Lotus Elan Turbo SE Series 1 (M100) (1989-95)
Overview: The **Lotus Elan Turbo SE Series 1 (M100)**, produced between **1989 and 1992**, was a bold departure from Lotus' traditional design philosophy. It was the first **front-wheel-drive** Lotus, a decision that sparked controversy among purists but ultimately showcased the company's willingness to innovate.
**Significance to Lotus**
- **Engineering Excellence**: Despite skepticism, the M100 Elan was praised for having one of the finest **front-wheel-drive chassis** ever developed, proving that Lotus could maintain its legendary handling characteristics even with a new drivetrain layout](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lotus/104980/lotus-elan-m100-buying-guide-and-review-1989-1996).
- **General Motors Influence**: The car was developed under **General Motors ownership**, benefiting from rigorous testing and improved reliability compared to earlier Lotus models.
- **Turbocharged Performance**: The **Elan Turbo SE** featured a **1.6L Isuzu-sourced turbocharged engine**, delivering **162 bhp**, making it one of the quickest front-wheel-drive sports cars of its time](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lotus/104980/lotus-elan-m100-buying-guide-and-review-1989-1996).
- **Market Expansion**: Lotus aimed to **broaden its appeal**, targeting a wider audience beyond traditional enthusiasts. However, high production costs and pricing challenges in the **U.S. market** limited its commercial success](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lotus/104980/lotus-elan-m100-buying-guide-and-review-1989-1996).
- **Legacy & Influence**: While the M100 Elan was not a financial triumph, it demonstrated Lotus' ability to adapt and innovate. Its engineering principles influenced later models, including the **Lotus Elise**, which returned to a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive format.
You can also check out more details [here](https://www.lotuselancentral.com/lec/faq.htm).
*****
Production Total: 3855
*****
Price New: The Lotus Elan Turbo SE Series 1, launched in 1989, was priced at approximately **£19,850** in the UK used car review | Car review - RAC](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/lotus/elan/elan-1990-1995/). It was a front-wheel-drive sports car with a turbocharged engine, offering impressive performance and handling for its time.
*****
Sales: The **Lotus Elan Turbo SE Series 1 (M100)** was **not a major sales success** despite its engineering excellence. While it was praised for its **superb front-wheel-drive handling**, it faced several challenges that limited its commercial success:
**Sales & Market Impact**
- **Production Numbers**: Only **3,855 Series 1 units** were built before production ended in **1992** buyer's guide - Classics World](https://classicsworld.co.uk/guides/lotus-elan-m100-buyers-guide/).
- **Pricing Challenges**: In the **U.S. market**, the Elan was priced similarly to a **Chevrolet Corvette**, making it a tough sell against more powerful competitors](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lotus/104980/lotus-elan-m100-buying-guide-and-review-1989-1996).
- **Mazda MX-5 Rivalry**: The launch of the **Mazda MX-5** (Miata) in **1989** provided stiff competition, offering a **rear-wheel-drive roadster** at a lower price buyer's guide - Classics World](https://classicsworld.co.uk/guides/lotus-elan-m100-buyers-guide/).
- **General Motors Influence**: GM, Lotus' parent company at the time, decided to **halt production** due to high costs and limited profitability](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lotus/104980/lotus-elan-m100-buying-guide-and-review-1989-1996).
- **Bugatti & Kia Continuation**: Production briefly restarted under **Bugatti ownership**, and later, **Kia** acquired the tooling to produce a version for local markets, though these were never sold in Europe buyer's guide - Classics World](https://classicsworld.co.uk/guides/lotus-elan-m100-buyers-guide/).
Despite its **limited commercial success**, the M100 Elan remains **highly regarded** for its **handling and driving dynamics**, making it a sought-after classic today. You can also check out a [buyer's guide](https://classicsworld.co.uk/guides/lotus-elan-m100-buyers-guide/) for more insights!
*****
Historical Pricing Comparisons: The **Lotus Elan Turbo SE Series 1 (M100)** has seen fluctuating values over the years, reflecting its rarity and appeal among classic car enthusiasts. Based on recent valuation sources:
- **Lowest recorded sale price** since 2020: **£2,030**.
- **Highest recorded sale price** since 2020: **£21,481**.
- **Median price** for an Elan M100 in average condition: **£6,600**.
- **Total sales value** since 2020: **£456,014**.
- **Sell-through rate**: **81%**, indicating strong demand in the collector market.
These figures suggest that the Elan M100 remains a sought-after classic, with values influenced by condition, provenance, and market demand. If you're looking for a more detailed valuation or historical trends, platforms like **The Classic Valuer** provide insights into pricing comparisons over time.
*****
Rivals: In 1989, the Lotus Elan Turbo SE faced competition from several sports cars in the UK. Here are some approximate prices of its main rivals at the time:
- **Mazda MX-5 (NA)**: Around £14,000.
- **Toyota MR2 (Mk2)**: Approximately £13,000.
- **Porsche 944 S2**: Starting at about £25,000.
- **BMW Z1**: Around £26,000.
These cars offered a variety of features and performance levels, making the sports car market quite competitive.
*****
Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are **184 Lotus Elan Turbo SE Series 1 cars** recorded as licensed in the UK, with an additional **428 on SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)**. It's impressive to see how many of these iconic sports cars have been preserved. *****
The Lotus Elan Turbo SE Series 1 (M100) is a unique and enjoyable car, but like any classic vehicle, it has its share of common issues. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems:
1. **Gear Linkage Failures**: Early models often experience issues with the gear linkage, which can lead to difficulty in changing gears².
2. **Engine Torque Damper and Exhaust System**: These components can be prone to failure, leading to increased engine movement and exhaust leaks².
3. **Pop-Up Headlamp Motors**: The motors for the pop-up headlights can fail, causing the headlights to get stuck in the up or down position².
4. **Electric Windows**: Problems with the electric windows are common, often due to faulty switches or motors².
5. **Soft Top Issues**: The soft tops can become torn or damaged over time, and the seals may deteriorate, leading to leaks².
6. **Paint Fading**: Red paint, in particular, is prone to fading over time².
7. **Front Hub Carrier Ball Joints**: These can become loose, affecting the handling and safety of the car².
8. **Rear Suspension**: The lower wishbones on the rear suspension can corrode and fail, especially on earlier models that were not properly galvanised⁴.
9. **Cylinder Head Cracks and Turbo Wastegate Seizures**: Although not very common, these issues can occur and should be checked³.
Regular maintenance and careful inspection can help mitigate many of these issues. If you're considering buying one, it's a good idea to have it thoroughly inspected by a specialist.
*****
Generations
The Lotus Elan has two main generations:
1. **First Generation (1962-1975)**:
- **Series 1 (S1)**: 1962-1963
- **Series 2 (S2)**: 1964-1965
- **Series 3 (S3)**: 1966-1968
- **Series 4 (S4)**: 1968-1970
- **Sprint**: 1970-1973
- **Elan +2**: 1967-1975 (a larger, 2+2 version)
2. **Second Generation (1989-1995)**:
- **M100 Elan**: 1989-1992
- **Elan S2**: 1994-1995
The first generation was a rear-wheel-drive sports car, while the second generation, known as the M100, was a front-wheel-drive model.
*****
Trim Levels
The Lotus Elan SE Turbo (1989-1992) primarily came in two trim levels:
1. **Base Model**: This was the naturally aspirated version with a 1.6-liter engine producing around 130 bhp.
2. **SE Turbo**: This was the more powerful version, featuring a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that produced approximately 162 bhp.
The SE Turbo was the more popular choice, known for its impressive performance and handling.
*****
Engines
The Lotus Elan SE Turbo (1989-1992) was equipped with a single engine option:
- **1.6-liter Turbocharged Inline-4**: This engine, developed in collaboration with Isuzu, produced around 162-165 bhp (121-123 kW) at 6600 rpm and 148 lb-ft (200 Nm) of torque at 4200 rpm. It featured a turbocharger with an intercooler and had a compression ratio of 8.2:1.
This engine was known for its smooth power delivery and impressive performance, contributing to the Elan's reputation as one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars of its time.
*****
Performance
The Lotus Elan SE Turbo (1989-1992) offered impressive performance for its time, thanks to its turbocharged engine and lightweight design. Here are some key performance figures:
- **Engine**: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
- **Power Output**: Approximately 162-165 bhp (121-123 kW) at 6600 rpm
- **Torque**: 148 lb-ft (200 Nm) at 4200 rpm
- **0-60 mph (0-96.6 km/h)**: Around 6.5 to 6.7 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 137 mph (220 km/h)
- **Quarter Mile Time**: Around 14.35 seconds
These figures made the Elan SE Turbo one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive sports cars of its era, known for its agility and driving dynamics.
*****
Spares
You can find spare parts for the Lotus Elan SE Turbo (1989-1992) at several specialized suppliers in the UK and Ireland. Here are a few options:
1. **PNM Parts Ltd**: They offer a wide range of replacement parts and upgrades for the Lotus Elan M100 Turbo SE & S2.
2. **Esprit Engineering**: They provide a comprehensive selection of parts for modern and classic Lotus cars, including the Elan.
3. **AutoPartsPro**: This site offers original car spares for the Lotus Elan at competitive prices.
These suppliers can ship parts worldwide, so you should be able to get what you need even if you're not located near their physical stores.
*****
Specialists
There are several garage services in Northern Ireland that can service a Lotus Elan SE Turbo (1989-1992). Here are a few options:
1. **Lotus Specialists NI**: Located in Belfast, they offer comprehensive services for Lotus cars, including the Elan SE Turbo.
2. **Charles Hurst Specialist Cars**: Also in Belfast, they have experience with a range of classic and performance cars, including Lotus models.
3. **AutoQ**: Based in Belfast, they provide servicing and repairs for a variety of sports and classic cars, including the Lotus Elan.
It's always a good idea to contact these garages directly to confirm their experience with the specific model and to discuss your needs.
*****
Racing
The Lotus Elan SE Turbo (1989-1992) was primarily designed as a road car and did not have a significant presence in professional racing. However, it did participate in some club-level and amateur racing events. The car's excellent handling and performance made it a popular choice among enthusiasts for track days and local competitions.
*****