It's probably fair to say that the Lotus Elan is a something of a forgotten gem. Amid all the acclaim lavished upon its successor, the Elise, the front-wheel drive Elan has slipped down the back of the automotive sofa somewhat, waiting to be rediscovered by a new generation of sports car drivers Prematurely killed off by Lotus in 1995, the Elan is still probably the finest handling front-wheel drive car available, although Honda's Integra Type-R and Ford's Racing Puma could well be in with a shout. Perhaps the cutesy styling undersold this excellent drivers car, but the astute used buyer could pick up a bargain before the rest of the market remembers what a great car the Elan was and indeed still is.

About the Lotus Elan

Be aware that buying a used Lotus Elan is going to be an endless series of fixes, repairs, frustrations and inconveniences. It's worth it though to experience the finest front-wheel drive chassis bar none. Yes, there are quicker cars and more sophisticated, more modern rivals, but the magic of the Lotus badge, the sheer verve of the handling and the depth of character of the Elan make it a charismatic used buy. Not for the timid.

Representative finance example

If your borrow amount is £7,000 with a deposit of £1,000, a selected term of 48 months, at a representative APR of 17.9% (fixed) and an annual fixed interest rate of 17.9%, you would pay £171.83 per month. Total charge for credit would be £2,247.84 and total amount repayable is £8,247.84.

Browse other Lotus models

Lotus Eclat Lotus Elise Lotus Esprit Lotus Europa Lotus Evora Lotus Exige

Browse Lotus Elan by body type

Lotus Elan Convertible Lotus Elan Coupe