2003 Lotus Elise S2 135R

Highlights 

• Fully restored

• Rare, uprated model

• Additional performance modifications

• Low mileage

• Mechanically sound

Overview

When it comes to road-going race cars and track weapons that are equally at home on a twisty country lane we as petrolheads have a few options. There's the Caterham Seven, for example, or the Radical SR3. Perhaps the KTM X-Bow. But what if you want a touch more practicality and a few additional creature comforts than these stripped out go-karts for grown-ups? Well, you grab yourself a Lotus Elise of course.

Perennially lauded as one of the best driver's cars to ever grace tarmac (or clip an apex), the Lotus Elise has achieved almost mythical status for its abilities both on the road and at the track and it remains a stalwart of the weekend race scene whilst still retaining enough amenities for the day to day.

Birthed by Lotus in '96 the Elise featured a lightweight fibreglass body attached to a bonded, extruded aluminium chassis that allowed for the modest performance of its K-Series four-cylinder engine to shine, proving that huge horsepower figures aren't strictly necessary in order to have fun and the Elise provided a truly thrilling and engaging experience whilst also being affordable.

Fast forward to 2001 and the second generation Elise was unleashed that further developed the racing characteristics of the model, to much acclaim. Lotus would release one final update in 2011 in the form of the S3 but it's the special, limited edition 135R that is today's focus.

What we have then is a rare 2003 Lotus Elise S2 135R. The 135R was Elise plus - based on a standard S2 it was breathed on by Lotus Performance to satiate the desire for a more focussed track toy and featured a modified engine and updated ECU for increased horsepower, as well as stiffer suspension, lighter OZ wheels with sticky tyres and a healthy dollop of Alcantara for the interior.

Power output was upped from 120bhp to 135bhp which may not seem like all that much but combined with the other modifications really did make quite the difference to the car's potential lap times. This car, presented in Mica Silver paint was bought by the vendor as a restoration project and features some choice upgrades. Mechanically sound but with a few minor exterior finishing touches required it's a great example of arguably the best version of the S2 Elise.

History and documentation

• 2003 model year

• Purchased by the vendor in 2021 as a restoration project

• Images of the restoration work and assembly

• 135R build number 85

• V5C present and correct

• First registered 13 Jun 2003

• Numerous receipts for work and parts, including for fitment of a new front clam

• Advisory-free MOT until 20 Jan 2026

• HPI clear

• The vendor states that there is an error in mileage history due to the Stack dash replacement many years ago but the MOT history shows this

• There is a colour change logged on the DVLA database for 2006 from silver to blue; the owner does not know the reason for this but speculates that it may be because the colour is a bluey-silver as there is no other evidence of a colour change

• 43,123 indicated miles

Interior

• The interior presents well overall with only minimal wear to the usual areas such as the driver's seat bolster

• The Alcantara on the seats and new dashboard top remain in great shape

• The stereo system has been upgraded with a Bluetooth Alpine head unit and Pioneer speakers

• Door cards and carpets look to be in decent condition

• New door window seals

• All electrics, gauges and switchgear are believed to be fully functional

• The engine bay and boot space are both tidy and free from any apparent issues

Exterior

• The paintwork is generally in great condition with just a few blemishes to note

• There are a couple of scratches on the front bonnet grills

• Some discolouration underneath the nearside door handle

• The vendor states that both sills need painting - the offside is stone chipped and the nearside has had a repair and is partly in primer

• All shut lines appear to be straight 

• The original 17” OZ alloy wheels have been restored, including new genuine centre caps and all four look to be in fine fettle

• The vendor informs us that the tyres are as good as new

• GRP LED rear lights 

• New light seals

• The underneath presents well and all suspension components have been powder coated 

• No obvious evidence of any corrosion

• The convertible roof looks to be in fine shape and appears to fit well 

Mechanical

• 135bhp 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Nitron coilover suspension

• Engine upgrades include induction kit, uprated aluminium radiator and uprated fuel pump

• EliseParts exhaust system

• Engine mounts replaced 

• New wheel bearings, suspension bushes and fixings

• Drop links, toe links and drive shaft boots replaced

• Front and rear calipers overhauled with all seals and fittings replaced

• Braided brake hoses and replacement brake master cylinder

• Replacement clutch, master cylinder and slave cylinder

• Cambelt replaced

• Gear linkage polybushed

• New washer bottle and pump 

• The vendor informs us that there are no mechanical issues, the car starts, stops and drives as it should and sounds lovely under load without being too loud

Summary

An incredibly rare and uprated version of an already eminently capable sports car, this Lotus Elise S2 135R has been meticulously restored and now presents as a wonderful opportunity for someone to enjoy some track day fun with the added bonus of being able  to drive home afterwards in relative comfort. No brainer? We reckon so.

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 Rushden, Northamptonshire.