Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1999 Lotus Elise 111S
Estimate
£15, 000 - £18, 000
Registration No: T409 TGC
Chassis No: SCCJA111XXHC37459
MOT: T. B. A
Recently subject to extensive recommissioning works and a professional detail after a long period of storage
Two former keepers with the current keeper since 2005
Finished in Lotus Racing Green Metallic with Black upholstery
Due to be freshly MOT tested ahead of the sale following a period of inactivity
Introduced at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Lotus Elise was a driver’s car par excellence. A paragon of lightness, agility and responsiveness, the newcomer utilised a bonded extruded aluminium chassis clad with fibreglass body panels. Mid-mounted and allied to five-speed manual transmission, its 1. 8 litre K-Series engine produced a modest 118bhp and 122lbft of torque. However, with a kerb weight of just 725kg the two-seater was capable of 0-60mph in 5. 8 seconds and over 120mph. Able to glide over a broken British B-road in typical Lotus fashion, the Elise did without power steering, ABS or traction control and was all the better for it.
A higher powered version of the model known as the 111S was introduced in 1999. Its extra urge was supplied by the VVC (Variable Valve Control) version of the K Series engine, which endowed the Lotus with an additional 25bhp. Related changes included a closer ratio gearbox, lower final drive ratio, cross-drilled brakes, rear spoiler, six-spoke alloy wheels, headlamp covers, ‘chipcutter’ front grille, additional seat padding and alloy window winders.
Supplied by HR Owen of London and registered on the 13th August 1999, this rare Elise Series 1 '111S' was specified in the attractive colour scheme of Lotus Racing Green Metallic over a Black interior and supplied with a now very rare luggage rack, matching hardtop and quick release steering wheel. Purchased by a Mr Quayle of Wimbledon, South West London initially, the Lotus was kept by him for only three years (and serviced by HR Owen throughout this period) before passing to the second registered keeper based in Cambridgeshire. The second owner kept on top of servicing and a number of bills remain on file from Lotus specialists GST Performance for his period of ownership. The third and current keeper acquired the two-seater in November 2005 and kept it well maintained until it was put into dry storage in 2013 when he had children, so a family car took the mantle of being the daily driver. It was before this period of storage that the little Green Lotus was treated to some tasteful performance upgrades which include a full Super Sprint exhaust system, larger throttle body and Typhoon air intake, which, with a re-map has significantly improved power output, however, the stock parts are supplied with the sale if this is preferred.
The vendor acquired 'T409 TGC' from the current registered keeper some months ago as a project to recommission and has mechanically overhauled the car by performing a full service including cambelt & head gasket, fitting new EBC brake pads and upgraded brake lines, replacing the fuel pump and filter, the fitment of new semi-slick tyres and work to the gear linkages with the fitment of new Powerflex bushes to improve action. The original Bilstein shock absorbers were found to be in good order, however, a replacement pair of rears are included in the sale. The current displayed mileage is a mere 78, 517 miles on the odometer (though this will increase as it will be driven to sale).
Now offered for sale and described by the seller as being in 'very good condition' all round, we were pleased to see that this Elise presents as a particularly original example that has had minimal paintwork to improve it over the years (although some small stone chips remain) and with no obvious signs of bodyshell deterioration. A good history file is presented with the car, which includes the original book pack and a CD-Rom workshop manual, evidence of previous servicing work, old MOTs and UK V5C. The vendor expects to have a new MOT applied as part of the sale.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
