Description
1996 Lotus Elise S1 finished in Black (BO2) over back leather. Only 11, 600 miles from new.
Factory ordered by Lotus main dealers, St Heliers Garages of Jersey on the 11th August 1996, this very early Elise S1 is number 328th off the production line with the car being signed off on the 27th November 1996.
Being and early build Elise this car is fitted with the highly prized MMC brake discs, which remain on the car to this day, an aluminium engine cover and the green bonded chassis.
Delivered to Mr Silvester on the 1st January 1997, the car remained in his care until November 2017.
During his custodianship Mr Silvester kept a concise, hand written log detailing every service and upgrade that he embarked upon (for full details of the log please call us as there is far too much to list in the advert), which included a number of desirable yet sensible performance upgrades including:
VVC head with Paul Ivey Valves and Piper Camshafts
VVC Plenum with 54mm Throttle Body
Emerald K3 ECU
Janspeed Exhaust Manifold / Exhaust
Moto Build Stainless Steel Head Gasket
These upgrades raised the cars power from the standard 118bhp to 154bhp, according to a rolling road print out, though it should be noted this reading was taken without a catalytic converter which has now been reinstated. Having driven the car we can confirm that the car performs with real vigour and sounds simply epic, whilst remaining tractable at lower speeds.
In November 2017 the car was purchased from Mr Silvester by Lotus Dealers Bell & Covill, who repatriated the car back to the UK. The purchase invoice shows the car had covered a mere 11, 000 miles at the time of purchase.
The car remained with Bell & Covill until it was sold to its last owner, Mr Torrance in March 2020 at which time the car was registered in the UK at 11, 125 miles.
Before delivery Mr Torrance asked that Bell & Covill fit a pair of Probax seats, which are far more comfortable that the standard items, together with a set of 4 point harnesses.
Mr Torrance used the car sparingly, with Bell & Covill continuing to maintain the car for him, with work being carried out in September 2020 @ 11, 263 miles, September 2021 @ 11, 359 miles, June 2022 @ 11395 miles and May 2023 @ 11479 miles.
The car has now covered 11, 550 miles and can only be described as an exceptional example. The paintwork retains a deep gloss and is free from serious stone chips whist all panels remain osmosis free. Likewise, the interior is in first class condition and could only belong to a car with such low milage.
The car is currently fitted with a hardtop (which was painted and fitted by Bell & Covill) and the soft top remains with the car and can be found in its original storage bag in the boot.
Before delivery to its next owner we will fully inspect the car in our workshop and carry out a service, and prospective purchasers are welcome to inspect the car on our ramp should they desire.
Supplied with both keys, original book pack, original factory order form, original sales invoice, certificate of provenance from Lotus, and a huge history folder.
A fantastic opportunity to own an early Series 1 Elise with super low milage, a full service history and offered in first class condition.
