2000 Lotus Elise S1 - 1 Owner

Highlights

• In current ownership since 2001 

• Less than 100 miles since last service

• Just two owners from new

• Wonderfully original

• Great base for an aesthetic restoration

Overview

Often credited with being ‘the car that saved Lotus’ the S1 Elise has been lauded with praise from all corners of the automotive kingdom, thanks to its rev-happy K-Series engine, engaging driving experience and its ability to punch far above its belt in terms of performance, both on and off-track. 

The S1 Elise was unveiled at a time of turmoil for Lotus in the mid-90s, following the failure of the M100 Elan to capture customers’ hearts. Thankfully, the Elise transformed the plucky Norfolk-based manufacturers fortunes, and remains a firm favourite amongst enthusiasts to this day, with PH users voting the Elise the ‘best sports car of the last 25 years’ back in February 2023.

This example was first registered in October 2000 and was purchased by the seller in 2001, having remained in his care since with around 20,000 miles being added to the odometer during his ownership. During the first few years of his time with the car the mileage was steadily added, but the last 15 years have seen very limited use, with the car stored during this period, along with the owner having use of a company vehicle and having emigrated from the country.

Last serviced by Lotus Kent in November 2022 and subsequently covering around 100 miles, this is an unusual opportunity to purchase a factory-specification Elise S1 (barring a Bell & Colvill backbox) that is in need of some aesthetic TLC to bring it back to its best and to make it your own.

History and documentation

• Registered 20 Oct 2000

• Stamped service book with services as follows: Oct 2000 (PDI), Jan 2001 @ 1,513 miles, Feb 2002 @ 7,000 miles, Mar 2003 @ 9,124 miles, Mar 2004 @ 13,639 miles, Apr 2005 @ 18,999 miles

• Service invoices as follows: Jan 2008 @ 26,268 miles, Aug 2019 @ 30,035 miles, Nov 2022 @ 30,331 miles

• Full document pack and wallet

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Two keys with matching fobs

• Current MOT expires 09 May 2025 with an advisory for a ‘slightly defective nearside headlamp reflector’

• V5 present in owner’s name

• New expansion tank Aug 2019

• New clutch slave cylinder Aug 2019

• New Bilstein Dampers Jan 2008

• 4x new tyres fitted by Monument Way Lotus, Kent in Nov 2022 @ 30,331 miles

• HPI clear

Interior

• Stripped-back interior in line with Lotus’ ethos of chasing the lowest possible kerb weight with minimal driver distractions

• The cabin would benefit from a thorough cleaning and valeting to bring it back to its best

• We noted typical wear to high-traffic areas such as the steering wheel, shifter and controls

• The door sills and their textile covers are heavily worn

• Both seats show some wear and tear, with the bases in particular scratched and worn

• The inside of the door cards, jambs and door trims are bubbling and would need to be resprayed

• Elsewhere, the upper dashboard on the drivers’ side is cracking slightly around the windscreen demister vents

• The soft-top lining is discoloured and stained

• No reported faults or electrical issues with the cabin

Exterior

• Inspired by the Ferrari Dino, the lines of the Elise S1 are as pure today as they were when unveiled in the mid-90s

• This particular Elise is in need of some TLC to bring it back to its best

• The headline issues are a crack on the OSR arch, scuffs on both the front and rear bumper, and a larger scuff on the NSF corner

• Elsewhere, the front end exhibits the usual smattering of small and large stone chips, the mirror caps are heavily worn, and the lower edge of the front bumper has been extensively scuffed

• All four wheels are shod in matching Toyo tyres, which have covered circa 100 miles since fitting in 2022

• Both rear wings are heavily worn with numerous larger blemishes

• The paintwork below the exhaust has been stained

• The front storage area access panel paintwork is bubbling, as are both doors

• Both the front and rear bumper grille inserts have corroded, as have the wiper arms

• The rear-mounted aerial is missing, and the rubber seal has perished

• At the front, the light lenses are clear and free of any damage, though the nearside headlight reflector has worn over time and was mentioned as an advisory on the latest MoT exam

• The PPF patches on the rear haunches have deteriorated with age and UV exposure

• We noted some holes in the lower front bumper, perhaps from an old registration plate holder

• Overall, this S1 Elise is in need of some love and attention to bring it back to a good level aesthetically, but the result will surely be well worth the effort

Mechanical

• 1.8-litre inline-four, 16v K-Series engine producing 118bhp

• Five-speed manual transmission

• Rear-wheel drive

• The engine bay would benefit from a thorough detailing - a great way to spend an afternoon in the garage for a fastidious owner

• The seller notes that the backbox is a Bell & Colvill item

• All-new Bilstein dampers were fitted in 2008

• The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues

Summary

For many, the Elise is the iconic British sports car of the 90s / early 00s, and it doesn’t get any purer than an S1. This particular Elise is crying out for a recommissioning and aesthetic restoration, but once carried out, it will be a fantastic companion for summer drives, adventures and track days alike.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Wilmington, Kent.