The S1 Series Elise was first available to the European market in 1996. It wasn’t until 2005 when it became available for the US market as an Elise S2. This S1 Elise was imported to the U.S. by Lotus Cars to display for their American Lotus dealers to show what Lotus what was coming to the US market.
Following its time with Lotus Cars, this Elise changed hands a couple of times between car dealers which was when one of the dealers had it registered and licensed.
I purchased the Elise in 2007. It maintains its originality in all engineering features including the VVC Rover engine. I’ve completed a few tasteful modifications but otherwise this Elise is as it came from the factory, including ‘accident free’ original paint. It is in pristine condition and all functions of operation are as originally intended.
Regarding licensing of this Elise, much depends on which state you wish to register it. However it has been licensed, registered and titled in the states of Tennessee, Utah, and now in Montana where it currently resides. So, dependent upon your state’s licensing acceptance, I must insist that the risk of licensing is of the buyer. That said, because this Elise is now over 25 years old, and it has been previously state titled and registered, I believe you’ll find licensing issues to be much less strict.
Since my 18-year ownership, this Lotus has enjoyed its home in a dedicated heated garage. Having been sparsely driven and only on dry days, this Elise is corrosion-free and in exceptional condition. Certainly a time capsule. When I purchased it, the Elise had about 31,500 kilometers (about 19,000 miles). Today, it has 44,700 kilometers (27,775 miles). I have fastidiously maintained this Elise and have kept records of service throughout my ownership. Oil and filter changes occur every two to three years even though the average usage is less than 500 miles per year. This Elise is mechanically flawless and exceptional in every detail.
To drive this Elise is a revelation! It’s light! It’s nimble! Braking is flawless! It corners flat and predictable in spite of not feeling stiffly sprung. Many have reported it to be the best handling sports car of its era and still is often listed as the best sports car ever made. Due to its weight of just over 1,600 lbs., its 143 HP stock Rover VVC engine feels like it has twice that power. With no power steering or power brakes, you absolutely feel connected to all the driving dynamics.
At the 2021 LOG 40 event in Utah, this Elise was placed front and center by event managers for their event group photo. This Elise was also on the cover of the 2022 Lotus, Ltd. calendar.
The following modifications and functional improvements have been made to include:
Specially commissioned Moto-Lita UK Leather-covered Steering Wheel in 2023 ~ (the sale includes the original)
Short- Shifter in 2012 (from ELISEPARTS.COM)
New Shift Cables 2023 (from ELISEPARTS.COM)
Triangulated Roll Bar support with removable roll bar brace (from factory)
Fire Suppression System with large suppressant tank (from factory) - (currently removed from the car but included in sale)
5-point Racing Harness in 2012
New brakes (drilled rotors & pads) in 2010 – (Less than 8,000 miles ago)
Hurricane Air Induction system in 2011 (from ELISEPARTS.COM)
Sport 160 Throttle Body in 2011
Single Pass Pro Alloy All-Aluminum Radiator in 2014 (from ELISEPARTS.COM)
New Radiator Fan in 2024 (from ELISEPARTS.COM)
Remote Thermostat in 2024 (from ELISEPARTS.COM)
Oil to Water Cooler in 2013 (from ELISEPARTS.COM)
Freshened & flawless / original OZ 6-spoke wheels ~ freshly powder coated in 2021
Upgraded suspension to S2 Bilstein shocks in 2008 (Slightly firmer and sits the car at a lower stance)
Toyo Proxes Tires with less than 500 miles current use in 2021
Custom Exhaust in 2009 (from ELISEPARTS.COM)
Full Shop Manual
Timing Belt replaced at 31,610 km in 2008
K&N Air Filter in 2008
Of Note:
Since changing the steering wheel, the turn signal does not cancel itself.
When up to temperature, the digital readout will quickly bounce between temperatures. I suspect this is an issue with the temperature sending unit.
There are no oil leaks
The engine does not smoke