2000 Lotus Elise S1

Highlights

• The definitive simple, lightweight roadster
• Under 40,000 miles from new
• Weighs just 725 kg
• Long, advisory-free MOT
• Pared-back interior

Overview

The Lotus Elise clearly has a special place in the hearts of the PistonHeads community. Overwhelmingly voted the favourite sportscar by PistonHeads users in 2023, the Series 1 Elise ticks so many of the boxes we like to see ticked. This lightweight sportscar took Lotus back to its roots, and it worked. We’ve all loved it ever since.

At only 725 kg, it’s certainly lightweight. And this means the 118 bhp produced by the rear-mid mounted engine can work surprising wonders. The Elise’s aluminium chassis and fibreglass body both add to the car’s lightness, along with the utilitarian interior trim. This is a car unashamedly built to be driven for driving’s sake.

The example we see here is finished in a fetching shade of black, which retains a deep shine. The Elise’s styling still looks good on today’s roads, with its deeply sculpted fibreglass panels. It has covered very few miles over the last ten years and has been maintained by its owner who is a classic car specialist.

So for those who are keen to find out just why the Elise remains so rightly revered by the good people of PistonHeads, this example offers the chance to own a very low mileage car which should maintain its value if looked after and may even appreciate over time. In all, it’s very much a head and heart car but with the emphasis on driving pleasure, just the way we like it.

History and documentation

• Registered 24 Feb 2000
• Stamped service book with services as follows: May 2000 @ 1,670 miles, Feb 2001 @ 7,908 miles, May 2002 @ 15,598 miles, Apr 2003 @ 19,561 miles, Apr 2005 @ 25,032 miles, Jun 2007 @ 30,455 miles
• Further servicing invoices with services as follows: Apr 2010 @ 32,541 miles, Jun 2011 @ 33,117 miles, Apr 2012 @ 34,203 miles, Mar 2013 @ 34,323 miles
• In recent years the car has been serviced by the owner
• Full document pack
• Extensive collection of invoices
• One key — the seller is reportedly having another key cut
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 25 Jun 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• Current owner since Nov 2013
• HPI clear

Interior

• Simple, pared back interior keeps weight to a minimum
• Bucket seats trimmed in suede with Lotus branding
• The seat upholstery remains in good condition for its age
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel
• ‘Elise’ branded footwell mats
• Plenty of exposed aluminium panels
• Aluminium passenger footrest
• Door cards free from scuffs or damage
• The dashboard is simple and uncluttered
• No stereo as standard
• The seller tells us that everything is original and in working condition
• There is a small, carpeted luggage compartment behind the engine

Exterior

• Finished in deep black paint
• The sculpted fibreglass bodywork appears to be well presented
• There are a few stone chips in the paint
• Headlight lenses clear and bright
• Lotus badges present and correct
• 15-inch alloy wheels, without any significant scuffs or damage
• Small area of damage to the front left wheel arch
• There are some slight bubbles in the fibreglass, on close inspection
• Aluminium undertrays fitted as standard
• Centre-exit exhaust
• Lightweight, removable fabric roof

Mechanical

• 1,796 cc rear-mid mounted engine
• Rover K-series four-cylinder engine
• Produces 118 bhp
• Weighs only 725 kg
• 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds
• Five-speed manual transaxle
• The seller informs us that they have replaced the shock absorbers, timing belt, and gear linkage bushes
• Stainless steel exhaust fitted
• Battery reportedly replaced in 2024
• A battery isolator has been fitted
• No mechanical issues reported
• There is some surface corrosion on the suspension components
• Said to start very easily, accelerate well, and stop readily

Summary

With only 40,000 miles recorded since it was first registered at the turn of this millennium, this Lotus Elise offers its next owner the chance to enjoy motoring at its purest. With this Elise parked on your driveway, your sunny summer’s evenings will never be without entertainment.

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 Craven Arms, Shropshire.