Chassis No.: SCC100ZT1MHD18372

Engine No.: 117332

Registration: J20 CPR

Sold £7,280 | Sold

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 of achieving performance through lightweight. The name 'Elan' connected the car with its 1960s ancestor, the original Lotus Elan. Conceived as a mass-market car and in particular one that would appeal to US buyers.

Consequently, 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. Finally, each new car was test-driven for around 30 miles at Lotus's Hethel factory to check for any manufacturing defects before being shipped to dealers. Supplied new by High Park Garage in August 1991 and initially serviced by London Lotus, this example is finished in Metallic Blue with a grey leather trim in SE specification and has covered a mere 58,256 miles from new.

Purchased by Miss Hill, the second owner, in March 1995, the car was serviced and maintained by SGT. SGT cared for the car until 2001 when Steve Williams Sports Cars took over and maintained it until 2012 and 26,167 miles at which point the car was no longer a daily driver and only used for weekend driving, the car was then taken off the road and garaged between 2013 and 2018. More recently recommissioned and having been continuously MoT’d since, this example is in good order and boasts a new MoT test certificate and service with Bell & Colvill, the worlds longest serving Lotus dealers.

Offered with a detailed history file, original handbook and stamped service booklet, this sprightly modern classic will put a smile on the face of all who drive her. Guide Price £8,000 - £13,000

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=5200&au=37