Looking at one of these to play with does anybody know anything about them??
Engine is in the front, think it’s an Isuzu.
Hope that helps.
Oh, yes. What do you want to know? Worked on them at a main dealer from launch to killed off. Both times!
watch out for rusty rear suspension, is the only thing I know of them
Theres a much longer list than that, sad to say.
Worst bit is getting some of the parts. To be fair, it was a nightmare even when Lotus were still making them new.
Great car - ran one for 6 years 
Rear wishbones rust easily, Hoods leak big time, brakes are not the best - yes they have probs but prepare to pay a premium for a good one - mine was a Calypso Pink one
Front ones also on early cars, prone to banging the oil cooler on the ground and leaking - just in front of the O/S/F wheel, exciting! - cam angle sensors on turbo cars, rear wheel bearings and stub axles - used to be very difficult to get hold of - brakes appaling, but can be improved with replacement calipers at the front, 5th gear retaining nuts come loose, leading to interesting gear selection, gear cables break for the fun of it, chassis showing signs of corrosion, despite the super polymer coating they recived, cam seal leaks on the inlet cam above the gearbox.
As above, a good one is really good, best handling FWD car ever. A bad one one will make you cry. Alot!
Love the Elan - such a different car to the Elise/Exige - with the turbo delivery, and for me more of a tourer. Just sold one - very difficult decision but too much like the Exige in terms of commitment so went for an Elise. Def have to look for a good one but a fantastic car imo.