Registration - M969 VMU

Chassis No - SCC100ZT1SHA26673

M.O.T. - December 2023

Odometer - 84,000

‘M969 VMU’ is number 673 of the limited-edition run of 800 S2 M100s. This well-presented example matches blue paintwork to blue-piped black leather interior trim, and rides on Michelin-shod period-correct alloy wheels. It has had a total of seven keepers to date, the two most recent of which have between them invested £14,950.25 in its maintenance over the last 21,617 miles – the distance it has travelled since March 2006. In recent times the funding has encompassed the replacement of the cambelt, drive belt, water pump, tyres and windscreen washer pump, plus regular servicing and MOTs. Improvements have included upgrading of the brakes and installation of a stainless steel exhaust system and immobiliser. The vendor is now selling the Elan complete with Sony stereo, wind deflector, waterproof hood cover, box of spares, the original handbook (that includes 15 service stamps from new to August 2005 when the mileage stood at 65,312), and a large folder containing invoices, CD workshop manual, original anti-corrosion guarantee, Paul Matty parts catalogue and virtually every MOT back to 2001, plus a current advisory-free one valid to December 11. The currently indicated total mileage of 84,517 is supported by the MOT history.

Lotus’s diminutive 1960s Elan quickly achieved iconic status and marked a high point in the company’s history. No doubt a degree of reflected glory was sought by applying the same moniker to the very different Peter Stevens-penned M100 model launched in 1989. The major departure was the use of frontwheel drive. Power came from a Lotus-modified 1,588 DOHC Isuzu unit in either turbo or normally-aspirated form. Autocar’s test of the Turbo SE achieved an impressive 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds and top speed of 137 mph. By the time production ceased in 1992 some 3,855 M100s had been delivered. Two years later the factory created a UK-only limited edition S2 model, of which just 800 examples were made. They were lighter and had improved handling, but were a little slower due to the necessary inclusion of a catalytic converter. These rare versions carry a premium in today’s market.

In summary:

• A well-presented and clearly well-maintained example
• No 673 of just 800 of the sought-after limited edition S2 models
• Just seven keepers and 84,517 MOT-backed miles from new