Highlights
- Just 3 owners and 61,000 miles from new
- Last owner 2006
- Full service history
- Cambelt just replaced
- Well known to Club Lotus
The Appeal
For many, the recent end of production for the Lotus Elise was a sad day. Although they’ve been hard at work developing new models, it’s unlikely that we’ll see a pure driver’s car of the like of the Lotus Elise again. In truth, legislation and market forces had already driven Lotus away from the purity of the Series 1 Elise and this is reflected in prices which have been climbing steadily. If you’ve ever wanted to own an S1 Elise, then best get in quick before the values get out of hand.
This example, well known to Club Lotus, has had only 3 owners and has extensive history to demonstrate that they were all caring. It’s had some subtle performance upgrades in a ram air filter and stainless steel exhaust which take the output to around 130bhp and is in great condition, having been used by the last owner largely for visiting club meetings. With a recent service including a fresh cambelt, it’s very much ready to be enjoyed. If you’ve been considering whether to take the plunge on an Elise, act now before it’s too late!
The History and Paperwork
- Just 3 owners from new
- Always garaged
- Pampered all its life, with receipts
- Full service history with stamps in the book from main dealers up to 15,000 miles
- Independent garages have serviced the car regularly since with the latest, 300 miles ago in November 2020 including a cambelt replacement
- Adjustable rear dampers 2017
- Steering rack replaced 2018
- Recent work includes replacing the grommets on the gear selector cable
- 2 sets of keys
- Owner's handbook
- Comprehensive file of documentation, including full MOT history and invoices for parts and work carried out, dating back to when the car was new
- Workshop manual CD
- Current MOT, with no advisories, expires 29 November 2022
- V5 present
The Interior
- Magnolia leather
- Momo steering wheel
- Kenwood stereo
One of the joys of the Elise, particularly in Series 1 form, is its low weight, to which its minimal interior is a key contributor. But while it’s had plenty of lightness added, it still manages to accommodate leather seats, here finished in Magnolia and having worn very well, if showing a little patina on the driver’s seat from climbing in and out. The steering wheel is an uprated Momo item and there is a Kenwood head unit, sitting in a dashboard that remains in great condition.
We’re pleased to report that everything works as it should, including the Stack-branded instruments. The roof presents a number of options with a soft top, hard top and lightweight ‘shower cap’ all included, so this is very much an Elise for all seasons. Behind the engine compartment there is a small carpet-lined boot which is very clean and tidy, just in case you love driving it so much that you can’t resist taking it to the shops.
The Exterior
- British Racing Green paint
- Some stone chips
- Good wheels and tyres
The traditional hue of the British sports car suits the Elise very well and the paintwork retains a deep lustre, although does show some stone chips, particularly on the front nose cone, as is fairly typical for an Elise. It’s reportedly been garaged all its life and this shows in the condition of the ancillary items such as lights and window seals, which all look to be faring very well.
The wheels are all free from kerb rash, if showing a little brake dust staining in the crevices, but you wouldn’t have it any other way. The tyres have plenty of tread remaining and, although the seller has not been under the car, it had a clean bill of health from the MOT tester back in November, when it passed with no advisories. In all, presents very well and is a sure fire look over the shoulder as you walk away car.
The Mechanics
- Rover K Series engine
- 5 speed gearbox
- Ram air filter
- Stainless steel exhaust
As you would hope, the car starts first time every time. It ticks over with a slightly raspier exhaust note than normal but the stainless steel exhaust system is subtle and, when on the move, the seller reports that it’s barely noisier than the standard system from in the cabin. Otherwise it’s business as usual for a well-looked after Elise which is to say go-kart handling, strong acceleration and braking and a smooth gearchange. The clutch is nice and light also and there are no untoward noises. Overall, the seller describes it as a joy to drive.
Summary
A lovely example of the increasingly sought-after Series 1 that’s very usable. Get in now before values increase beyond reach.
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