2011 Lotus Elise SC Roger Becker Special Edition

Highlights

• The Roger Becker special edition aka ‘RGB’ is arguably the best of the S3 Elises
• Just two owners from new
• In current ownership for 10 years
• Recently restored at a cost of over £12,000
• Presents beautifully

Overview

Roger Becker was the legendary Lotus Director of Vehicle Engineering who was with the company for no fewer than 44 years. Sadly he’s no longer with us but he left an indelible mark on the industry with a legacy not just in the way that Lotus cars drive, but also the many cars that were influenced through the company’s consultancy work. Of course, he’ll also be remembered for driving the white Esprit in The Spy Who Loved Me, stepping in to provide some visual excitement when the film’s stunt team struggled to overcome the car’s natural poise and grip.

To mark his retirement in 2010, the company released a pair of ‘RGB’ special editions wearing his signature and with a generous specification, both the Sports and Touring equipment packs coming as standard. Other additions included forged lightweight wheels, air conditioning and a numbered plaque. The Elise and Exige bearing his name also had the distinction of being the last cars from Hethel with the supercharged version of the Toyota 2ZZ VVTL-I 1.8. In the Elise it’s in a 217hp state of tune which is good enough for a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds. In many ways it’s the ultimate specification for the S3 Elise and, as such, they are highly sought after.

This particular car has seen just two owners and has been with the current keeper since 2014 when it was purchased from Bell & Colvill with just 12,820 miles on the clock. Since then it’s seen light usage with the current odometer reading standing at 28,332 miles. In 2023, the owner decided to treat it to a restoration of the bodywork, wheels, interior and hood which resulted in a bill of over £12,000, largely as the front clamshell was replaced. As a result it’s in fine fettle and as it’s being provided with a fresh MOT, it’ll be ready for the next owner to enjoy.

History and documentation

• Registered 22 Jul 2011
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Apr 2014 @ 12,747 miles, May 2017 @ 18,890 miles (with invoice)
• Invoices also show the following work: Feb 2019 @ 23,002 miles - full service, Jul 2022 @ 26,721 miles - rear disks and pads, new tyres, Aug 2023 @ 27,205 miles - complete restoration of bodywork, wheels, interior and hood at a total cost of over £12,000
• Full document pack
• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
• Two keys
• The car will be provided with a fresh MOT
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• As well specified as an Elise ever got, with air conditioning and a 4 speaker Alpine stereo system with iPhone connector
• Also present is what must surely be the world’s lightest cupholder
• The build plate shows that this is the RGB Elise number 33
• The gearshift gaiter was replaced as part of the restoration
• There is an area of wear on the outer edge of the top part of the driver's seat backrest (reflecting the highest traffic area in entering and leaving the car), otherwise the seats are in good condition with just a little patina
• The owner tells us that everything is working just as it should
• Behind the engine, the boot area looks to be clean and tidy though, as in all Elises, it’s best not to transport frozen goods over any distance

Exterior

• Having benefited from a comprehensive restoration in 2023 by the South West Lotus Centre, the car presents beautifully
• The front clamshell was replaced, the wheels and soft top were fully restored and the badges and decals were all replaced
• The seller tells us that there are no scratches or chips and the paintwork looks immaculate in the photographs
• Unmarked wheels wear Yokohama Advan Sport tyres all round which were new in July 2022, since when the car has only covered 1,500 miles, which is reflected in the condition of the tyres
• Roger Becker’s signature on the nearside B pillar and back bumper marks this out as arguably the most desirable of S3 Elises
• In all, it’s a real looker

Mechanical

• Supercharged 1.8-litre Toyota-sourced engine rated at 217hp, otherwise known as ‘more than sufficient’ in a car as light as this
• Six-speed manual gearbox to help keep it on the boil
• Rear wheel drive
• Rear disks and pads replaced 2022
• Catalytic converter replaced 2017
• New battery 2023, kept fully charged
• No reported mechanical issues
• The owner says that it starts, goes and stops exactly as it should and makes a fantastic noise
• The drive is said to be taut and precise, with the driver feeling very much at one with the car

Summary

The S3 Elise is one of the most highly rated drivers cars and the RGB special edition could well be the best of the lot. As a result, they’re hard to come by and this one has had just two owners, has covered very few miles and is in lovely condition. Don’t let it get away!

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 Dorchester, Dorset.