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Lotus - Elan M100 (1990)
When you picture 1990 Lotus Elan M100 on a sunny track, the image immediately conjures a sense of lightweight agility and unmistakable British charm. This pocket‑sized sports car, celebrated for its sharp handling, remains a sought‑after model among enthusiasts. But you may wonder: Lotus Elan M100 price today? How does the 1990 model stack up against other vintage Lotus friends? Let’s dive into the details that influence value, and arm you with the knowledge to make an informed decision about this icon.
Key Specifications – Spot‑Check the 1990 Elan M100
- Engine: 1.6 L (1599 cc) four‑stroke naturally aspirated inline‑four, producing approximately 110 hp.
- Transmission: 5‑speed manual (conventional gearbox) with close ratios to accentuate responsiveness.
- Power‑to‑Weight: Roughly 4.4 lb/HP, thanks to a lightweight chassis and aluminum body panels.
- Fuel Type: Premium unleaded gasoline; the engine’s tuning favors high octane for peak output.
- Dimensions: Wheelbase 2320 mm (91.3 in), length 3522 mm (138.6 in), width 1819 mm (71.6 in), height 1113 mm (44 in).
- Weight: Approximately 880 kg (1,940 lb) curb weight.
- Suspension: Double wishbones front, rear coil‑over unit with adjustable dampers.
- Brakes: Disc brakes with dual‑channel front and single‑channel rear; an upgrade to larger rotors is common.
- Top Speed: Around 220 km/h (137 mph).
- Acceleration (0‑100 km/h): Roughly 8.0 seconds.
- Drivetrain: Front‑wheel drive with a 4‑wheel anti‑roll bar.
Understanding Lotus Elan M100 depreciation
While classic cars often evade the linear depreciation curve that greases modern automakers, the Lotus Elan M100 has its own performance characteristics that affect market value. In its early life after purchase, this model typically loses 15‑20% of its value in the first year, a figure common across spec‑limited, high‑performance vehicles. This initial depreciation is influenced by factors such as:
- Initial condition – any crack in the carbon‑fiber body can be costly to repair.
- Maintenance history – a well‑logged service record can offset some initial loss.
- Rarity of specific options – models with unique color or trim can retain higher desirability.
After that crucial first year, the annual depreciation tapers to a more modest ~5‑8% per year, provided the car is kept in optimal running condition. This trend mirrors other Lotus classics; for example, the Elise and Esprit series experience a wear‑and‑tear curve that is gentler once the initial spike passes.
Comparing the 1990 Lotus Elan M100 to Similar Models
A premium price dialog often emerges when a collector inquires about both the Lotus Elan M100 1990 price and how it stacks against contemporaries:
- Lotus Elise (1998‑2005): Offers a comparable weight yet a newer engine architecture. Elise models generally trade places at a slightly higher price bracket due to their continued production and backing by Lotus Motor Sport.
- Lotus Esprit (1989‑2005): A coupe with a three‑door layout; its bigger 3.0 L engine and more robust chassis push its price up. However, Esprit’s higher mileage, all‑metal body, and cooling challenges can dent its market value.
- Datsun 240Z (1970‑1978): Often used as a baseline in vintage sports pricing. While the 240Z is heavier, its less exotic build cost and robust aftermarket support makes it a relative value counterpoint to the Elan M100.
When you compare the used Lotus Elan M100 price to these models, you’ll find it traverses a
Last 20 car trackeds
| Last tracked date | Status | Price | Price rank | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 years ago | used | £15,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £11,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £40,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £15,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £15,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £10,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £40,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £40,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £10,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £40,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £10,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £10,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £10,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £10,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £10,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £10,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £10,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £10,990.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £7,500.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £10,990.00 | Unlock all links |