Highlights
- Presented in fantastic overall condition and reportedly driving very well
- Regularly serviced throughout its life and most recently a major service at 13,606 miles with Williams Lotus Bristol
- Handsome colour scheme that pays homage to the Lotus’ partnership with JPS
- Very high original specification including air conditioning and Bluetooth infotainment
- Although dry stored, custom Elise outdoor car cover included in the sale.
- Only coming to market due to vendor relocating
The Appeal
Throughout their esteemed history, Lotus have been responsible for some of the most capable sports cars of all time and the Elise became their best selling of all time. Produced in three iterations from 1996 until 2021, the Elise embodied Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s commitment to lightness and all kept well below 1,000 kilograms.
This 2016 Series 3 is in fantastic condition, having covered just 13,702 miles from new with regular services all its life. Resplendent in black and gold which evokes JPS - Lotus partnership of old. With an MOT valid until November 2025 and the last service completed at 13,606 miles, it’s a healthy specimen that’s ready to enjoy. It boasts a high factory specification and has since been fitted with Bluetooth infotainment which makes it supremely able on today’s roads.
We could foresee ourselves driving this Elise on a regular basis, so if you're after a weekend warrior or an immensely special daily driver, this Lotus is a most worthy candidate.
The History and Paperwork
- MOT valid until November 2025
- Three previous keepers
- Acquired by the vendor in March 2021 from Williams Lotus, Leeds
- Serviced by Williams Lotus, Chipping Sodbury
- Last serviced at approximately 13,606 miles
Previous services carried out at the following approximate intervals:
- 1000 miles
- 4000 miles
- 6000 miles
- 9000 miles
- 11,000 miles
- Major service at 13,606 at Williams Lotus Bristol
The private registration ‘C6 DRC’ is not included in the sale. The vendor also has the private registration ‘V77 TOY’, which is available by separate negotiation and could be assigned to the car promptly if the next owner of the car wishes to purchase it.
The Interior
- Retro tartan upholstery which complements the exterior
- Sports seats
- Professionally fitted subwoofer which sits beyond the passenger door well
- Factory air conditioning
- Electric windows
- Central locking system with alarm
This Elise’s interior is fantastic. Refreshingly retro for a car sold new in 2016. There’s barely any wear to the upholstery, or any damage at all so far as we could discern. Air conditioning is a welcome modern convenience and we’re assured it works exactly as it should. It also features Bluetooth stereo and phone, with an additional subwoofer professionally fitted.
A Lotus is of course all about the driving, so the controls are carefully thought out and feel great in operation. The steering wheel, pedals and gear lever are hardly worn and all original to the car.
The Exterior
- Metallic black paintwork with prominent gold stripe and accents
- Smart alloy wheel finished in gold
- Complete with hardtop and canvas roof - both in excellent order
- Very few blemishes to the paint and certainly nothing especially noticeable
- The bodywork looks to be immensely straight and is free from accident damage
- Impeccable underside, devoid of damage or corrosion
All Elises look great and it’s commendable how Lotus managed to keep it looking contemporary through various updates over its twenty five year production run.
The Series 3 was particularly handsome and this one is resplendent in a fantastic colour scheme paying homage to Lotus’ past connections to JPS. The gold alloys are particularly fine and all look to be in very good condition for their age. The paint, bodywork and trim all seem in fantastic shape and we haven’t spotted any noticeable blemishes besides the smallest of marks accrued with normal road use.
The Mechanics
- 1.8-litre Toyota inline-four
- Six-speed manual gearbox
- Regularly serviced throughout its life
- Low mileage
- Said to be running and driving immensely well
- Equipped with cruise control
With a factory quoted kerb weight of just 914 kilograms, the 1.8-litre engine is more than sufficient to provide ample performance and the car’s rear-wheel drive layout makes for immensely accomplished handling. The manual gearbox is very much an endangered species in the modern age and we can report that this unit is a pleasure to operate, making the driving experience that extra bit more engaging.
Summary
For those who prioritise sheer driving pleasure over all else, this lightweight Lotus holds all the trump cards. Well equipped, tastefully appointed and in fantastic overall condition, don’t miss the opportunity to add this Elise to your collection.
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.
✓ 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.
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