Beschreibung
Arriving with unanimous praise in mid-1996, it seems scarcely credible that the Elise S1 has been with us for 25 years. Styled by Julian Thomson, it arguably redefined the lightweight sportscar at a stroke and is still a firm reminder today, that good things come in small lightweight packages. At its heart was an extruded aluminium chassis designed by chief Lotus engineer Richard Rackham that was glued, rather than welded and weighed just 69KGs. It was powered by a transversely mid-mounted 1796cc 16- valve DOHC Rover K-series engine and mated to a close ratio 5 speed gearbox. Suspension was via double wishbones all round and early original cars like this were fitted with aluminium hubs and Metal Matrix composite brakes to keep un-sprung corner weights to a minimum. An aluminium engine lid, plastic window winders and not even a place for a radio were all obsessive additional weight saving features of these very early cars, giving a dry weight of just 675KGs. Even with its somewhat modest power output of just 118BHP, this obsessive weight saving would mean the Elise was quick for the time, with 0-60mph coming up in 5. 9sec and a top speed of 126mph. In the interest of cost saving and durability, the original aluminium hubs and MMC brakes were soon replaced by steel items and the aluminium engine lid was replaced by a fibreglass cover. A radio, leather interior and more durable aluminium window winders were offered as popular options, but all at the expense of additional weight. This early S1 Elise was ordered in 1997 in completely standard form and supplied by Oldbury Cars (Official Lotus Centre for Cheltenham) in February 1998. Finished in Norfolk Mustard, it has had just two obsessive Lotus enthusiast owners from new, both who have ensured its overall condition remains exceptional today. During his tenure, the first owner fitted headlamp covers and driving lights, a 52mm throttle body, ITG air filter and Janspeed rear silencer which enhances performance, whilst a quick shift kit significantly enhances the gearchange. Additionally, the second owner has upgraded the roof cant rails with later items. A new original silencer, original gear linkage and unmarked original cant rails come with the car.
It has recently been to official Lotus service centre Hanger 111 for a full service including plugs, filters and precautionary cambelt / water pump change and all original plastic fastenings have been replaced with aircraft quality items.
Whilst the Elise went on to be developed into a far more capable and powerful car, just a few 100 metres in an original lightweight S1 will remind you why less so often means more. Modest grip and power by today’s standards actually feels just right, with wonderful unassisted steering to rival anything produced before or since. A perfect gearchange and original feel through the chassis being additional highlights of this example.
Having covered 24, 000 pampered miles, this Elise has never been tracked or started a journey in the rain and has only had the roof fitted twice since new. Aside from a few stone chips on the front of this never painted example, we feel any Lotus aficionado will find this to be an excellent genuine car and we are happy to answer any questions or assist with an independent inspection if required.
Documentation and history:
Original Lotus range sales brochure
Original pre-production Elise information brochure
Original Elise brochure
Original Elise price list
Original dealer order form dated 01. 03. 1997
Original EEC Certificate of conformity dated 07. 03. 1997
Original dealer letter finalising the vehicle specification dated 04. 12. 1997
Original dealer PDI sheet dated 29. 01. 1998
Original dealer sales invoice dated 04. 02. 1998
Original book pack containing the service book, car handbook, supplement alarm handbook, dealer directory book, original Lotus AA assistance book and membership card, original dealer tax disc holder, original Lotus alarm system stickers (never fitted to the car)
New second genuine service book started by Hanger Lane
Original documentation for fitted upgrades
Invoices for service history and parts fitted by owners (documented below)
MOT history file (documented below)
Letter from first owner outlining the cars complete history until passing to second owner.
Comprehensive review and update from the second owner.
Parts that were supplied new with the car that have been retained.
The car still retains its factory build specification, with the exception of short throw gear shifter, a 52mm throttle body, Janspeed sports exhaust and later roof rails.
An original new exhaust back box has been retained if future owners want to return the car back to standard. The original `snap fit` cant rails for the roof have been replaced with later `clip type`. Again, these original roof rails and bars are retained for future owners wishing to maintain absolute originality.
Spare set of Perspex headlamp covers.
Keys: One complete set of original keys including ignition/ door lock key, alarm fob, immobiliser key, petrol filler cap key, leather pouch and original Lotus key ring.
Five additional master keys, two additional alarm fobs and one additional fuel cap key.
Service and MOT History
29. 01. 1998: 12 miles Pre delivery inspection Oldbury Lotus
29. 06. 1998: 1, 207 miles Service Oldbury Lotus
22. 07. 1999: 4, 768 miles Service Oldbury Lotus
17. 05. 2001: 7, 200 miles MOT and Mobil 1 oil service
24. 05. 2002: 10, 262 miles MOT and Mobil 1 oil service
24. 07. 2003: 15, 907 miles MOT and Mobil 1 oil service
09. 08. 2004: 17, 115 miles MOT and Mobil 1 oil service
10. 04. 2006: 19, 102 miles MOT and Mobil 1 oil service
02. 08. 2007: 20, 482 miles MOT and Mobil 1 oil service
08. 08. 2008: 21, 375 miles MOT and Mobil 1 oil service
14. 10. 2009: 22, 043 miles MOT and Mobil 1 oil service
11. 07. 2011: 22, 269 miles MOT and Mobil 1 oil service
19. 06. 2013: 22, 509 miles MOT and Mobil 1 oil service
16. 07. 2013: 22, 357 miles Cambelt replaced
24. 06. 2014: 22, 823 miles MOT and Mobil 1 oil service
25. 06. 2015: 23, 131 miles MOT and Mobil 1 oil service
30. 06. 2016: 23, 292 miles MOT and Mobil 1 oil service
09. 01. 2017: Change of ownership
10. 06. 2017: 23, 347 miles MOT
23. 06. 2018: 23, 544 miles MOT
15. 09. 2018: 23, 601 miles oil and fuel filter service
22. 06. 2019: 23, 675 miles MOT
31. 07. 2020: 23, 797 miles MOT
07. 05. 2021: 23, 850 miles Full service including plugs, filters, battery, water pump and cambelt. Hanger 111 Lotus official service centre
