Lotus Elan is a small roadster built by Lotus. Elan was the very commercial success leading the Lotus for funding in racing decade later. This was the first car to have a unique rear strut suspension by Colin Chapman.
First-gen Elan have some source components including Ford and Triumph, the car's weight is much lighter under 700 kg combined with small dimension makes an exceptional. First-gen Elan became one of the most collectible model with replacable parts; fiberglass bodyshell deemed to be corrosion-free. Some have a kit version.
Elan +2 is a 2+2 version introduced in 1967, with back seats, luxurious and longer but has an additional of 200 kg, 5-speed gearbox is option. 2-seater Elan first to discontinue in 1973, later 1975 for Elan +2.
In 1989, Elan was relaunched the model. Components is sourced from Isuzu, body design is pre-modern styling. Drivetrain shifted to front-mounted configuration as opposed to RWD. Engine fuel feed is fuel-injected with the turbocharger (N/A is outside market) and improve suspension. The sales is rather behind mainly to high development cost and the most successful sales of the Mazda MX-5. Elan has a Kia version after ceased production in 1995 and their own 1.8-litre engine.
In 2013, a concept version with V8 engine and supercar design but never went in production.
Appearances[]
- In a 1989 episode of Old Top Gear, the second-gen version of the Elan was shown at the Motorfair in Earls Court.
- In 1990 episode of Old Top Gear, Chris Goffey roadtested the FWD Elan, where he praised its power, handling and grip, but criticized the intrusive armrest.
- In Clarkson's Top 100 Cars, the 1st gen Elan was ranked in 58th place.
- In Series 15, Episode 6, Richard chose the Mk2 Elan as the part of the British Sports Car challenge, he lapped the fastest in 2:09 over 2:15 in TVR S2 (for James), 2:17 in Jensen Healey (for Jeremy) and 2:22 for 205 GTI (for Stig).