NEW ARRIVAL!

Lotus, a name synonymous with simplicity and a wonderfully balanced driving experience has excelled in the handling over horsepower approach since their inception in 1957.  

By the 1960s Lotus, under the command of Colin Chapman, was a serious Formula One Competitor as well as Sports Car Manufacturer. It is a company that has stayed true to its roots and because of this has retained fans and enthusiasts worldwide. 

These foundations and characteristics, small, nimble and fantastic fun to be behind the wheel of, have certainly not been lost and still resonate with today’s modern models. 

In 1993 GM sold Lotus to Italian businessman Romano Artioli, who also owned Bugatti at the time. The Elise was announced to the public in 1995 and named after the granddaughter of chairman Romano Artioli, Elisa. Elisa Artioli sat in the Lotus as the covers were pulled off at the Frankfurt Motor Show. In 1996 Lotus was sold again to Proton, a Malaysian carmaker. Lotus went back to basics and started building the mid-engine, lightweight, two-seat Elise. 

The Elise is no exception to the characteristics described in other models.  With it’s paired back interior and purposeful styling it gives you the feeling that you are not just driving to get from A to B, the car is there to be driven and to deliver excitement and enjoyment for both pilot and passenger. 

Early iterations of the Elise were deemed somewhat underpowered sharing the Rover derived 1.8 K-series engine fitted to the likes of the MGF.  An engine that did hold respect as a tuneable, lightweight and a good choicein 1996.

The second edition of the Elise, (the S2) was released in 2000, mostly as a response to more stringent crash safety regulations. The car was heavily re-styled to keep up withmodern trends and delivered a more sophisticated look. 

When this model was released in 2004, known as the 111R. Lotus had turned to Toyota to assist with the powertrain. The relationship with Toyota was revived from the 1980s when Toyota had owned 21% of Lotus.  A high revving Engine was destined for fitment in the Elise. This engine was the 1.8-liter VVTL-i (variable valve timing and lift) unit from the Celica GT-S. The engine was mated to its accompanying C64 six-speed gearbox. This led to much improved performance and was welcomed by the press and buyers alike. 

Installation of the Toyota engine required a new subframe and modifications to the rear of the Aluminum chassis. The suspension—double control arms front and rear—needed only minor changes in spring and damping rates to cope with some additional weight. Built with a modern approach using a tub made of Aluminum sections bonded together, the Elise S2 weighed in at a trim 860kg.

This car is presented in Grey with Grey/Black interior. 

The car has been in current ownership since 2007 and with just 2 previous keepers before this, it has enjoyed long term ownership. The owner has decided to sell the car through JD Classics due to a recent purchase from our showroom. The history file is very healthy for a car of this age showing services, parts, upgrades and MOT bills. 

Notable upgrades have been added to the car with invoices to show this, including: 

• All aluminium radiator

• Upgraded heater resistor pack

• Steel brake lines

• EBC Turbo groove discs and Mintex M1144 pads

• Lotus sport harness bar

• Luke harnesses

• Lotus sport cam switch ECU reflash 

• Motorsport gear cables

• 300 cell cat, keeps vehicle MOT compliant

• S2bular sports back box 

• Lotus Exige wheels are supplied with the car as well the original wheel separately 

• Nitron adjustable shocks 

• Elise spares rear toe links with Lotus Sport brace bar

Recent work

• New windscreen, October 2024 

• Light service and maintenance by JD classics, September 2024

The Elise is a tried and tested sports car and one that lasted on sale for a quarter of century.  It has recently been subject to some service and maintenance attention from our team at JD Classics making it ready for it’s new custodian.