1999 Lotus Elise S1 – Azure Blue – 2.0 Duratec – Jenvey ITBs – Emerald ECU – 191bhp

Reluctant sale of a much-loved Elise S1.

This isn’t a standard S1, nor is it trying to be. It’s been carefully developed into a seriously capable machine, retaining all the delicacy, feedback and lightweight character of the original Elise, but with the performance, reliability and drivability of a well-executed Ford Duratec conversion.

One of the things that particularly appealed to me about this car is that it wasn’t simply built around a bigger engine. The original owner was obsessive about keeping the car light. Unlike many engine conversions, this one was engineered with weight reduction as a key priority, resulting in a car that’s actually lighter than many other Duratec conversions, while benefiting from the reliability and power of the Ford engine.

The weight-saving measures include removal of the complete front bonnet latch mechanism in favour of lightweight Zeus fasteners, removal of the centre front fibreglass section and numerous other carefully considered modifications throughout the build. Changes are documented in the original SELOC build thread, making the car refreshingly transparent for prospective buyers.

At the heart of the car is a 2.0 Ford Duratec running Jenvey throttle bodies and an Emerald K3 ECU. It was professionally mapped to produce approximately 191bhp, transforming the performance while remaining beautifully tractable on the road.

Importantly, the car has also benefited from substantial recent investment. Within the last year it received a replacement Duratec engine supplied by BlueCircle, together with a comprehensive refresh by Track Club. This wasn’t simply an engine swap; the opportunity was taken to replace numerous service and wear items including ball joints, wishbones, brakes, engine mount and fuel hoses, with invoices running into many thousands of pounds. While the chassis has now covered just over 100,000 miles, the replacement engine and many of the major wear components have covered only a fraction of that distance, giving the next owner the reassurance of a car that has already had a significant amount of the expensive mechanical work taken care of.

The modifications done on this car are tasteful and sympathetic to the original character of the car. It’s quick enough to embarrass much newer machinery, yet still feels every bit like an S1 should. The entire conversion process was documented here on SELOC, so prospective buyers can see exactly how the car evolved: Build Thread

Specification

Engine & Transmission

• 2.0 Ford Duratec conversion
• Jenvey throttle bodies
• Emerald K3 ECU
• Tubular inlet manifold
• PiperCross induction filter
• AP Racing clutch
• Elise Parts exhaust
• Lambda gauge
• Oil pressure gauge
• Approx. 191bhp (dyno)

Suspension & Brakes

• Nitron dampers
• Uprated anti-roll bar
• Alloy belled front brake discs
• Pagid RS14 brake pads
• Stainless rear toe links

Chassis & Exterior

• Azure Blue paintwork
• Lotus Option Rimstock wheels or option of other set of wheels (both sets if purchased for full price)
• Alternative wheel set included if purchased at the full asking price
• One set fitted with Uniroyal Rainsport tyres
• Replica 111S rear spoiler
• A-frame and Petty strut brace / rollover protection

Interior

• Tillett seats
• Schroth FIA harnesses
• Lightweight, driver-focused interior

The car comes with a comprehensive history file and paperwork documenting the conversion and ongoing maintenance.

It isn’t a concours car, nor am I presenting it as one. It’s been driven and enjoyed as Lotus intended, so there are the expected stone chips and age-related marks that come with an honest S1. Mechanically it is hugely rewarding and remains one of the most engaging cars I’ve owned.

Many of you on SELOC will know what I do for a living, so it’s probably worth addressing the obvious question! Despite that, this has not been used as a track mule or instructor’s car. I originally bought it with the intention of adding it to my hire fleet, as I felt it was the perfect car for teaching advanced car control, having no ABS, traction control or stability control to mask driver inputs. I invested further in doing work on the car and shortly afterwards, we lost North Weald as a venue and those plans were shelved. These days I generally travel to work venues in the motorhome (which unfortunately doesn’t have a tow bar), and as I no longer offer hire cars, the Elise doesn’t come with me. Instead, it has simply been enjoyed by me on the road but it now spends far more time sitting at home, and that’s seems a real shame for a car that’s this enjoyable to drive.

These days, much of my spare time is also spent walking in preparation for my charity challenges. If you’re interested, you can read more about what I’m doing here: Walshy Walks – Fundraiser.

So, this really is a reluctant sale. I’d much rather see it being driven and enjoyed by another enthusiast than sitting under a cover waiting for the next sunny Sunday that I’m free – that never seems to arrive!

I’m in no rush to sell and would much rather it went to someone who genuinely understands and appreciates what it is.

I’m happy to answer any questions, discuss the build in detail, provide additional photographs or arrange a viewing for genuinely interested buyers.