Highlights
- Under 9,000 miles from new
- One registered keeper
- Always garaged under a custom Lotus cover
- Full Lotus specialist maintenance
- Lotus B Service in April 2025
- Dry use only, never tracked
- MOT to October 2025 with no advisories
The Appeal
The original Elise takes lightness, agility and engagement to levels other car makers can only dream of. But that is only the first reason why you want this car.
This Series 1 is the proverbial needle in a haystack, a one-keeper, exceptionally low mileage Series 1 Elise that has never been tracked, never used in the wet and is entirely factory standard. The odometer shows just 8,756 miles from new. Finished in silver with blue roof and two-tone interior, it is, perhaps not surprisingly, in quite exceptional condition.
The problem with very low mileage cars can be that the maintenance suffers. Not so here. This car has always been entrusted to Lotus specialists throughout its life. The history file shows a run of servicing at short, regular intervals right up to April 2025 when the car received a ‘B’ service. The MOT runs to October 2025 with no advisories.
You could buy this car for your collection, where its condition would surely shine. But with a car this good, perhaps it also deserves to be driven. Whichever you choose, low mileage Elises do not come along this good very often.
The vendor says:
“Rare original 135 Sport in silver with an exceptional low mileage, a great handling car that revs well and is easy to maintain. Selling as can't get in it easily anymore.”
History and Paperwork
- Acquired by seller in February 1999
- First registered 6th March 1999
- Single registered keeper
- Always garaged and never used in wet
- Never used on track
- MOT valid until 7th October 2025 with no advisories
- 8,648 miles showing on test and 8,756 miles showing in photos
- Always maintained by Lotus specialists as can be checked in photos
- Most recent B Service completed in April 2025
- Comes with service history and invoices
- Fitted with Cobra alarm and Tracker security systems
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Factory handbooks
The Condition
- Original silver paintwork presents well due to low mileage
- Vendor reports very small stone chips (all less than 2mm)
- Blue fabric soft top in good order as shown
- Vendor reports some marking where the roof bars attach for the soft top
- Factory standard car with six spoke 16in alloys in very good condition
- Fitted with Pirelli tyres that appear older fit but with plenty of remaining tread
- All instruments, lights, and switchgear reported to be in working order
- Two-tone black and red seats and steering wheel
- Corbeau sports seats show very little signs of wear although fabric is slightly loose
- Suede steering wheel shows some wear on the rim but not unsightly
- Fitted with red Elise branded mats as shown
- Radio kit fitted but no radio installed
- No structural advisories on MOT
- A factory hardtop is included but did not fit at the time of photography.
The Mechanics
- 1,796cc 135bhp K-Series 4cyl engine
- 5spd manual transmission
- The vendor states the car is in excellent mechanical condition
- Starts first time and revs well we are told
- Always serviced by Lotus specialists
- Last B Service completed in April 2025
- Service history and MOT records verify mileage
- No advisories on current MOT
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.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
