Description
Lotus Elan M100 | 1991
Highlights:
- Lightweight front-wheel drive roadster designed with GM and Isuzu
- Rare combination of ABS, ESC, TC, and rear vented disc brakes
- 155,518 km (guaranteed)
- Manual transmission paired with a 1.6L turbocharged engine
- Valid technical inspection certificate
The seller offers for sale a 1991 Lotus Elan M100, a front-wheel drive cabriolet powered by a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with 1588 cc displacement. This model was developed in collaboration with General Motors and Isuzu, and is notable for being one of the few front-wheel drive cars in Lotus history. The car features a manual transmission and a combination of advanced safety and handling technologies unusual for its time, such as ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Rear disc brakes and vented rear discs are also fitted, adding to the performance-oriented design.
The exterior of this Lotus is reported to be in beautiful condition, with no visible need for paint correction or bodywork. According to the seller the body panels aline well. The interior features a combination of leather and checkered fabric on the seats and door panels, with all electrical functions and buttons said to be working properly. Interior trim is reportedly complete and intact, with no components needing replacement.
Mechanically, the car is in good shape and comes with a valid technical inspection certificate.
First introduced in 1989, the Lotus Elan M100 marked a dramatic departure from Lotus’s traditional rear-wheel-drive formula. With its front-wheel-drive layout, developed under the ownership of General Motors, the M100 sought to blend Lotus’s hallmark handling precision with modern reliability and comfort. The chassis was developed by Lotus engineers and featured their acclaimed suspension tuning, while the powertrain came from Isuzu’s turbocharged 1.6-litre DOHC engine — a setup that delivered strong performance and excellent road manners. It also provided exceptional grip and agility for a front-wheel-drive car, earning critical praise upon its release.
The M100’s styling was crisp and contemporary for the early 1990s, with pop-up headlights and a wedge-like stance that suited its sporty nature. It offered everyday usability in a convertible form, something many earlier Lotuses lacked. Production ran from 1989 to 1995, though it saw relatively low sales figures due to its high price and the purist Lotus fanbase’s skepticism toward the front-wheel-drive layout. Still, it remains a unique and technically advanced chapter in Lotus history.
Today, the M100 is appreciated as an underrated modern classic — a rare Lotus that combines driver enjoyment with a more usable and modern design. Its limited numbers, unusual drivetrain configuration, and development story make it a collectible with a distinct personality. The model stands as a testament to Lotus’s engineering even in partnership-driven projects, delivering road-holding characteristics still praised by enthusiasts.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Budapest, Hungary.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Hungarian registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
