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Lotus Elan M100 Competition Record


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#1 blueprint2002

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Posted 14 December 2020 - 01:25

It’s quite possible there is nothing whatever to talk about in this regard, but I thought I’d give it a try anyway, having been out of touch with the world of motor sport during the nineties, just about the time when this car might have been raced or rallied.

To me, though perhaps not to everyone, this particular model was as innovative as anything Maestro Chapman might have conceived, and its much-praised handling and roadholding placed it firmly among its famous predecessors. It was no sales success, more’s the pity, but that would not have deterred anyone who thought it had competition potential. Or am I the only one who ever thought so?

Even if it was only at the national level (such as the SCCA), I’d like to get the general picture of the car’s record in competition, whether races or rallies. Even better would be any appearances in international events. Anyone know anything that might get me started? Thanks in advance.

 



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#2 john aston

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Posted 14 December 2020 - 07:26

I know that Autocar editor Steve Cropley is campaigning one on hillclimbs this year . I have never seen one on track yet. 



#3 Stephen W

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Posted 14 December 2020 - 08:11

A couple were used in the Paul Matty Lotus hillclimb championship without any significant impact.



#4 Charlieman

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Posted 14 December 2020 - 11:27

It was no sales success...

Which reduces the likelihood of club racers picking up a cheap second hand model in the late 1990s. However Mazda MX-5s and Toyota MR2s were readily available, with lots of tuning parts and off the shelf club racing conversions.



#5 BRG

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Posted 14 December 2020 - 13:22

 However Mazda MX-5s and Toyota MR2s were readily available, with lots of tuning parts and off the shelf club racing conversions.

And they are RWD.  



#6 mariner

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Posted 14 December 2020 - 14:25

I think it is fair to say that the original Elan , which was, and is, famed for its handling, was not a successful racecar until Lotus did the 26R which uprated the chassis etc to properly use high grip racing tyres etc.

 

So , although the M100 is recognised as " probably the best handling FWD car in the world" etc it might have needed serious work to be a racecar.

 

Lotus had no need or incentive to do that work .or a big OEM sponsor to fund it.

 

Also, as a large generalisation FWD cars are not as good as RWD, or even more so, mid-engined cars for racing. Obviously there are saloon car exceptions but the rules are often adjusted to help them eg BTCC .

 

So, as Charlieman says why bother when there are ;lots of MR2's and MX 5's around?



#7 tampaguy

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Posted 14 December 2020 - 19:43

I worked at a Lotus dealership in CT when the Elan was released. Sold exactly one. Car was back in the service dept more then on the road. 



#8 blueprint2002

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Posted 16 December 2020 - 06:37

So from all accounts, it was a lost cause, as I feared it might be.

Thanks all for responding. :cool: