Lotus Elise S1 Roadster, 1997
Lotus Elise I
Lotus Elise I•
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Chassis No.: SCCGA1110WHC32067
Estimate: £12,000 - £15,000 GBP
Spiritual heir to the Lotus Seven, the Elise was a car that company founder Colin Chapman would have been proud of; indeed, at the time of its launch in 1995, Lotus Cars MD, Rod Mansfield declared, 'this car typifies what Lotus has done best for almost 40 years.' The Elise's success – it is still in production today - has proved ample justification for the British firm's decision to return to its roots.
At the heart of the Elise is a chassis comprised of epoxy-bonded aluminium extrusions – a first for a road car – weighing only 65kg (143lb). The result was a kerb weight of 720kg (1,584lb), which endowed the Elise with a formidable power-to-weight ratio despite a relatively modest maximum output of 125bhp from its Rover K-Series engine. Although over 20 years old, the Elise is still one of the best driver's cars on sale at any price and continues to represent an affordable purchase for sports car enthusiasts on a budget who value both performance and looks.
Unlike many of its fellows, this car has never been raced, instead enjoying an easy life in a heated/dehumidified garage, being serviced regularly and used for weekend road-driving fun. The cam belt and water pump were changed in 2016 at 62,524 miles, and the Elise is described by the private vendor as in pristine condition. This example comes with full service history; a nice personalised plate; and a colour-matched indoor cover from Classic Additions.
