1994 | Lotus Elan S2

97,648

• Desirable Final Edition model
• Well maintained

The Lotus M100 Elan, launched in 1989, was a two-seater, convertible sportscar 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 the Lotus Hethel factory to check for any manufacturing defects before being shipped to dealers.

Under Bugatti's new ownership and with the discovery of a batch of unused engines, the decision was made to make a 'Final Edition' version of the fabulous Elan. Dubbed the S2 Final Edition and limited to 800 units, the car on offer here is number 280 of those. First registered on 15th December 1994, it has only had four registered keepers with the current vendor's stewardship beginning in 2018. The brakes were overhauled in 2023, and the car shows servicing invoices from Bell and Colvill as well as receipts from main agent servicing along with many previous MoT test certificates and the original handbook. The vendor describes the car to run and drive very well with that 1.6 litre turbo engine pulling well and the car is only for sale due to lack of use.

Supplied with its V5C registration document and MoT test certificate valid until April 2026 as well as the impressive service history file. These little Elan's are beginning to be appreciated for the great sportscars they are and these limited-edition models are undoubtably the most desirable. Consigned by Will Penrose

Guide price £6,000-£8,000