Ball of the YearLotus Cars, a British car manufacturer has a long history and rich in a continuous range of forward-thinking concept cars which also had demonstrated the extensive capabilities of the Hethel-based manufacturer in all aspects of automotive engineering. One of them is the one-off Lotus M200 concept car, this unique car was first presented as a speedster version of the Lotus Elan M100 and debuted at the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show which was later shown again at other major international auto exhibitions such as the 1992 Geneva Salon de l'Automobile aka Geneve Motor Show.
1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept is presented as a unique and distinctive two-seater Lotus that is sure to attract attention wherever it appears. (Picture from: FWD)
As we all know, that its predecessor, the Lotus Elan M100, also known as the Lotus' first front-wheel drive vehicle, had the structural strength of lightweight fiberglass attached to a steel-reinforced back chassis which was designed by Peter Stevens. The sportscar with its distinctive new body shape proved to be highly aerodynamically effective, and when it was unveiled at the 1989 London Motor Fair, it won important awards from the British Design Council and by 1992 more than 3,800 units had been built and sold.
The Lotus M200 speedster concept built based if such this 1991 Lotus M100 Elan. (Picture from: Klassiekerweb)
Meanwhile, the M200, which was initially offered as a speedster version of the M100, was designed by Julian Thompson, who is also known later as the Lotus Elise designer. At that time, this unique M200 speedster was predicted to be a true best seller with a design that presented the most attractive prospects with a simple airflow deflector instead of a real windshield, with the driver and passenger cockpits that were intentionally separated, then there's a large rear wing and fared-in headlight positions replacing the retractable style of the M100 production model.
1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept has a simple airflow deflector instead of a real windshield, with the driver
and passenger cockpits that were intentionally separated, a large rear wing and fared-in headlight positions replacing the retractable style of the M100 production model. (Picture from: Bonhams)
Julian Thompson designed this interesting little concept car as a niche "for true fans" but his original intention was "to show the Lotus' top brass how to move on from the Elan". The unique windshield inspiration comes from the design of the Formula 1 Ferrari 312B, and it's also mentioned that the M200's design also explores the use of larger wheels. It is known that the car project started in 1988-89 and does not appear to be finished after eighteen months of work.
In short, the Lotus M200 is built on the basis of a blue-colored Lotus Elan returned by customers. Had a few minor difficulties that were later fixed, when David Brisbourne designed its surprising interior and Russell Carr detailed the exterior treatments. Starting from the interior fabrics chosen from the "a lady's swimsuit" to the very hasty assembly that the results were far from satisfactory, and this was also recognized by Julian Thompson when he first saw the M200.
1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept has a stunning interior fabric chosen from the "a lady's swimsuit". (Picture from: Bonhams)
Upon completion, the car was later loaned by Lotus to the British Automobile Association (AA) as an attention-grabbing promotional and marketing showpiece, during the time, it suffered some indignity and began to deteriorate cosmetically. The Lotus M200 was eventually offered for sale by auction at Silverstone where it was bought by a Lotus dealer named Paul Matty.
1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept is powered by the same engine as the Lotus M100 Elan, which is a 1,588 cc double overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16-valve engine. (Picture from: Bonhams)
Shortly after, the designer met and talked about the show car (reffered to his M200 speedster design) with Olav Glasius, a world-famous Lotus fan and collector who enjoys art very much as well. As a result, he managed to convince Glasius of the ingenuity and intelligence contained in the design of this concept car so that finally Olav Glasius willing to bring it from Paul Matty.
Then he commissioned Ken and Neil Myers in England to restore and repaint the car to its present state. And through the Myers' magic hand touches, they were able to finish it as a running car and registered legal to drive on the British roads. This unique car is powered by the same engine as the Lotus M100 Elan, which is a 1,588 cc double overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16-valve engine.
1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept is equipped with the Lotus Active rear-steer, engine cam-profile technology (Lotus Variable Valve Actuation) and many others. (Picture from: Bonhams)
Now the car is presented as a unique and distinctive two-seater Lotus that is sure to attract attention wherever it appears and is introduced as the the M200 'Concept Vehicle', which is equipped with the Lotus Active rear-steer, engine cam-profile technology (Lotus Variable Valve Actuation) and many others. In its excellent condition the M200 has survived to this day as a beautifully presented and delightful product for its time, which can now be used legally on the streets.
As qouted of Bonhams, it was offered in the Bonhams Auction back in the 2012 with estimated price of £80,000 - £120,000. Wanna buy it Or might be you wanna see the similar kind of vehicle if it came out of the Italian Bull cage? Here's the one and the only, the Lamborghini Concept S. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LOTUS | BONHAMS | FWD | ]
Now the car is presented as a unique and distinctive two-seater Lotus that is sure to attract attention wherever it appears and is introduced as the the M200 'Concept Vehicle', which is equipped with the Lotus Active rear-steer, engine cam-profile technology (Lotus Variable Valve Actuation) and many others. In its excellent condition the M200 has survived to this day as a beautifully presented and delightful product for its time, which can now be used legally on the streets.
