Only one ever produced

Description

Yes, this most assuredly is a Lotus; yes, it is a 1 of 1 prototype (VIN is …00001); and yes, it is street legal. This may be the only Lotus prototype to have ever escaped into the wild, especially a running, driving, fully documented version. It is fully restored with only 1,250 indicated miles.

Note: Ebay listing expects a standardized VIN; the actual and correct VIN isSCC089912EHD00001, not as listed in the box above.

This is the last road car project designed under company founder, Colin Chapman. When he died in 1982, the project stalled as Lotus found itself in financial trouble. David Wickens, of British Car Auctions, ended up taking a controlling interest in the company, and the project was started up again under the code name, X100. After redesigning the car to be a convertible, the go ahead was given in 1984 to make a single prototype. It was built as a complete production-ready car, with functional lights, wipers, brakes, suspension, etc.. For the power plant, Lotus sourced a Toyota 4AGE drive train, as used in the 1984 Corolla GT, with a Toyota 5 speed manual transmission.

The X100 is prominently featured in a newly released book,A Life in Car Design, by its Chief Designer, Oliver Winterbottom (2 full chapters with numerous photos and drawings).

Everything works and the car is in show-ready condition. The few minor blemishes include a small scratch inside the driver's door jam, small tears and stains on the convertible top, and a small stain on the carpet in the driver's footwell. The tires have less than 50 miles, but should be replaced due to age. As can be seen in the pictures, the car is right hand drive, and has a tiny back seat. See below for technical specifications.

Sale includes spare parts and extensive documentation including restoration log book and photos. Title is in-hand and clear; sold by an individual, not a dealer, as-is, with no warranty. Payment accepted: cash or cashier's check (no PayPal).

Vehicle is available locally for pickup. Buyer is responsible for shipping if needed and payment must be received in full prior to release of vehicle to shipping carrier. When arranging shipping, note that the original windows, passenger seat, miscellaneous spares and documentation are included with the car. I will assist with arranging pickup with shipping carrier.

Additional information

Powder coated frame

All interior and seat upholstery is new

All lights, wipers, turn and hazard lights work

All instruments, warning lights and gauges work

Suspension is based on Lotus Excel

Stainless steel exhaust and fuel tank

Custom fit indoor car cover in fair condition

Driver and passenger side door windows are light weight, bespoke polycarbonate with scratch-resistant coating as used in race cars. Electric window function is maintained. The original laminated door glass windows are included in the sale, but are severely cracked and barely hold their shape.

Future stereo –There is a DIN radio cutout behind the commemorative plaque. Car is prewired for a stereo with power behind the cutout and speaker wire to the doors, and connection to the (working) power antenna.

Future AC - Air conditioning is not installed, but could be added as there is room for all the components and dashboard controls are existing. A new compressor (uninstalled) is included. Will need to buy/install an evaporator and housing, evaporator fan, hoses, and wiring.

Technical Specifications:

Wheelbase (at design mid laden) is 2308 mm (90.86 inches). Mid laden is half way between bump and rebound.

Suspension at mid laden:

Front

Front toe in 3.2 mm
Camber 0.5 degree negative
Castor 4.0 deg
King Pin inclination 9.5 deg
King pin ground offset 48 mm
Anti dive 40%
Roll centre height 26 mm

Rear

Toe in 4 mm
Camber angle 0.5 deg
Anti squat 0%
Roll centre height 50.8 mm

Steering

2.9 turns lock - lock

Turn circle kerb - kerb 28.5 feet
Ackermann 29 deg - 31 deg full lock positive

Fuel tank 12 gallons

Max engine speed 7600 rpm

Max power 123 bhp at 6600 rpm

Max torque 104.5 pounds feet (DIN) at 5200 rpm

Front track 1440 mm

Rear Track 1460 mm

Overall length 3921 mm

Width 1698 mm

Height 1187 mm

Ground clearance 130 mm (below exhaust system)

Kerb weight 895 Kg