Lotus Elise S1 1997 – early mmc – boot bag model

Doctor owned, now in my 18^th year of ownership 😊. Maintained regardless of cost by key specialists mainly Brooke Kensington (Simon Scott Russel), then Scott Russel Sports Cars, also extensive work by Back on Track, Steve Williams Lotus and also Lakeside Engineering (receipts for work done alone total over £27,000, yep, you read that right £27,000).

93k miles (owned from 40k miles). Serviced every year regardless of use and mileage. Usual ‘issues’ well sorted; sill coolant pipes replaced, stainless clutch pipe, floor panels. Fuel pump. Up rated Eliseparts big alloy radiator (no over heating issues ever and has a PRT and lower temp thermostat) and upgraded Alpine stereo.

Engine:

Uprated head gasket and 135 cams by Lakeside, engine seems bullet proof, no oil use ever. 52mm alloy throttle body, coupled to a Sport 160 plenum fitted (looks and sounds great). Hurricane induction (original airbox included if wanted) Eliseparts 4-2-1 sports manifold and exhaust with sports cat. PRT with lower thermostat and coolant pipe lowered as per later models. This, coupled with the gearbox (mentioned below), has proved a real sweet spot and always feels fast, fun, usable and always reliable.

Gearbox:

Super smooth close ratio gearbox (sourced by Junks), coupled with Eliseparts lightweight flywheel, AP racing clutch, Eliseparts short shifter. These improvements probably made the most impact to how good the car feels to drive (until the 2020 work)

Early 2020

In 2020 car had a major overall at a substantial cost. Brand new Eliseparts wishbones, bushes and ball joints (all new, not refurbed or powered coated, but brand new), new later spec revised steering arms, new titan steering rack, new spitfire rear track rods, new Nitron adjustable 40 NTR (not lesser spec street series).  Uprated Eliseparts adjustable front anti-roll bar.  Geo by Steve Williams.  New front brake calipers, Eliseparts alloy floating grooved brake discs all round (better than MMC discs), with braided hoses and very expensive pagid pads all round. Car drives brilliantly, tight and precise. Wheels just fully refurbished (running almost new ADVAN tyres)

Eliseparts soft top with improved gutter detailing, also comes with original Lotus roof bag and the original Lotus bag for the removable rear window (super rare now). After market shower cap.

Summary:

Almost standard visually, except later Rimstocks and the S2 seats (a bit more comfy for my aging back). I would argue it’s as good, if not better, than a low mileage garage queen that has everything perishing but seem to be fetching silly money. Mine’s been used, improved and wanted for nothing.  Looking for a genuine buyer to take on pride and joy. As mentioned, I’ve spent a lot on this car, with all the receipts and paperwork. Sensible offers in the region of £17k. Private plate not included (been in the family since 1983), it will be an R reg car.  Any questions, please call me, happy to discuss but won’t be playing text ping pong around ‘eerr, what’s the least you will take mate’ 😊