1990 Lotus Elan SE Turbo
COM_AUTOSTAND_PRICE_ESTIMATED | £7,000.00 - £9,000.00 | €8,351.23 - €10,737.30 | $9,343.36 - $12,012.89

Registration: H358 GBD

Chassis: SCC100ZT1LHD16559

Odometer: 90,900

Transmission: Manual

MOT: October 2027

  • Original 1990 sales invoice and factory-option leather upholstery
  • Exceptional service history with invoices spanning more than three decades
  • Timing belt kit and water pump replaced in July 2024

The Lotus Elan M100 represented a bold new direction for the Norfolk manufacturer when it arrived in 1989. Rather than following the traditional rear-wheel-drive formula, Lotus developed an entirely new front-wheel-drive sports car, engineered with an exceptional focus on handling, balance and everyday usability. Powered by a lively 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and clothed in distinctive wedge-shaped bodywork, the Elan SE quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest-handling roadsters of its generation.

Finished in striking Calypso Red with a black leather interior, this is a particularly appealing example, combining very good overall presentation with an extraordinary collection of service records stretching back to its original purchase.

First registered in September 1990, the car was supplied new by Malmesbury Specialist Cars, with its original sales invoice still accompanying the vehicle. This documents the original purchase and the factory-option leather seat facings, providing an excellent starting point for a remarkably comprehensive history.

The service documentation is undoubtedly one of this Elan's strongest attributes. The original service book contains an extensive sequence of stamps, beginning with the supplying dealer's pre-delivery inspection in September 1990 and continuing through regular servicing by High Park Garage and NMG Services Ltd.

Beyond the service book, the accompanying invoices provide an unusually detailed record of the car's maintenance. Services are documented at frequent intervals throughout the 1990s, followed by continued attention from Lakeside Engineering between 2001 and 2010. The records include servicing at 78,196 miles in 2007, 83,216 miles in 2008, 85,039 miles in 2009 and 86,928 miles in 2010, with a further documented service at 88,443 miles in June 2013.

Importantly, maintenance has continued in more recent years. In July 2024, the car received a comprehensive timing belt service, including a new belt, guide, tensioner and water pump, together with replacement power steering and alternator belts and an engine oil and filter change.

Further work in September 2024 saw both pop-up headlamp assemblies removed, stripped and rebuilt using complete rebuild kits with new gears and drives. The mechanisms were subsequently refitted and adjusted, with all four lamps reported to be operating correctly. A replacement ECU was fitted in 2025, while earlier maintenance includes a replacement fuel pump in 2023 and timing belt, water pump and tensioner work in 2013.

The convertible hood was replaced in 2015 with a black mohair example, complete with new straps. It remains in good condition and operates as intended, although some cracking is noted to the surrounding hood rubbers.

Cosmetically, the Elan presents very well. The Calypso Red paintwork retains an attractive finish, with only a handful of minor age-related marks. Inside, the black leather upholstery, carpets and door cards present well, with some expected wear to the driver's seat.

Mechanically, the car is reported to start, run and drive well, having been driven to the auction venue under its own power. The odometer currently displays 90,900 miles, supported by an extensive sequence of historic service invoices and MOT certificates.

Accompanying the vehicle is an impressive history file containing the original 1990 sales invoice, owner's handbook and service records, previous V5 documents, factory workshop and parts manual disc, numerous maintenance invoices and MOT certificates dating from 1993 through to 2024.

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