Lotus Type M100 Elan (1989 - 92) aroused immediate controversy as the first front-wheel drive Lotus. The distinctive body shape proved very effective aerodynamically. The Lotus M200 Speedster was a fully operational concept car that was first presented, as a Speedster version of the Lotus Elan M100, at the Frankfurt Motor Show of 1991. It is powered by the 1,588 cc double overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16-valve engine from the M100 Elan.
Designed by Julian Thompson, the concept car produced a most exciting prospect with a simple airstream deflector instead of true windscreen, individual driver and passenger cockpit openings, a large rear wing and fared-in headlight positions replacing the retractable style of the baseline production model.
The car was restored and repainted to original order. Now it is completed it as a running car, and the finished machine was UK road registered. It was offered in the Bonhams Auction in 2012. Estimated price: £80,000 - 120,000. (bonhams.com)
Type M100 Elan (1989 - 92)
(Photos from Bonhams.com, autogespot.nl, car-from-uk.com & flickr.com)