2000 Lotus Elise S1 Sport 160

Highlights 

• 160bhp version of Lotus' much-loved two-seater sports car

• Excellent service record with impressive history file

• Sports exhaust

• Reportedly driving perfectly

• Well maintained

• In great condition throughout

• Cam belt replaced less than 2.5K miles ago

Overview

For many Lotus fans, and indeed those who enjoy driving fast in general, the first generation Elise remains the purest and most venerated of the bunch when it comes to the now legendary mid-engined two-seater sports car. In fact, it took the world (and indeed any track it cared to show up at) by storm upon its release way back in 1996. Yep, that's a whopping 30 years ago now!

Very much in modern classic territory nowadays then, the Series 1 Lotus Elise continues to be the go-to for people looking for a straight shot of adrenaline. That's not to say the first-gen Elise feels dated though. Far from it, and the car is still used as a bit of a benchmark for how much fun can be extracted from the simple act of driving. From its incredibly direct steering and sublime handling characteristics to the shockingly high levels grip and sheer amount of feedback communicated to the driver, it's little wonder they're still so revered.

Produced for five years before giving way to the Series 2 in 2001, the original Elise utilised a 1.8-litre K-Series four-cylinder that produced 118bhp but in true Chapman style it only had to shift a car that weighed 725kg so performance was suitably impressive for such a low overall output. For those with a penchant for more power, however, there was always the 160bhp Sport 160, like the car we have available here. A limited edition model sitting alongside the Sport 135 and Sport 190, the Sport 160 featured a modified and more powerful engine as well as uprated brakes and suspension, better wheels and tyres and more supportive seats making it geared more towards track use.

This particular example is a 2000 model and comes complete with impressive service history since registration and a stack of supporting paperwork. Further tastefully enhanced by the addition of a sports exhaust, the car presents in very good condition throughout and looks suitably in your face with its bright yellow paintwork. Equipped with both hard and soft tops, reportedly running perfectly with no issues and with a recent timing belt replacement, it's ready to rock and roll. 

History and documentation

• 2000 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 29 Sep 2000

• In current ownership since 18 Mar 2021

• Four former registered keepers

• Two keys

• Excellent overall service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: after sales service at 1,057 miles (2000 – main dealer), A service at 6,642 miles (2001 – main dealer), A service at 12,610 miles (2002 – main dealer), B service at 18,453 miles (2002 – main dealer), A service at 24,769 miles (2003 – main dealer), A service at 30,620 miles (2004 – main dealer), C service at 34,599 miles (2006), A service at 47,390 miles (2008), A service at 51,472 miles (2008), B service at 57,115 miles (2009), A service+cam belt+brake discs and pads at 77,165 miles (2011 – specialist), A service at 80,901 miles (2013 – specialist), C service+cam belt at 81,739 miles (2015 – specialist), C service+cam belt at 83,092 miles (2019 – main dealer), A service at 83,208 miles (2020 – main dealer)

• Numerous supporting invoices for parts, servicing and maintenance 

• HPI clear

• MOT until 16 Jun 2026

Interior

• In very good condition throughout

• No signs of any major damage

• A few light marks and blemishes here and there commensurate with age and mileage

• Usual driver's seat bolster wear

• No reports of any electrical issues

• Sport 160 carpets look clean

• Four-point harnesses fitted (original seatbelts still in place)

• No signs of any water ingress

• Kenwood stereo head unit

• Sparco steering wheel is wearing well

• Cobra alarm system fitted but disabled

• Luggage space is clean and tidy

• Engine bay presents well

Exterior

• Presents in excellent condition overall

• Bright yellow paintwork still looks great

• Some very small paint chips on drivers sill 

• No previous damage as reported by the vendor

• The bodywork shows no evidence of any corrosion

• Some minor blemishes in places in keeping with a car of this age and level of use

• All panel gaps appear uniform

• No apparent issues with any of the windows or light lenses

• Wheels professionally refurbished in 2020

• As a result, the 16” factory Lotus Victory five-spoke magnesium alloy wheels are in superb shape with no signs of any kerbing

• All Lotus centre caps present and correct

• Tyres are a mix of Toyo Proxes TR1s on the front and Yokohama Advan Neova AD08RS models on the rear (both rears replaced Oct 2021)

• From what can be seen the underneath looks to be in good condition with only some light surface rust to some of the suspension components to note

Mechanical

• 160bhp, 1.8-litre K-Series in-line four-cylinder engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 5.1seconds

• 135mph top speed

• Sports exhaust

• No issues reported by the vendor who also informs us that the car starts well, runs smoothly with no handling issues, brakes well, the sports exhaust is very loud and there is a lumpy tick over due to the original Sport 160 mapping

Summary

Taking the excellent Series 1 Elise and imbuing it with a bunch more usable power, the Sport 160 proved to be a popular addition to the line-up and continues to impress today. Clearly well-maintained and looked after from day one this particular car looks great, reportedly drives impeccably and would be sure to put a smile on the face of whomever is lucky to be the next owner. Get it bought and get it driven. 

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 Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.