Description
Overview
The Lotus Elise has always represented one of the purest interpretations of the lightweight sports car, but the Elise Sport 240 Final Edition carries particular significance. Introduced to mark the end of Elise production, it represents the culmination of more than two decades of continuous development before production of the model came to an end in 2021.
Offered for sale by Nice & Niche, this example is finished in striking Metallic Orange, a colour that perfectly suits the Elise's compact proportions and uncompromising character.
At its heart sits the 1. 8-litre Toyota-derived four-cylinder engine, producing 240PS and driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Combined with the Elise's famously low kerb weight, bonded aluminium chassis and unassisted steering, the result is a sports car focused overwhelmingly on driver involvement.
Showing just 7, 593 miles, this is a particularly low-mileage example of the final evolution of one of Lotus's most celebrated models, further distinguished by an exceptional level of protection, preparation and preservation under its current ownership.
Exterior
Finished in striking Metallic Orange, the Elise's compact shape is immediately recognisable, combining dramatic aerodynamic detailing and pronounced wheelarches with the wonderfully small footprint that has defined the model since its introduction.
As a Sport 240 Final Edition, this example features the later front-end treatment with enlarged intakes and distinctive vented bonnet, complemented by contrasting black aerodynamic detailing, prominent side intakes, rear diffuser and rear spoiler.
The Metallic Orange bodywork is contrasted beautifully by lightweight black multi-spoke alloy wheels, behind which sit drilled brake discs and performance braking hardware. Final Edition identification appears discreetly on the front wings, while the Elise 240 Sport script at the rear provides a subtle reminder of the car's position at the end of the Elise lineage.
Considerable care has been taken under its current ownership to protect and preserve the car's exceptionally low-mileage condition.
Most importantly, the car benefits from an XPEL Track Pack Paint Protection Film installation, providing physical protection to the most vulnerable areas of the bodywork against stone chips, road debris and the wear associated with spirited driving, while retaining the clarity and appearance of the Metallic Orange paintwork beneath.
Following the PPF installation, the car has undergone a professional enhancement detail, restoring and refining the depth, clarity and gloss of the paintwork. The finish has subsequently been protected using Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light and EXO, creating a durable ceramic protection system with excellent hydrophobic properties while making ongoing maintenance considerably easier.
Protection extends beyond the bodywork, with dedicated Gtechniq wheel protection applied to the lightweight alloy wheels and glass protection applied to the exterior glazing.
Attention has also been paid beneath the car, with the underside treated using Lanoguard corrosion protection, helping to preserve exposed underbody components and protect against moisture and corrosion for the future.
Combined with professional storage throughout its latest ownership, this is a car that has not simply been prepared for sale, but carefully protected and preserved with long-term ownership in mind.
Interior
The interior follows exactly the same philosophy as the exterior: lightweight, focused and refreshingly free from unnecessary complication.
This example benefits from a particularly attractive black leather and Alcantara-trimmed cabin, contrasted by orange stitching and body-coloured detailing throughout.
The sculpted sports seats feature Alcantara centres, embroidered Lotus crests and Metallic Orange-trimmed harness openings, while matching orange stitching continues across the seats, door cards and centre console.
Ahead of the driver sits an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel and the Final Edition TFT digital instrument display, one of the most notable upgrades introduced for the final cars. The configurable display provides a welcome touch of modernity within an otherwise wonderfully analogue driving environment.
At the centre of the car is the exposed six-speed manual gear linkage, topped by its machined aluminium gear knob. It remains one of the defining details of the later Elise cabin and provides a wonderfully mechanical connection between driver and car.
The cabin has also been sympathetically updated with a JVC touchscreen infotainment system incorporating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and DAB digital radio. Under the current owner's care, the surrounding installation has been professionally upholstered to match the existing interior, resulting in an impressively cohesive, OEM-style finish that integrates naturally with the Alcantara-trimmed cabin.
Importantly, the original factory components have been retained and will accompany the car, allowing its next custodian to return the interior to its original specification should they wish.
There is little unnecessary luxury here. You sit low, the steering wheel is close, the gear lever falls naturally to hand and elements of the aluminium structure remain visible around the cabin. It is an environment designed around driving first and everything else second.
Maintenance & History
Showing just 7, 593 miles, this Sport 240 Final Edition has covered exceptionally modest mileage and has had just one previous owner before its current custodian.
Its documented service history includes an A Service at Central Lotus, Nottingham in May 2023 at 2, 124 miles, followed by an A Service at SeriouslyLotus in September 2025 at 5, 487 miles, including engine oil and filter.
The car is accompanied by a comprehensive history file including its original new vehicle purchase order and specification, MOT history, service invoices and supporting documentation. It also retains its Final Edition presentation box and associated special-edition items, together with both the removable hardtop and fabric soft top, plus an indoor car cover.
Under current ownership, considerable attention has been given to its long-term preservation, including:
XPEL Ultimate Plus Track Pack PPF
Professional enhancement detail
Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light + EXO ceramic protection
Gtechniq C5 wheel protection
Gtechniq G1 glass protection
Lanoguard underbody protection
Professional indoor vehicle storage
With excellent provenance and an extensive programme of preventative protection, it presents as a particularly well-preserved and carefully maintained low-mileage Final Edition example.
Summary
Few cars demonstrate the value of lightness quite as effectively as the Lotus Elise.
For more than two decades it remained committed to a formula that became increasingly rare: low weight, a mid-mounted engine, manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive and unassisted steering, with almost everything unnecessary stripped away.
The Sport 240 Final Edition is particularly significant because it represents the end point of that philosophy. Rather than reinventing the Elise for its final production run, Lotus refined what had always made the car special, combining its remarkably communicative chassis with 240PS of supercharged performance and a handful of carefully judged modern additions.
This example makes an especially compelling proposition. Finished in vibrant Metallic Orange over a beautifully coordinated black leather and Alcantara interior with contrasting orange detailing, it is a specification that perfectly suits the character and significance of the Final Edition.
The exposed gear linkage, Final Edition digital instruments, lightweight wheels and purposeful aerodynamic details distinguish it from earlier cars, while the sympathetically integrated JVC infotainment system adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and DAB digital radio without compromising the appearance of the cabin. With the original factory components retained, its next custodian also has the option of returning the interior to its original specification should they prefer.
Most importantly, with just 7, 593 miles recorded, this is an exceptionally low-mileage example that has clearly benefited from a considered approach to ownership and preservation.
The addition of XPEL Track Pack PPF provides an important first layer of physical protection to the car's most vulnerable painted surfaces, while its subsequent professional enhancement detail and application of Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light and EXO help preserve the depth and gloss of the Metallic Orange finish. Dedicated wheel and glass protection, together with Lanoguard underbody treatment and professional storage, further demonstrate the level of care afforded to the car under its current ownership.
Compact, analogue, extraordinarily light and almost entirely dedicated to the act of driving, the Elise Sport 240 Final Edition represents the closing chapter of one of the most important models in Lotus history.
For the enthusiast looking for one of the ultimate developments of the Elise, in a standout Metallic Orange specification, with exceptionally low mileage and an impressive programme of protection and preservation already undertaken, this is a particularly special example.
