Description
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The original, class-defining Elise. Whilst later models were endowed with increased power, no variant epitomizes the lightweight open-top sports car quite like the Series 1 delivering a modest 118bhp in a featherweight 725kg package.
Having covered a mere 17, 900 miles in its near-20 year life, this beautiful Azure Blue Elise has been used sparingly and lavished with care. Understood to have been garaged from new and with values continuing to climb, this vehicle presents a hugely appealing proposition.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
It almost goes without saying that with such few recorded miles both the engine and ‘box feel reassuringly strong.
Though famed (or perhaps infamous) for its use of the Rover K-Series 1. 8 litre powerplant, being amongst the latest of the S1 models produced, this particular vehicle shows no record of ever suffering from head gasket related issues. It is widely acknowledged that, if properly cared for and treated with due respect, the engine remains reliable and dependable. Boasting a highly effective cooling system, it is simply required that the engine be properly warmed before working it hard.
For peace of mind, and given that there is no apparent record of a change in recent years, the cambelt will be replaced prior to sale.
Gear changes are positive with no excess movement, the stick shifting firmly into each of the 5 perfectly distanced ratios. The transmission is free of any whines or concerning audible tones.
EXTERIOR
The vehicle presents very well indeed. The metallic Azure Blue paintwork gleams with a fantastic luster highlighting the voluptuous curves and giving an almost caricaturistic appearance.
There is no record, or indeed evidence, of any panels being repaired or replaced throughout the car’s life. Adopting a ground-hugging stance, inevitably this Elise, as with every other such car, has attracted minor stone chipping at the front and to the fore of the rear wheels. However, the extent of these cosmetic imperfections is nothing more than commensurate with the low recorded mileage.
INTERIOR
It could be said that one requires the flexibility of a contortionist to clamber in behind the wheel of an Elise. Granted, that would be an exaggeration, but it would go some way in explaining why these cars can suffer from wear on the sill covering material and seat bolsters. Happily, this example lacks any such notable wear, perhaps suggesting proprietorship by individuals whose names appear on the payroll of Cirque du Soleil.
Jokes aside, the sparse interior has worn exceptionally well. From the thinly clad, black leather bucket seats to the exposed aluminium tub, the tiny leather-bound steering wheel to the rear luggage nets, the interior is complete and remarkably well preserved.
MECHANICAL
Famed for its stunning chassis and agility, the Elise owes much of its dynamic prowess to the superb suspension and chassis setup. Logically, the more miles a vehicle accumulates, the greater the wear on mechanical components and the more evident the effects of this wear become. Mechanically this example is far from tired! It is hard to believe that it is now approaching 20 years of age.
The smile driving this car brings to the face makes you appreciate just how special it must have felt on its release in 1997. This thrill has not lessened with time, the excellence of this particular example only highlighting why the Series 1 Elise may be considered a modern icon.
WHEELS & TYRES
I firmly believe that the tyres worn by a car provide a good indication of how well it has been maintained. If shod with questionably named budget brand tires, you may rightly question what other compromises have been made on care and maintenance. Reassuringly this car wears premium Pirelli P6000 tyres all-round.
The standard, 5. 5J x 15-inch front and 7J x 16-inch rear Rimstock 12-spoke alloy wheels are found to be in near perfect condition with no signs of a poor refurbishment or previous damage.
IN SUMMARY
This example was twice supplied by renowned marque specialists, Pure Lotus, most recently to the current keeper in 2014, under whose ownership it remained until our acquiring the car 6 years later. With records of previous owners retained along with numerous invoices and 16 MOT test certificates dated 2004 to 2019, there is an abundance of paperwork documenting the vehicle’s history.
Perhaps the beauty of this car lies in the fact that it has consistently covered only a modest number of miles annually and remains in a condition consistent with this. However, there would be no detriment to the cars value in continuing to use it sparingly, as would be the fear with ‘museum mileage’ examples. Personally, I’d consider it an investment to be enjoyed!
HISTORY
26. 02. 91 - Pre-delivery inspection
18. 10. 04 - 500 miles (After Sales Service)
20. 04. 06 - 7, 022 miles (C Service)
17. 04. 07 - 7, 821 miles (A Service)
26. 07. 10 - 10, 633 miles (B Service)
19. 07. 12 - 11, 508 miles (C Service)
23. 06. 14 - 12, 201 miles (A Service)
05. 07. 16 - 14, 871 miles (A Service)
28. 08. 19 - 17, 703 miles (Service)
