1989 LOTUS Elan Roadster 1.6i 16V 5MT (167 HP)

Vehicle Overview

GM bought Lotus in 1986 and provided the necessary funds to the British brand to develop a new sports car, and the result was the 1989 Lotus Elan available as a coupe or a roadster.

Lotus was struggling to survive, and its products were no longer that much demanded on a market that turned its eyes from sporty vehicles to family sedans and hatchbacks. The Elan tried to revive a nameplate that was dropped 14 years ago. It was a long shot, but GM thought it might worth the risk. To make the car even more appealing, it offered it as a roadster as well.

The wedged shape form of the Elan resembled its bigger sibling, the Esprit. Its pop-up headlights made the car looks sharp, and thanks to its smooth lines and the completely retractable roof, it offered a sporty, exquisite image. In the rear, the wide taillights and the integrated wing completed the little British roadster’s cohesive design.

Inside, Lotus installed two bucket seats with integrated headrests. The flowing lines of the dashboard revealed a Japanese style, and some purists felt offended by that. But it was a very functional design where the forms followed the functions with curved surfaces.

Under the hood, Lotus worked with Isuzu in developing the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. The base-level sported a naturally aspirated version of the same powerplant. Both were paired to a five-speed manual gearbox supplied by the Japanese carmaker. Thanks to its light construction, the Elan was quick on its feet, and thanks to its modern suspension, it was one of the best handling cars with a front-wheel-drive.