Lotus...?

Lotus Elan

 

It's the Lotus Elan M100, from the early 90's. Front turbo engine via Isuzu, front wheel drive (sacrilege!), not very popular.

 

I don't know what they cost new but the one's I've seen for sale were around 10-20G. Which I was a little suprised at given the size and that fact that its a isuzi engine.

 

There are fewer Elans in this country than there are F40's..

That looks like the parking lot on roswell road if I am not mistaken..Say hi to Levi for me the next time you are there..

 

I believe list price was $39k, way too much. Actually I spent a little time in one and it wasn't bad, but at 39000 early-nineties dollars it fell short. Front wheel drive hurt it's image as well. According to Lotus this was supposed to be a 90% car--90% of the drivers should be able to drive it at 90% of it's potential 90% of the time.

 

I'm pretty sure that snazzy lettering on the back was extra

 

a dealer option to be sure.

 

Tough to justify the original cost as the Miata had also debuted around that time.

 

Sorry that you guys had to witness those pictures... Don't get me wrong, the Elan M100 has its place but I just couldn't leave you guys with those images associated with Lotus without the following images (I hope these pics work....)
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is that true? i used to see one all the time back in the day...

 

Rick,
photo numer 3-----DAAAAMN!!!! Man, thats a good lookin' car.

One of the most beautiful cars I've seen was a Lotus Turbo Espirit back in the 80s-pearl paint with tan leather interior.

 

Forget those...what you need is a pic of the one of the original Elans. 1500lbs and about 100rwhp!
If you see one, you'll see where the Miata concept came from.

 

If you ask Gordon Murray what's his fave car of all time, won't be surprised if it's the original Elan. The Elan is/was the definitive example of less weight = more performance/handling. Long live Colin Chapman.

 

When I was 20 yrs old I had a Series 1 Elan with a modded engine. 1400lbs and 140 hp--those were the days!

 

a couple magazine articles with Lotus comparisons:

Sports Car Doubles - round-up of 6 affordable sports/classic cars.

A Question of Balance - Lotus Europa vs Fiat X1/9.