Evante (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Evante Cars Ltd was a British automotive manufacturer that operated from 1983 to 1994, primarily known for producing a sports car inspired by the Lotus Elan. The company was initially based in Spalding, Lincolnshire, and later relocated to Newark, Nottinghamshire.

The Evante featured a distinctive design that closely resembled the Lotus Elan, yet it was constructed using a space frame chassis, setting it apart in terms of engineering. The car was powered by a Vegantune-manufactured VTA engine, which initially had a displacement of 1.6 liters and was later increased to 1.7 liters. This engine produced between 140 and 150 brake horsepower, with a fuel-injected variant offering up to 160 brake horsepower. The vehicle utilized a Ford Sierra differential and a 5-speed transmission, complemented by all-independent suspension with double wishbones at the rear and four-wheel disc brakes.

Production of the Evante commenced with a modest output of one car per week, and the model underwent various improvements in styling, chassis, and weather equipment by 1991. However, the company faced financial difficulties and entered receivership by the end of that year. In 1992, the design and rights to the Evante were acquired by Fleur de Lys Automobile Manufacturing, which attempted to revitalize the model. The updated version, known as the Evante Gran and Gran Premio, was powered by a 1.8-liter Ford Zeta engine producing 130 brake horsepower. Despite these efforts, only nine units of the revised model were produced before Fleur de Lys ceased operations, marking the end of the Evante brand.