Highlights
- Car 28 of only 50 SVA 160bhp cars built
- 23,000 documented miles from new
- Single registered keeper
- Serviced annually by supplying dealer Bell & Colvill
- Last serviced November 2025
- Garaged throughout its life
- Remains factory standard
- MOT valid to November 2026
The Appeal
The idea of a purer version of arguably the purest sports car of the last 30 years may seem both impossible and like splitting hairs. Yet that is exactly what the Elise ‘SVA’ is, and, like Lotus enthusiasts, you want one because it is really is the purest of the pure.
Those three letters are the cue to the car’s provenance. Unlike other Elises, which carry Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA), this 2000 Elise is one of 50 cars built with a track focus that underwent Single Vehicle Approval (SVA). This means that they had to comply with less stringent noise and emissions regulations. That’s a good thing, because it means SVA gets 160bhp instead of the Type Approved car’s 150bhp, plus other improvements like a custom ECU, stiffer chassis, lowered suspension, Koni shocks and beefier front anti-roll bar.
Each SVA carries a chassis number in the range 601 to 650, and this car is 628. Even without the SVA appeal, it would be a tempting choice because it is a single-keeper, factory-standard early Elise that has covered just 23,000 miles. The vendor bought it from highly regarded specialist Bell & Colville and has returned the car there every year, religiously, for servicing and maintenance, irrespective of mileage. Notable highlights include cambelt changes in 2016 and 2020, and the most recent service in November 2025. The two-tone seats were recovered in October 2025. The MOT runs to November 2026.
A vast history file attests to its current keeper’s care. The same is true of the photos, which show a highly preserved car in extremely good condition. Definitely one for purests and exacting buyers.
The vendor says:
“Challenging to drive around town (but very rewarding when you get it right). It 'sings' on the open road - perfect (as you would expect) through the Stelvio pass. A great sports car to drive.”
History and Paperwork
- UK market RHD car first registered 12th April 2000
- VIN number SCCGA111XYHF30628
- Purchased from new from Bell & Colvill
- Single registered keeper from new
- Car 28 of 50 SVA cards with 160 BHP (higher than later fully approved models)
- Factory standard specification we are told
- Serviced annually by Bell & Colvill regardless of mileage since new
- Full service history with annual servicing shown in photos
- Large history file of invoices and MOTs as shown
- Factory handbooks and wallet
- Last serviced in November 2025
- Cambelt changes in 2016 and 2020, latter at 14,457 miles
- Garaged throughout its life
- MOT valid to 11th November 2026 with advisories to note
- Vendor states MOT advisories not deemed necessary by Bell & Colvill at last service
- V5C present
The Condition
- Factory standard and original red paintwork with ‘160’ decals
- Paintwork in very good order with minor paint imperfections caused by the hard top
- Supplied with carbon fibre roof , supplied by Bell & Colvill - unlike the Lotus version does not require removal of the roll bar cover
- Five spoke light alloy SVA wheels with light grey finish in good order
- Vendor reports slight chip on one wheel
- Fitted with matching Yokohama tyres
- Two-tone red and black interior with matching seats and wheel
- Seat backs recovered in black fabric matching the original material in October 2025. retaining the original red velour seat, and the vendor reports they present well
- Slight marks to note to edge of dashboard as shown
- Face-off stereo fitted however the face of the stereo has been lost
- Alarm non-functional (original Elise part no longer available)
- Immobiliser fully functional we are told
The Mechanics
- 1,796cc 4cyl 1.8-litre (1,800cc) inline-4 engine producing 160 BHP
- 5spd manual gearbox
- High specification SVA with stiffer chassis, Koni dampers and bigger anti roll bar
- SVA cars were fitted with custom ECUs
- Full service history by supplying dealer Bell & Colville
- Serviced annually irrespective of mileage as shown in photos
- Cambelt change in 2020 at 14,457 miles
- Advisories to note on MOT with commentary from seller above
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