Description
This early 1997 Series 1 Elise is in original condition and has a fully documented service record including a very recent important ‘C’ cambelt change service and new water pump. The car has been mechanically and bodily kept in excellent condition and includes an upgraded Series 2 front suspension kit (fitted in 2004) and a Hurricane Induction Airbox kit (fitted in 2003).
The interior is in good condition with original black leather seats, bespoke ‘Elise’ carpets and leather/ plastic trim. The metallic paintwork is original except for the recent removal of stone chips to the front clamshell. The panel gaps are excellent, the factory Lotus alloy wheels almost unmarked and tyres have a good depth of tread with nearly new Yokohamas on the rear. All electrical accessories function correctly. The hood, hood supports and a shower cap are also in good condition and are easily removed, stored and re-erected. The car has a removable face radio/ CD player and comes complete with 2 sets of keys, original instruction manual, hood guide sheet, stamped service book and fitted fire extinguisher. The original Cobra alarm has been stripped out.
The car was purchased by the present owner in March 2008 from Lotus specialist, Paul Matty Sportscars (of Bromsgrove) at a mileage of 41, 027. Paul Matty had sold the car to its previous registered keeper in March 2003 at a documented mileage of 28, 360. MOT Certificates back to 2001 support the current mileage of the car.
The Series 1 Lotus Elise weighs 725 kg, Because of this low weight, it is able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5. 8 seconds despite its relatively low power output of 118 bhp. Braking and fuel consumption are also improved by the car's reduced weight. Cornering is helped by a low center of gravity height of 470 mm.
The Series 1 was designed by Julian Thomson, then head of design at Lotus, and Richard Rackham, Lotus's chief engineer and first came to the market in September 1996. The Elise has a fibreglass body shell atop a bonded extruded aluminium chassis which provides a rigid platform for the suspension, while keeping weight and production costs to a minimum. The early Series 1 cars which are in original condition (as this vehicle) are now becoming collector’s pieces and values are steadily rising.
