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
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..
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✓ 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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