Lotus Elan M100

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A delightful dozen that proves you can own a genuine classic sports car but without breaking the bank...

FORGOTTEN ELAN

£4000- £10,000

Who would have thought that you could own a Lotus Elan for less than the price of an Midget? But it’s possible. There is a catch of course, and that’s because we’re talking about the 1990’s replacement called the Elan SE (or M100) but what it lacks in classic status it more than compensates with its reliability and usability. In fact, this Lotus makes a great alternative to that original Elan clone, the Mazda MX-5, as well as a Spitfire or Spridget. Front-wheel drive, it’s more a GTi sports car with a character that’s so different to the original Elan. Prices start from £4000 but some parts are becoming scarce. The 165bhp turbo SE is the one to have; only a handful of normal aspirated ones were produced and enthusiasts avoid them like the plague – in other words if you don’t need Turbo pace, this Elan is a real bargain!