzu as part of its Geo product line, so an engine was sourced for the Elan. While the new Lotus was the most expensive development project in the company’s history, coming in at over $50 million, that was very little to spend by General Motors’ standards. With GM’s backing, Lotus put the Elan M100 into production with eyes on the American market, which at the time didn’t have many small two-seaters to choose from.

The engine Lotus selected for the Elan was an Isuzu twin-cam 1,588 cc unit (almost exactly the same displacement as the original Elan) available either normally aspirated or turbocharged with an intercooler. The basic engine produced a respectable 130 hp, while the turbocharged variant produced 162 hp. Because the new Elan weighed in at just 2,200 pounds, the 0-60 time of the turbo version was just 6.5 seconds and the car could reach a top speed of 137 mph. In all, only 129 normally aspirated Elans are known to have been made, with the balance of the 3,855 cars produced equipped with the turbocharged engine. The only available transmission was a five-speed manual.

The bodywork was entirely fiberglass, built on the traditional Lotus steel backbone chassis. The Elan M100 featured Lotus’s signature slope-nosed styling found on the Esprit, and the chassis was found to be exceptionally stiff and yielded excellent driving dynamics and handling. Lotus called the front suspension design “interactive” and included unequal-length wishbones and coil springs and a sway bar. In the rear, the Elan used upper and lower centrally-mounted wishbones with coil-over shock absorbers. Brakes were discs all around.

On the inside, the Elan M100 featured more luxury than one might expect in a small Lotus, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power door locks and power windows, heated power side mirrors, all leather upholstery, tinted windows, a driver’s side air bag and air conditioning.


About This Car:
This 1991 Lotus Elan M100 Roadster is located for sale in San Diego, California. The Lotus Elan is one of the most affordable rare cars that you could buy on today’s market. The two-seater roadster is a lot of fun to drive with its 5-speed manual transmission and turbocharged engine. The car is a pleasure to drive with the top up or down. It has a Clean CARFAX and has been in California since 6/2/1996 at 10,844 miles. The odometer currently shows only 56,796 giving it an average of 1,775 miles of use per year since the car was new. The red paint shows very well and the interior is in great condition. The front of the vehicle has PPF (Paint Protective Film) on it for protection. Everything is in working order and all California DMV division 12 safety items work. The convertible top opens and closes very easily. Recent service work performed was new front and rear coil over strut assemblies, new A/C switch, clean blower cage, new soft top gaskets, power windows connections and alignment. It is equipped with power windows, power steering, power brakes, radio, air-conditioning, and leather interior making the driving experience very comfortable. The flip-up headlights work well and give it that 90's feel.  Fully detailed and ready to be enjoyed.  Please give us a call to discuss this car or to schedule a time to come see it.  

We look forward to working with you on your purchase.


Comes With:
-2 Keys / 2 Key Fobs
-Lotus Owner’s Manual
-Lotus Tool Kit
-Spare Tire
-Jack Set
-Recent Service Records
-Firstech Alarm System
-Clean CARFAX


Asking Price: $ Sale Pending
All offers will be considered
​Ready for immediate worldwide delivery

 

Please contact (+1) 619-777-3659 for more information.



For sale by www.motorcarcompany.com in San Diego, California. Motor Car Company specializes in collection management, sales and brokerage of Collector Automobiles. 



*Ad Disclaimer: All vehicles are sold AS IS – NO WARRANTY; unless there is an existing Factory Warranty that has not expired. Motor Car Company does not sell or offer warranties. The ad copy above is a matter of opinion. Motor Car Company recommends each purchaser to physically inspect the car they are buying in person or hire a third-party inspection company prior to purchase. All contract documentation must be signed and the car paid for in full before the car can be released to the buyer. All photos are copyrighted by © Motor Car Company.

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