2000 Lotus Elise S1

Highlights 

• Excellent service record with impressive history file

• Interior, exterior and mechanical upgrades

• Low mileage

• Reportedly driving impeccably

• Well maintained

• Recent service including cam belt and water pump

• Fresh MOT

Overview

It's hard not to harp on about Colin Chapman's famous “simplify then add lightness” concept when discussing the Elise but that now iconic phrase was never a mere contrivance, it was an ethos that was very much put into practice and the original Lotus Elise S1 is a fully realised and shining example. Often mentioned on those 'best drivers' cars' lists the Elise is about the most fun you can have behind the wheel and even today the plucky little two-seater sports car continues to excite.

Making its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1995 the Elise would not only wow the crowds but also usher in a new era of sports car: small and simple yet with blistering performance and handling aimed at the more discerning driver. As comfortable at the track as a pair of well worn slippers but as devastating as steel toe boots the Elise quickly became a common sight at racing circuits, revered for its innate precision and incredible responsiveness, in part due to its high tech, bonded and extruded aluminium chassis.

It was very much a case of less is more with the Elise and instead of a heavier six-cylinder or bulky V8 engine, the Elise came equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre K-Series four-pot producing 118bhp. Not a huge figure, granted, but when used to propel a car that weighed just 725kg performance was more than adequate, and people lapped it up.

Continually developed over the course of 25 years and three generations it's the original Series 1 cars, like this particular 2000 example, that are the purest and arguably most engaging to pilot. Complete with full, documented service history, as well as a recent service (including cam belt) and fresh MOT this stunning red S1 with gold wheels looks every part the sleek race car that benefits from a few choice upgrades.

Tasteful modifications include a Magnex stainless steel exhaust, Series 2 Bilstein suspension, Hurricane air filter with side intake, Samco silicone hoses and EBC Turbo grooved brake discs with Green pads and stainless brake hoses. A progressive gear change indicator has also been fitted and the car comes with a factory hard top as well as a soft top, along with a 111S rear spoiler and front splitter, giving the car a more aggressive gait. The vendor informs us that the car is an excellent example and a delight to drive but sadly a back problem forces sale.

History and documentation

• 2000 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 01 Dec 2000

• In current ownership since 09 Jun 2018

• In previous ownership for 15 years

• Three former registered keepers

• Two keys

• Original book pack 

• Excellent service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: 2001 @ 2,451 miles (after sales service, main dealer), 2002 @ 8,455 miles (A service, main dealer), 2004 @ 13,027 miles (A service, main dealer), 2007 @ 17,020 miles (A service, main dealer), 2009 @ 17,542 miles (C service, main dealer), 2010 @ 19,617 miles (A service, main dealer), 2011 @ 22,690 miles (A service, main dealer), 2012 @ 24,550 miles (B service, main dealer), 2013 @ 26,245 miles (A service, main dealer), 2015 @ 27,371 miles (C service, main dealer), 2018 @ 30,940 miles (A service,cam belt,tensioner,water pump,coolant, specialist), 2019 @ 32,832 miles (A service, specialist), 2020 @ 33,810 miles (A service, specialist), 2021 @ 34,648 miles (A service,air filter clean, specialist), 2021 @ 35,386 miles (C service,cam belt,water pump,air filter), 2023 @ 36,792 miles (A service), 2024 @ 37,643 miles (A service), 2025 @ 38,480 miles (B service,cam belt,water pump)

• Numerous main dealer and marque specialists invoices for parts, servicing and maintenance 

• Invoice for recent service, including cam belt and water pump replacement 11 Feb 2026 at 38,480 miles

• Multiple old MOT certificates

• Vendor reports that the drive shaft boot is being replaced 27 Feb 2026

• HPI clear

• MOT until 09 Feb 2027

• 38,494 indicated miles

Interior

• In very good condition throughout

• No signs of any damage

• Vendor reports that everything works as it should

• Refreshed in 2010,  including full seat retrim with good quality red and black leather and extra padding

• Minimal wear and tear commensurate with age and mileage

• Some light marks here and there

• Tastefully enhanced with various aluminium touches

• Progressive shift indicator

• Floor mats look to be in good shape

• Dashboard remains intact

• Clarion stereo head unit

• The area under the bonnet and the engine bay present honestly, if a little dirty in places

Exterior

• The exterior presents very well overall

• Paintwork is in good condition but does have some minor defects to note (see photos)

• Vendor specifically reports a scuff on rear wheel arch, scratches to the hard top, a small area of gel coat cracking and a few chips and a small amount of osmosis

• The body shows no evidence of any major corrosion 

• All windows look to be free from any blemishes or damage but the head lamp covers do carry some small cracks

• Colin Chapman signature rear screen

• All panel gaps appear to be uniform

• The vendor reports that the soft top is in good condition but has some creases due to being folded for several years and has faded on the inside

• Upgraded gloss black rear spoiler and front splitter

• Rear light upgrade

• Gold six-spoke wheels are in excellent condition with no signs of any kerb damage; 15" front, 16" rear

• Tyres are all Toyo Proxes and the vendor reports that the rears have 6-7.5mm of tread and the fronts have 4-6.5mm

• Front tyres do have MOT advisories

• Underneath looks to be in great shape

• The exhaust does have some surface rust but is still very solid as reported by the vendor

• Spare set of original wheels included, plus a few original parts that were taken off when upgrades were fitted

Mechanical

• 118bhp, 1.8-litre K-Series inline four-cylinder engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 5.8seconds

• 126mph top speed

• Bilstein suspension

• Hurricane air filter with side intake

• EBC Turbo grooved discs with Green pads and stainless hoses

• The vendor informs us that the car starts first time every time and has never let them down, there are no issues at all when driving, the clutch, gearbox and brakes all work as they should it is a joy to drive

Summary

Built to be driven “enthusiastically” this Elise can be forgiven for its few minor exterior blemishes because it's the condition of the mechanicals and how the car drives that really matter. The impressive service record speaks volumes as to the care and attention this S1 has received over the years and combined with the host of interior, exterior and performance upgrades makes for a very tempting proposition indeed.

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 Felixstowe, Suffolk.