Highlights

Sought-after early car with only 19,750 miles
Sought-after MMC brake discs, aluminium engine cover and green bonded chassis
Two keeper with current one since 2009
Well-maintained with regular servicing by main dealers and specialists
Service plus cambelt, tensioner, water pump and brake fluid in 2022 by Hangar 111
Car has only covered 200 miles since this work
Sold with new MOT
Car currently stored with a Lotus Specialist who is happy to accommodate viewings on behalf of the owner by prior appointment

The Appeal

Elise aficionados particularly value the early cars for their purity of design and array of features that were lost with later development. This 1998 car features several of the original elements that made these cars so true to Chapman’s ‘add lightness’ philosophy, including durable metal matrix composite (MMC) brakes, aluminium engine cover and green bonded chassis.

Beyond those tantalising details, this Calypso Red car is one of the lowest mileage on the market. It has covered less than 20,000 miles in the hands of just two keepers, the current one since 2009. The mileage is supported by a run of servicing work by main dealers and specialists plus MOT records.

The car went to Hangar 111 in 2022 for new cambelt, water pump, tensioners and fresh brake fluid, alongside a service. We are told it has covered only 200 miles in the intervening years. It will be sold with a brand new MOT.

Save for a sports exhaust fitted in 1998, the car is said to be factory standard. The original exhaust is included. In extremely good condition and barely run in, this is a nicely maintained Elise with some great early features.

Key Information

Mileage: 19,750 miles (supported by servicing and MOT records)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: a new MOT will be provided before delivery
Technical specs: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol, five-speed manual
Paperwork: original book pack, purchase invoice, history file with receipts and MOT certificates; both keys and alarm remotes present, club valuation, V5C

Service history (further details in photos):

06/26 - will need a B service, to be completed by the owner
07/22 - 19,501 miles - Hangar 111 (includes cambelt, tensioner, water pump)
06/16 - 19,014 miles - Lotus specialist
08/12 - 17,508 miles - Lotus specialist
07/10 - 17,179 miles - Castle Lotus (including cambelt)
06/02 - 7,516 miles - Lotus Motorway Sports Cars
05/01 - 3,709 miles - Lotus Motorway Sports Cars

The Detail

Very well-kept early car in bright Calypso Red with few signs of use
Factory aluminium engine cover and MMC brake discs
Green bonded chassis with no structural advisories on last MOT
C Service including cambelt carried out by Hangar 111 approximately 200 miles ago
Will be supplied with a new MOT
Vendor states bodywork presents in first-class order with only the small stone chips
Factory five spoke split-spoke alloys in very good condition as shown
Fibreglass panels reported to be free from osmosis, damage or star cracks
Black leather interior shows some natural patina consistent with age
Factory standard with the exception of a sports exhaust; original exhaust included
Factory options include alarm system, radio fitting kit, driving lamps and leather seats
Garaged and lightly used throughout current ownership
Two sets of keys and alarm remote controls present
Supplying dealer's key ring still attached to the spare set

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..

✓ 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.

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