*FURTHER REDUCED* – S1 Elige (Audi Turbo’d Elise with S1 Exige Style Bodywork)

For Sale:

Lotus Elise S1 with S1 Exige body and Audi 1.8T engine

This has been my 4th Lotus and has allowed me to scratch that ‘S1 Exige’ itch, but it’s time for it to find a new home.

Specification highlights:

• 1998 S1 Elise chassis
• Full S1 Exige style bodywork with motorsport engine cover
• Audi 1.8T Engine & 6-speed gearbox with bespoke gear linkage
• Custom painted in Lamborghini Grigio Telesto
• Gteqhniq Ceramic Coated (carried out by AutoCurators)
• Coloured vinyl decals, all removable
• Heated windscreen
• S2 Exige 240R alloys
• AP Racing Brakes
• Yokohama Advan Neova AD08 R Tyres
• Nitron suspension
• Pro Alloy fuel tank
• S3 Exige style seats with harness holes
• Rear parking sensors
• Stereo with Bluetooth/USB/Radio, Subwoofer + 4 speakers
• Momo steering wheel
• Alarm & Immobiliser
• Removable fire extinguisher in the passenger footwell

Mileage approx. 72,000 (on engine and transmission, not complete car).

The base car was a low mileage (December) 1998 S1 Elise. It was recorded as Cat D in 2007 having suffered non-structural damage – but deemed uneconomical to repair by Insurers. The last recorded mileage of the donor vehicle was c.33,500 (the original service book is included in the sale).

Initially started as a project by an employee at Pro Alloy Motorsport, I purchased the rolling chassis mid 2015 with the intention of creating the car you see before you. The work itself has been undertaken by a few well-respected Lotus aficionados (Junks, Kev, Randy).

With great care and attention, the build was completed in the summer of 2018, the detailing of which necessitated many bespoke components; engine and gearbox mounts, gear linkages and wiring harnesses to identify just a few. 

This Audi Turbo engine’d S1 Exige has everyday usability with some creature comforts more associated with the S3 Exige. However, it ticks all the boxes of the S1 Exige looks and feels, on main roads or along country lanes. Perfect for the track too, although it has not been tracked by me.

Externally the new S1 Exige bodywork uses a combination of original and high-quality replica components, painted in Lamborghini ‘Grigio Telesto’ (grey with a little pearl!) and complemented in a few key locations with vinyl highlights (easily removable). The highly desirable S2 Exige 240R wheels have been finished in the striking colour of ‘Pantone 2524C’ (pink!) and are fitted with Advan Neova tyres. The indicator lenses are smoked, and the side windows have been given a subtle vinyl tint. There are also rear parking sensors fitted discretely to the license plate surround.

Under the engine cover you will find:

• Audi ‘AGU’ 1.8T engine
• VW ‘02m’ 6 speed gearbox
• K04 turbo
• VW ECU – Lotus loom – VW sensors

Base engine power is 150bhp with 210Nm torque, which when complemented and enhanced by the K04 turbo should take the power output to somewhere towards 250bhp. The exact output hasn’t been determined. The hope was for it to be around 250bhp, and it certainly feels it! 

The interior has a higher level of comfort than may be found in many S1 Elise/Exige models, with bespoke S3 Exige style seats – with high-quality leather, painted backs and custom stitching. There is also an uprated sound system allowing Bluetooth & USB connectivity, coupled with 4 speakers and a separate sub-woofer installed behind the seats. A heated windscreen helps clear the mist quickly on those cold and damp days.

The odometer is reading c.72,030 miles, however only around 5,500 (very fun!) miles have been driven since the build was completed. Whilst this is a conversion car, there is a fresh service book with a handful of service stamps tracking the key service items undertaken during the build. There is of course a stack of receipts for the work undertaken. The car has just been serviced at Hofmanns of Henley to address a few wear and tear/consumable items and is MOT’d through to July 2024.

The car has some pink accents which are clear to see but these are easily changed if desired!

£29,000 ono (Reduced from £35,000 for quick sale)