Highlights

Attractive Ruby Red metallic with matching roof
Current keeper for twenty years
Well-maintained by marque specialists
Factory standard car with induction kit
Garaged and rarely used in winter during current ownership
MOT valid until February 2027 with no advisories

The Appeal

Nobody expected Lotus to deliver a game-changer. In the mid 90s, Hethel was barely surviving, having fumbled the return of the Elan and with an ageing model range. But from adversity comes, quite often, brilliance, and in this case, brilliance was in the shape of the superlative Elise.

Light, agile and yet without the propensity to disintegrate that tends to bedevil such cars, the Elise was a hit. It remains one of the greatest driver’s cars of all time. The earliest cars, like this one, are closest to the original vision and rightly revered. Painted in attractive Ruby Red metallic with a matching roof, this much-loved car is largely standard, save for an induction kit fitted many years ago, and has been properly looked after.

The current keeper bought the car in 2006 and tells us that it has always been garaged and rarely used in the wet or winter. The history file reinforces the sense of a cared-for car, showing a raft of invoices and records of regular servicing by specialists like Paul Matty. The all-important cam belt and water pump change was under 4,000 miles ago. The MOT runs to February 2027 with no advisories.

If you want a car that engages and entertains, few come close to an Elise. This car has the provenance and maintenance to appeal if your focus is on using and enjoying.

The vendor says:

“Car has provided much fun at little expense; seating position means you feel as though you are travelling much faster than you really are... Reluctant sale, but need the space.”

Key Information

Mileage: 61,398 miles (odometer believed correct by the vendor, not verified)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 18th February 2027 with no advisories
Technical specs: 1,796cc four-cylinder petrol, five-speed manual
Paperwork: Stamped service book, typed spreadsheet, many invoices, V5C

Service history (further details in photos):

01/24 - 59,929 miles - unknown
10/22 - 58,855 miles - unknown
10/21 - 57,917 miles - unknown
09/18 - 55,338 miles - unknown
07/16 - 52,490 miles - unknown
07/13 - 49,000 miles - unknown
12/10 - 45,215 miles - unknown
12/09 - unknown miles - Paul Matty
12/08 - unknown miles - Paul Matty
12/07 - 39,154 miles - Paul Matty
12/06 - 36,575 miles - Paul Matty
08/06 - 29,373 miles - Paul Matty
03/06 - 19,171 miles - Horizon Motorsport
09/05 - 9,856 miles - Paul Matty
06/05 - 9,450 miles - REP Tuning
05/04 - 8,847 miles - REP Tuning
05/03 - 7,495 miles - REP Tuning
05/02 - 6,530 miles - REP Tuning
05/01 - 5,154 miles - REP Tuning
03/99 - 1,731 miles - REP Tuning

Notable recent maintenance (further details in photos):

02/26 - new battery
04/25 - new front brake pads
10/21 - timing belt and water pump at 57,917 miles

The Detail

Ruby Red metallic paintwork in good general condition for age and mileage
Paintwork shows a few light scuffs, scratches and stone chips as shown in photos
Matching red fabric removable roof appears to be in good condition
Five-spoke factory alloy wheels (15in front, 16in rear) in good condition with light marks
Yokohama tyres or rear and Toyo Proxes on the front, showing good remaining tread
Standard factory interior in black leather with some wear to seats, typical of mileage
Acquired by the current keeper in December 2006 at 36,500 miles
Regularly serviced as shown in photos and detailed above
Vendor reports no notable concerns underneath and no structural advisories on MOT
Factory standard interior with the addition of a period radio and Elise mats
Instruments reported to function correctly
Vendor notes the fuel gauge may be unreliable
Aftermarket induction kit fitted before 2006 and reported to have caused no issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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