1999 Lotus Elise 111S (S1)

Highlights

• Desirable Series 1 example with VVC engine

• Close-ratio gearbox

• Custom interior

• Tastefully upgraded

• Available for viewing on the PistonHeads Auctions stand at the Annual Service event at Bicester

Overview

Purity, performance and precision - all cornerstones of the Series 1 Lotus Elise, widely regarded as one of the best drivers’ cars of all time. Stripping the driving experience down to its bones and giving occupants all they need and little more, the original Elise remains a firm enthusiast favourite to this day, and with good reason - there is little else out there that gives the experience of an Elise.

Despite the incredible reception to the original Series 1, some felt that the Elise could do with a little more poke. Step forward the 111S, which featured a 1.8-litre K Series engine, this time fitted with Variable valve timing, boosting power to 143bhp and giving a notable improvement in drivability. For many, this is the ‘sweet spot’ of the Elise - retaining all the ethos of chasing the lightest kerb weight possible, but with that little bit of extra gusto that really allows it to shine - and this is what we have here.

In the care of our vendor for around 4 years, this attractive red-over-black Elise 111S boasts a number of tasteful upgrades including a short-shift kit, and has been maintained, used lightly and enjoyed in its current ownership, but it is now time for a new home, perhaps with an owner that will have an easier time getting in-and-out of this lightweight beauty!

History and documentation

• Registered 01 Apr 1999

• Stamped service book with services as follows: Apr 1999 @ 1,411 miles, Nov 2001 @ 10,091 miles, [illegible, assume 2002], Mar 2003 @ 24,236 miles, Mar 2004 @ 34,633 miles, Feb 2005 @ 44,239 miles, Apr 2008 @ 52,757 miles

• Service invoices as follows: Apr 2014 @ 71,240 miles, Apr 2015 @ 72,891 miles, Apr 2016 [mileage unknown],  May 2017 @ 74,94X miles,  May 2018 @ 75,786 miles, Apr 2019 @76,43X miles, Feb 2024 @ 82,557 miles

• Extensive invoices and history dating back to new

• Exhaust system overhaul and short-shift kit fitted in August 2022

• Full document pack

• New ECU fitted May 2025 - reported to be running better than ever

• Invoice for interior overhaul by Christopher Neil Ltd totalling £1,043.75

• Two sets of keys

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 20 May 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Contrasting black hard top present

• HPI Clear

Interior

• Two-tone red/black interior in very good condition

• Upgraded seats with Lotus logo

• Patination/wear to steering wheel, shifter and high-traffic areas such as the footwells and door sills

• Carbon dash trims

• Willians Harnesses (dated 2007) along with standard seatbelts

• No sign of any rips, tears or damage to the seats, though the material around the headrest area is beginning to sag slightly

• Soft-top inner is lightly stained/discoloured

• No reported electrical faults or issues

Exterior

• Iconic Series 1 Elise silhouette, finished in metallic red with a contrasting black hard top

• Light scuffs to lower bumper/splitter area 

• Typical smattering of stone chips to the front end, mirror caps and exposed edges

• PPF on the leading edge of the rear arches

• Chips to door edges

• Wear around exhaust aperture at rear

• Bikini top in good order, with typical storage marks

• Headlight/sidelight lenses clear and free of damage

• All four OZ Racing wheels are in great condition, with very light kerbing noted on the offside rear

• Small area of bubbling on the passenger door

• Minor cracking on the engine cover where it meets the front grille

• Overall, a very smart example of the Series 1 Elise showing commensurate usage wear, meaning that it can be driven and enjoyed without worry

Mechanical

• 1,796cc, K-series inline-four engine with Variable Valve Timing, producing 143bhp which is sent to the rear wheels

• Five-speed close-ratio manual gearbox with lower final drive than the original Series 1

• Short-shift kit fitted to further enhance the driving experience

• Cambelt / water pump replaced around 5,000 miles ago in April 2022

• The engine bay looks to be in excellent condition, with no obvious signs of any faults or leaks

• Following the ECU replacement earlier this year, this 111S is reported to be running ‘better than ever’ and is in excellent mechanical health, further supported by a recent service and clean MoT certificate

Summary

Whether you’re using it as an entertaining daily driver, a weekend track toy or attacking your favourite section of twisty road when the sun is out, the Series 1 Elise offers a purity that is virtually unmatched by competitors or later Lotus models, with the 111S being arguably the most desirable production model of them all. 

With near-telekinetic handling, a chassis that gives better feedback than an Airbnb host and with an intoxicating rasp from the 1.8-litre K Series engine that’ll have you chasing the redline as soon as the engine is warmed up, driving an Elise is addictive, and we have no doubt that you’ll be finding any excuse to drive this one.

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 Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Please note that the car will also be on display at the PistonHeads Annual Service on 9 August 2025 at Bicester Motion.