If you have a non-sport most likely you have the non-adjustable shocks, also here's a pic of what the adj. shocks look like for the Roadster, they're a different color:
As for getting back to your issue, all shocks are not immune to going bad / blowing seals. With that said, check around the shock spring area, check around the 'shiny' polished silver shaft of the shock, right were the shaft enters the shock housing. If you see wet oil or signs of old oil with dust/dirt on it, then most likely your seals are blown on the shock. I don't think that there's anyway that the oil can make it into the front hood compartment by the HVAC box, but if it gets into a fine mist air can move it to some very weird places, so you never know. But the best place to check for oil residue / leaks is at the shaft of the shock. Also if you pull up on the front of the Roadster, find a good secure place to pull so things don't break, you should hear the shock shaft/washers/seals bottom out with the top of the shock housing which makes a thunk or clunk sound.
Lasly, if you have the wheel off or the front of the car jacked up, grab the wheel/hub and try to shake / wiggle it. Possibly there could be play in the front wheel bearing / tie rod ends, you can't rule anything out.
Lastly, other things that can make noise are the ball joints when they go out. But these don't sound like a bunch of spanner wrenches really when they loosen up. But they make noise over pot-holes, rail-road tracks, and make the car drive squirrel at times. There's two of them, upper and lower on each side. While you're there check your front steering tie-rod end. The Lotus parts such as the ball joints and tie rods are quite robust, however I do see signs of rust / corrosion around your undercarriage, so that does put more strain and abuse on those parts due to moisture making its way inside the boot combined with very bumpy roads. So they too do wear out.