Highlights

Series1 Elise finished in Lotus Racing Green with magnolia leather
Full service history
Comprehensive maintenance records
Only three former keepers and 62,327 miles from new
Cambelt replaced at 61,000 miles
Recent service and MOT until March 2026
Momo quick-release steering wheel

The Appeal

After years of drifting into GT and supercar territory, albeit with great cars, the Elise was a firm reboot for Lotus. It definitively returned to the "simplify, then add lightness" philosophy and was, inevitably, a hit with enthusiasts.

Classically finished in Lotus Racing Green with a lovely magnolia leather cabin, this very smart low mileage Elise is one of the nicest we’ve seen in a while. Beyond the impressive condition, key to its appeal is the fastidious maintenance regime. We’ve included the vendor’s carefully detailed list of servicing and other work in the photo deck and it is definitely worth an early visit as you check this car’s details.

The car is largely standard but usefully benefits from some choice upgrades such as a Elise Parts Quickshifter Kit, Van Aaken performance exhaust and adjustable rear shocks. There is also a factory fitted quick-release Momo wheel.

With just three previous keepers and all that history, this is an Elise with genuine blue-chip provenance. It naturally comes to market with lengthy, advisory-free MOT to March 2026.

The vendor says:

"The car presents extremely well given the colour scheme which shows the beautiful lines of the design. It is a smashing example of the original Elise and great fun to drive with the roof off enjoying the precise steering and sensation of speed.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 20th October 1999
Three former registered keepers
Current keeper since February 2022
Believed to have always been garaged according to seller
Comprehensive service and maintenance history since first registration
History file contains service records, MOTs, and parts purchases
Lotus Momo quick-release steering wheel and Cobra alarm fitted at original purchase
Van Aaken stainless steel oval exhaust system fitted May 2003
Adjustable rear dampers fitted 2017
Steering rack replaced 2018
Cambelt changed at 55,235 miles (2010) and 60,917 miles (November 2020)
Lotus B service in April 2025 at 62,286 miles
MOT to 31st March 2026 with no advisories
2 sets of keys
2 Lotus Elise service books/Workshop manual CD

Parts fitted during current keeper’s ownership:

New battery
Gear linkage Quick Shifter Kit installed
Catalytic convertor
Mechachrome HTC leads
New rotor arm,O2 sensor and distributor cap
New radiator
Goodridge brake hoses
Bonnet-release cable

The Condition

Lotus Racing Green metallic body paintwork in good condition with few marks
Nose cone has stone chips consistent with age and clam shell shape
Small area of chipped paint below wiper blade housing due to ill-fitting bonnet
Mark at bottom of bonnet rim where it hinges at front
Small scrape/abrasion on passenger side rear wheel arch
Small stone chip on passenger side windscreen
Few light scratches around rear glass panel from hard top fitting/removal
Alloy wheels are well kept with tyres also presenting well in photos
Alloys show small spots of brake dust in crevices but not unsightly
Hard top, green soft top, and shower top all present well
Magnolia leather seats in good condition given car's age
Driver's side seat lightly worn on side bolster from entry/exit
Black fabric seat backs re-trimmed in September last year
Dashboard appears in smart condition
All dials/switchgear operational
Original Kenwood radio included
Momo quick-release steering wheel
Black headlining for hard top in good condition

The Mechanics

1,796cc 4cyl Elise Rover K-Series engine
5-speed manual transmission
Engine starts first time and idles well we are told
Regularly serviced and well maintained as shown
Servicing shown in photos with cambelt replaced at 61,000 miles
Lotus “B service “in April 2025
No advisories on current MOT
List of new parts fitted shown above

Non-standard factory items include:

Van Aaken exhaust system
Adjustable rear dampers
Elise Parts Quickshifter Kit

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..
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