Lotus Elise Sport 190

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

● One of only 33 S2 Sport 190 cars

● Certificate of provenance

● Refurbished interior

● Numerous upgrades, including a limited slip differential

● Recent full suspension refresh

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

The Lotus Elise has spawned numerous special editions during its lifetime but there are few as special as the Series 2 Sport 190. Born as a skunkworks project of the Lotus Sport and Performance team, the Sport 190 saw cars plucked from the production line and spirited away to have a heavily reworked version of the 1.8 litre K-Series engine installed.

This Very High Performance Derivative (VHPD) of the familiar motor produced no less than 187bhp and was mated to a short ratio gearbox. Other modifications included lowered and stiffened suspension and upgraded brakes.

This car was reportedly owned by Bobby Bell of Bell and Colville and competed in clubman racing in its first couple of years. Since then, it’s received numerous upgrades and has recently had a full suspension refresh and interior refurbishment. It all adds up to a fearsome performer and a rare and hugely desirable car.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

● First registered in 2002, the car has seen five owners in total and has been in current ownership for four years

● A Lotus certificate of provenance confirms that it is one of just 33 Series 2 Sport 190 Elises

● A good amount of history accompanies the car and the original driver’s manual is present

● A great deal of work has been carried out by the current owner including fully refurbishing the interior, and a full refresh of the suspension

● The private plate is not included in the sale

● The latest MOT shows no advisories and is valid until June 2024

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● The interior is looking remarkably tidy for a car of this age, reflecting the time and expenditure that the current owner has put into its refurbishment

● The car benefits from the installation of S2 Probax seats, re-covered in leather and Alcantara, the latter also covering the doors, centre console and steering wheel

● Lotus carpets have also been installed

● There is a T45 roll hoop, to which a race petty bar can be mounted – supplied, but not fitted as it’s not really suitable for road use

● The fire suppression system is still in place

● Safety Devices four-point harnesses are fitted

● In summary, it has a race car for the road feel and would no doubt feel at home on track too

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● The metallic Starlight Black paintwork presents well and, although there are a few minor stone chips to the front, in general it’s weathered very well

● The hard top is fairly straightforward to install and remove and a soft top is also with the car

● Black alloy wheels are largely unmarked and are shod with Toyo Proxes R888 tyres with good tread and, according to the owner, more grip in the wet than the tread pattern suggests

● The underside looks to be very tidy

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

● The mid-mounted 1.8 K-Series VHPD engine revs to 8000 rpm and drives the rear wheels via a 5 speed short ratio gearbox

● The current owner has fitted a Quaife limited slip differential

● His lockdown project was to carry out a full suspension refresh including recoating the wishbones and installing new Ohlins dampers with remote reservoirs, which have since covered around 300 miles

● The engine is controlled by an Emerald ECU which has been set up on a rolling road, and the original ECU is supplied

● At the front, there are AP Racing 4-pot brakes

● A sports exhaust has been fitted

● On the road, it sounds magnificent and the acceleration on offer is testament to the combination of the more powerful engine and low weight

● The dampers provide superb handling and a respectable ride on the road

● In all, it’s very special Elise

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

All Elises are great but some are greater than others. With a choice specification, this Sport 190 delivers a pure hit of Lotus magic.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Wakefield, Yorkshire.