RE: Lotus Elise at 20: PH Heroes
Discussion
Took me two years to find a mint car in 2004.
11 years of ownership and it never fails to raise a smile.
One car I'd never sell, it's very low miles and a little detailing to the suspension to make Concours.
I have the original AWI alloys but currently prefer the Rimstocks. Currently tucked up for Winter
11 years of ownership and it never fails to raise a smile.
One car I'd never sell, it's very low miles and a little detailing to the suspension to make Concours.
I have the original AWI alloys but currently prefer the Rimstocks. Currently tucked up for Winter
Edited by Thepetrolhead on Tuesday 24th November 21:40
On my 3rd Elise (2 S2s and 1 S1) since 2008, don't really see a time where I'd be without one.
There's nothing else that remotely interests me really.
Best thing is I've made some great lifelong friends in fellow owners over the last 7 years.
These little cars really get to you in a way that nothing else can. Everyone should own one at least once.
There's nothing else that remotely interests me really.
Best thing is I've made some great lifelong friends in fellow owners over the last 7 years.
These little cars really get to you in a way that nothing else can. Everyone should own one at least once.
Best Lotus ever? Certainly the best cars I've ever owned. I adore them and am on my 2nd Elise.
My first, a 2001 S2 had a series of upgrades (Nitrons, cams, 4-2-1 manifold, OZ 135R wheels, Willans harnesses) before I had a Honda K20 engine put into it. It was hilarious on a racetrack and humbled far more expensive and powerful cars. I owned it from new until it got destroyed by a Range Rover crashing into the back of it at 40mph in 2010. Tough little car saved my life.
When I needed a car to start competing in sprints and hillclimbs 3 years ago, the Elise was a no-brainer and I have a '99 S1. It's brilliant and I'm far too emotionally attached to it. I think I enjoy driving it more than the Honda powered S2, despite the S1 only having 135bhp. It forces me to drive the car better. The speed that can be carried is astonishing. It's never anything less than a joy to drive and manages to feel special even if you're just pootling along at 40mph.
I recently added a 340R to the collection, which is on another level. I can't see me parting with either car.
My first, a 2001 S2 had a series of upgrades (Nitrons, cams, 4-2-1 manifold, OZ 135R wheels, Willans harnesses) before I had a Honda K20 engine put into it. It was hilarious on a racetrack and humbled far more expensive and powerful cars. I owned it from new until it got destroyed by a Range Rover crashing into the back of it at 40mph in 2010. Tough little car saved my life.
When I needed a car to start competing in sprints and hillclimbs 3 years ago, the Elise was a no-brainer and I have a '99 S1. It's brilliant and I'm far too emotionally attached to it. I think I enjoy driving it more than the Honda powered S2, despite the S1 only having 135bhp. It forces me to drive the car better. The speed that can be carried is astonishing. It's never anything less than a joy to drive and manages to feel special even if you're just pootling along at 40mph.
I recently added a 340R to the collection, which is on another level. I can't see me parting with either car.
I test drove a brand new one a few months ago, but didn't really get it - extended test drive, just me on my own.
Handling didn't feel that great to me, I much prefer the Evora. I know I am in a tiny minority saying this and I totally understand people loving them, just for some reason it didn't do it for me. Not sure why it might have been - though I think the mostly like things were (1) I didn't push it very hard, so maybe I wasn't getting much out of it as someone who can drive the car well (2) I am used to high powered sports cars - had an F430 at the time - and so maybe that just made the Elise feel a little underwhelming?? Not sure... either way I loved the Evora and thought the handling was a true masterpiece. The best way I could describe it is as a mini Ferrari 458.
Handling didn't feel that great to me, I much prefer the Evora. I know I am in a tiny minority saying this and I totally understand people loving them, just for some reason it didn't do it for me. Not sure why it might have been - though I think the mostly like things were (1) I didn't push it very hard, so maybe I wasn't getting much out of it as someone who can drive the car well (2) I am used to high powered sports cars - had an F430 at the time - and so maybe that just made the Elise feel a little underwhelming?? Not sure... either way I loved the Evora and thought the handling was a true masterpiece. The best way I could describe it is as a mini Ferrari 458.
I was fortunate to have one of the first S1's in 1996, chassis number 79 I think, coming from an Opel Manta it was quite a revelation ! Amazing steering feel, sharp handling and MMC brakes were great apart from when wet, the only thing I thought let it down was the standard 'k' series. I sold it to go racing a year later and always thought one day I might go back.
Since then I've been lucky to own some great drivers cars and most recently sold one of the most minimalist drivers cars (LCC Rocket). It was meant to be a keeper but sadly had to let it go, I've spent many weeks trawling the classified looking for something to replace it, Caterhams came close, but for me in the end there was really only one car I could go back to which is relatively affordable, a bit more useable, and above all, pure driving fun.
Next week picking up a recently fully rebuilt yellow S1 with a supercharged Honda conversion, it has big shoes to fill but I'm sure it will be more than up to the task.
Since then I've been lucky to own some great drivers cars and most recently sold one of the most minimalist drivers cars (LCC Rocket). It was meant to be a keeper but sadly had to let it go, I've spent many weeks trawling the classified looking for something to replace it, Caterhams came close, but for me in the end there was really only one car I could go back to which is relatively affordable, a bit more useable, and above all, pure driving fun.
Next week picking up a recently fully rebuilt yellow S1 with a supercharged Honda conversion, it has big shoes to fill but I'm sure it will be more than up to the task.
Had my far-from-concours Millenium Editon for 2 and a half years now. It's needed quite a bit of TLC so far and will never be a car for polishing ... but it drives perfectly, is really bloody noisy and is heaven at dawn in the Yorkshire Dales
Not sure how much longer I can justify owning 2 cars, but this car won't be going anywhere until I've fitted in a lap a Scotland - otherwise I'll regret it forever.
Not sure how much longer I can justify owning 2 cars, but this car won't be going anywhere until I've fitted in a lap a Scotland - otherwise I'll regret it forever.
After 14 years of Elise ownership on both sides of the world I spent the weekend rediscovering how cool these cars really are. A Saturday wearing the rubber down at Winton and Sunday taking the (very) long way home through Victoria's greatest roads but not before swapping cars and sharing a blast in my good and generous friend Mike's 340R - just love that VHPD noise!
There are many points to criticise the Elise, but almost all are rendered irrelevant after a few hundred miles in the twisties!
Bloody awesome cars!
There are many points to criticise the Elise, but almost all are rendered irrelevant after a few hundred miles in the twisties!
Bloody awesome cars!
Edited by AER on Monday 23 November 00:45
Owned 2 S1's myself & loved every single minute of driving them. The only reason why I parted company was the amount of mileage I was doing (34k in 18 months in my first Elise) & decided that I would sell it whilst it was still worth decent money. The guy who bought it from me still has it & I believe he has only covered a further 10k in about 7 years....... These cars are awesome!
Please check out the Elise S1 Community if you're interested in owning one, or already have one, or are just a fan.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/697254950345849?ref=...
https://m.facebook.com/groups/697254950345849?ref=...
My yellow S reg Elise is outside the office is just outside the office having done its regular 40 mile each way commute with just over 190K miles on the clock. No upgrades and running like it left the factory according to the guys at Lakeside who have maintained it throughout.
Best car ever made!
Best car ever made!
I've driven a lot of cars but I still reckon that the Elise is the best car to drive that's also usable every day. I owned mine (2003 S2 111S) for eight years and for 3 of those years it was my only car - I loved every minute; there wasn't a single time when it felt mundane or annoyed me. At the time I had a B road commute and the 111S was perfectly suited to the job. I did a few trackdays too, something the 111S was never really designed for, but it handled beautifully, including one in the pouring rain, where it was sure footed and extremely predictable.
I can second the comments from others on them being very sensitive to geo and I'd add tyre pressures to that - if my cold pressures were more than 2 or 3 psi out then the steering felt noticeably worse. That sounds weird, but I've heard other owners say it too. I've often wondered how many clueless people drive to a garage to set the 'cold' pressures, so they're permanently about 2-3 psi too low and they therefore never experience the truly wonderful Elise steering feel!
Sadly I now need the ability to tow and cart big things around, and I can't afford a third car. If I could though, I would seriously think about another Elise. Wonderful cars
I can second the comments from others on them being very sensitive to geo and I'd add tyre pressures to that - if my cold pressures were more than 2 or 3 psi out then the steering felt noticeably worse. That sounds weird, but I've heard other owners say it too. I've often wondered how many clueless people drive to a garage to set the 'cold' pressures, so they're permanently about 2-3 psi too low and they therefore never experience the truly wonderful Elise steering feel!
Sadly I now need the ability to tow and cart big things around, and I can't afford a third car. If I could though, I would seriously think about another Elise. Wonderful cars
Yes, the Elise is really one of those cars that they just got so right at the time. I love the S1, it is definitely the best looking the lot. I've never driven an S2, but a friend of mine swapped out an ageing S1 for an S2 and was never quite as impressed. The geo was slower and stodgier, the looks were spoiled considerably and the more comfortable seats, that had been a big positive for him, didn't make all that much difference. However, it was only after letting the S1 go that he realised his mistake. I think the only positive step forward of the S2 was a better heater and more straight line stability/less lift!
I did have a rather interesting chat with an ex-Lotus lead vehicle engineer. Quite an interesting chap, with a lot to say about the Elise. The big revelation that I never expected to hear was that the M100 Elan was considered a better car by the Lotus test team. Faster round a track, better made, better engines, better suited to British roads and near-as comparable in terms of driver feedback and handling. However, the Elise project was pushed on because buyers thought they knew best and the M100 wasn't going to save the company, especially as it was getting older. I lived with my mam and dad at the time and was thinking about buying an M100 or an Elise, but the case for the M100 was pretty strong as they were really cheap at the time.
As for the Elise itself though, they're just joyous, especially with a sports exhaust on them. I've heard people saying they don't like the sound of the Elise, but a K-Series revving through the range is delightful and that tinny tub and bare interior lets that lovely crisp induction and exhaust tone. It's an experience to drive, and the only other road car I've driven that is equal in terms of fun, feedback and feel was my 106 Rallye. The Elise was a beautiful experiment in basic, good motoring fun. It as close as you'll come to the fun you have on a motorbike on four wheels.
I did have a rather interesting chat with an ex-Lotus lead vehicle engineer. Quite an interesting chap, with a lot to say about the Elise. The big revelation that I never expected to hear was that the M100 Elan was considered a better car by the Lotus test team. Faster round a track, better made, better engines, better suited to British roads and near-as comparable in terms of driver feedback and handling. However, the Elise project was pushed on because buyers thought they knew best and the M100 wasn't going to save the company, especially as it was getting older. I lived with my mam and dad at the time and was thinking about buying an M100 or an Elise, but the case for the M100 was pretty strong as they were really cheap at the time.
As for the Elise itself though, they're just joyous, especially with a sports exhaust on them. I've heard people saying they don't like the sound of the Elise, but a K-Series revving through the range is delightful and that tinny tub and bare interior lets that lovely crisp induction and exhaust tone. It's an experience to drive, and the only other road car I've driven that is equal in terms of fun, feedback and feel was my 106 Rallye. The Elise was a beautiful experiment in basic, good motoring fun. It as close as you'll come to the fun you have on a motorbike on four wheels.
RobM77 said:
I can second the comments from others on them being very sensitive to geo and I'd add tyre pressures to that - if my cold pressures were more than 2 or 3 psi out then the steering felt noticeably worse.
Fully agree about the geo and the feeling of differences in tyre pressures.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff