Lotus Elan

1989 to 1995 · Convertible · 3,855 built

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Shifty Estimate

$12,700

Medium confidence · $10K to $30K

Median · 12 mo: $12,100
Sales · 12 mo: 5
Market cap: $49M · 3,855 built

Collectible

Sold$35,250 · Bring a Trailer · Oct 2026

The market

Every recorded 1989 Lotus Elan sale, by date and price

Oct 2026 · Bring a Trailer

$35,250 · 22,000 mi · White

See this car

Sold Bid to, not sold

5 sales · 2 unsoldmedian $12kupdated Oct 2026

Latest results

The newest 1989 Lotus Elan sales with photographs

Sold $11,000

1991 · Red · 30,000 mi

Jul 20, 2026 · Cars & Bids

Sold $12,100

1991 · Green · 63,000 mi

Jun 17, 2026 · Cars & Bids

Sold $23,000

1991 · Frost Silver · 61,000 mi

Apr 23, 2026 · Cars & Bids

Other Elan generations

1962 to 1975

Specifications

Engine: Inline-4 Turbo, 1.6L Turbo
Power: 162 hp
Torque: 148 lb-ft
0 to 60: 6.7 s
Top speed: 137 mph
Transmission: Manual
Drivetrain: RWD
Production: 3,855 built

Common questions

How much does a Lotus Elan cost?

Over the past 12 months, 5 have sold publicly at a median of $12,100. The Shifty Estimate for a well-kept example is $12,700. Cars have changed hands anywhere from $10,467 to $30,350, depending on mileage, color, and history.

What is a 1989 Lotus Elan worth today?

The Shifty Estimate is $12,700. We rate confidence medium: 5 public sales in a year is a thin market, and the spread between them is wide.

How many Lotus Elan have sold?

Shifty has 5 public sales of the Lotus Elan on file. The earliest was on Apr 23, 2026.

What is the most expensive Lotus Elan sold?

The highest public sale on file is $35,250, on Oct 7, 2026, with 22,000 mi.

What has a Lotus Elan sold for at auction?

The 3 most recent public sales we have on file:

$35,250Oct 7, 2026White · 22,000 mi
$10,112Sep 2, 2026black · 101,590 mi
$11,000Jul 20, 2026Red · 30,000 mi

About the 1989 Lotus Elan

The M100 Elan marked Lotus's bold departure from their fiberglass tradition, embracing front-wheel drive and a turbocharged Isuzu 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 162 horsepower. Despite purist skepticism, this Elan delivered classic Lotus handling magic through meticulous suspension tuning and a remarkably low 2,300-pound curb weight. The pop-up headlights and flowing Peter Stevens design aged gracefully, while the sophisticated multi-link rear suspension provided the grip and balance that made Colin Chapman famous. Only 3,855 examples were built during its six-year run, making it the rarest production Elan. Today's collectors appreciate the M100's unique position as Lotus's final attempt at mainstream success before returning to their lightweight, rear-drive roots. Clean examples command premium prices, particularly the later SE models with their revised suspension geometry and improved build quality.