1.8-litre K-series with 5-speed manual transmission
Very comprehensive history file
Some choice factory options
The Appeal
Debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1995, the Elise was not only named after the granddaughter of the then Lotus chairman, but was also a very advanced design. Designed and developed in-house and built on an epoxy-bonded, extruded aluminium tub chassis with a glass fibre reinforced plastic shall, this lightweight sports car was incredibly innovative.
At a time when sports cars were getting ever heavier and more complicated, you could say that the Elise didn’t so much rewrite the rule book as tear it up, set fire to it and then make a new one.
With less than 8,500 miles on the clock from new and a handsome specification, we’re delighted to present this fine example for sale. We think you’ll have to go a long way to find a Series 1 Elise in such excellent condition, unmodified, and with such a well recorded history. Add the ridiculously low mileage to that and this becomes something truly unique and desirable.xgJx67C6UbA70SkFqduY8elqsjrbwjnKHHQmJYvM.jpg925.85 KB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in October 1998
Supplied new by Haydon Cars of Salisbury (Lotus dealer)
Four owners from new
Current owner since June 2018
Current MOT to November 2023
The car has never failed an MOT
8,483 miles from new, verified by the MOT history
Original order form included
Cobra alarm fitted
Present V5c as well as previous V5s
Extensive history file including communications from previous owners, numerous invoices for servicing and maintenance and previous MOT certificates
Owner’s handbooks, two keys with original fobs
Folder of service notes and a folder of service parts list
EliseParts black shower cap included
Hardtop storage bag also included
The history file indicated that the car was bought by a Ford Production Engineer who had previously restored an S2 Lotus 7, he apparently bought two cars – one for his son and one for himself from separate dealerships as orders were restricted at the time. He had visited the Lotus assembly line and, although he states that "some of the production practices that I saw would never have seen the light of day at Ford", he was pleased with the stiff design of the chassis, which has given it the great handling characteristics it is renowned for. In 2006 the new owner noted when he viewed it that it looked to him as if "the car had been ordered and the owner had forgotten to pick it up!" It went on to win the 'Best Concours Condition Car' award at the first Historic Lotus Owners Club meeting he attended.
Optional radio fitment – Panasonic CD/radio with Aux port
The austere interior of the Elise is focused on one thing only – the driving experience. But it’s still truly elegant in its simplicity and the material quality is very nice.
This example was specified with smart green leather and the optional radio fitment from new. The leather shows very well, with only some light creasing from use. You’d never guess from the seats that the car was now 25 years old.
They’re complemented with a set of neat black, branded floor mats. And in the passenger footwell there’s an aluminium foot brace that shows minimal wear. At the back there’s a small luggage compartment, just suitable for a soft overnight bag.
Similarly, the instruments and driving controls are in impeccable condition, with no notable scuffs, blemishes or wear to see. The vendor tells us that everything works perfectly, with no faults to declare.nYK25BUo66RqQqov2tZTc0xyioVkQs5VP0IR5Nhh.jpg725.19 KB
The Exterior
Norfolk Mustard paintwork
Removable hardtop panel
Green fabric roof
Refurbished alloy wheels
Supplied from new in striking Norfolk Mustard paintwork, which remains in excellent condition, this little Elise is a fabulous looking thing. The paint has been very well cared for and shows just a handful of minor blemishes and stone chips. Even the anti-chip film is still in place on the rear arches and edges of the front bumpers.
Due to the construction of the car – a GFRP bodyshell over an aluminium tub chassis – obviously corrosion isn’t an issue. We didn’t see any cracks, damage or notable wear to any areas of the bodyshell either. All of the external trim and badging looks to be in good order too, including the hardtop roof panel.
The wheels are a genuine set of five-spoke, Lotus alloys, 15-inch to the front and 16-inch to the rear. They’ve been refurbished and finished in silver and present very nicely, with no kerbing or lacquer peel we could see. They are shown in a matched set of Nankang tyres which appear to have good tread and no sidewall damage we could see. The vendor tells us that the original wheels are also included and are shod with the correct Pirelli Assymetricos.
Mid-mounted and driving the rear wheels, that Rover K-series delivers a healthy 118bhp. That may not sound like much, but when the car weighs less than 750Kg, it’s more than enough to push it from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds.
The simplicity of the drivetrain makes it not only easy and relatively cheap to maintain, but keeps running costs low compared to other sports cars too. The engine bay is very clean and tidy, with no evidence of leaks or overheating we could discern.
Wonderfully well presented, with incredibly low mileage and a very fine specification, this Series 1 Elise is a rare and very desirable machine. We can’t imagine there can be many more examples in such fine condition. If you fancy putting an Elise in the garage – and why wouldn’t you – then this cracking little car really can’t be ignored…
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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