Description
A rare and collectable Lotus Elise S1 Type 49
This is one of 92 original K series engined models produced in the limited edition Type 49 specification featuring the historic 1960s Gold Leaf racing colours of Calypso red over Monaco white with gold stripe as well as matching gold 111S alloy wheels. A legendary period for the Lotus Works Racing Team.
This example was first registered in March 2000 and has covered 41754 miles with a comprehensive service history. The car comes with a folder full of information including the original service pack from new with the owner’s handbook and instructions.
Just been serviced with Ollie at Phoenix motorsports and just had a new MOT, no advisories.
With just 4 previous keepers, the most recent being my step dad. The keeper before us had the car from 2005 to 2023 and during their 18-year ownership there is evidence of major services including replacement belts and water pump in 2008, 2013 and 2020. Prior to this the service book shows 6 stamps up until 2005.
Last year the car had a major service will Ollie at Phoenix motorsport. The invoice was for just over £3000 and details the work completed, suffice to say a few issues were rectified, a full C service completed and all tyres replaced with ADRO8S along with S2 bilstein suspension upgrade, new toe links and geometry set up.
During our first year of ownership a B service was carried out at Oakmere along with the installation of a new radiator. Other works completed by Ollie at Phoenix Motorsports included a new coolant tank and tow bar. The rear gold stripe was starting to look tired and was damaged so we had the stripe painted on and refreshed the black grilles, re-sealed the headlight covers and had new window rubbers installed as they had started to perish.
Other bits include a cold air intake from Elise parts which sounds fantastic and I had the seats lightly recommissioned with all fabric re-glued, new foam padding and inflatable cushion in preparation for a European trip that sadly never happened.
The car presents really well for its age and milleage but to be fully transparent the wheels have needed a refurb since we got the car but haven’t got around to it yet. The paints in very good overall condition, no osmosis but could do with a proper detail to bring out some of the swirls. It has usual minor stone chipping on front and a few small scuffs including some minor lacquer peel underneath the sill, but you can’t see this unless looking underneath the car. It also had the original rubber mats not carpet so the floor has oxidised which is common. I have new carpets down so it doesn’t bother me but it’s a relatively easy fix. Although I had the seats lightly recommissioned there is light wear on the drivers side bolster and the sill cover has very slight wear too. The fuel cap decided to stop sealing properly too last year but it still locks fine and does its job. I was due to address these but have reluctantly decided it’s time to move the car on.
All Lotus cars stand out as great pieces of engineering with the brilliance along with simplicity that went into them to make them what they are. No one has ever quite got that mix right since, or even before and I don’t think they will anytime soon in the future given the current climate. The Elise must stand out as one of the most brilliant cars to drive with its performance and handling, it’s certainly been the most engaging and fun car I’ve owned. I also can’t get over the looks and often find myself just staring at it and of course the obligatory look back at the car when walking away is a guarantee. The amount of positive attention the car receives further adds to the joy of ownership. It will be very sad to see the car move on but certain opportunities/ circumstances means I need to part ways.
