2002 Lotus Elise S2 JPS (Type 72)

Highlights

• One of fewer than 130 JPS Type 72 special editions built

• Striking black-and-gold John Player Special livery

• Tasteful induction, exhaust and suspension upgrades

• Extensive history

• Recently recommissioned cooling system

Overview

The Lotus Type 72 needs little introduction. Penned by Maurice Philippe under Colin Chapman's watch, it became the most successful Formula 1 car in Lotus's history, carrying Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi and Ronnie Peterson to titles between 1970 and 1975. Wrapped in the John Player Special's black-and-gold livery, the Type 72 didn't just win races. It became motorsport shorthand for cool. More than half a century on, and despite the passing of tobacco advertising, those colours still resonate deeply in Grand Prix folklore.

Skip forward a few decades and Lotus's lightweight roadster was riding high on Chapman's add-lightness ethos. The Series 2, on sale from 2001, married a bonded aluminium chassis to fibreglass clams and a refined cabin, with the willing 1.8-litre Rover K-Series providing the soundtrack. In 156 bhp VVC tune, the K-Series produces a sub-six-second 0-62 mph time and that signature mix of agility, balance and steering purity. Then, in 2002, Lotus reached into its own back catalogue and produced the JPS limited edition: a factory homage to the Type 72, finished in black with bronze five-spoke wheels, yellow Alcantara cabin trim and gold JPS monograms in all the right places. The vendor tells us just 123 were built, although some sources quote 129 as a worldwide figure, and reportedly only 23 remain road-registered in the UK today.

Which brings us neatly to RY02 TXL, presented in classic JPS form. Black paintwork sits over those period-correct bronze five-spokes with Lotus-branded centre caps. The gold "JPS" monogram graces the rear clam, gold Lotus laurel-wreath decals adorn the front wings, and Union Jack flourishes appear on the side scoops and rear quarters. Pop the door open and the racing colours carry inside: yellow Alcantara door cards, seat trim and transmission tunnel set against a black suede dashboard, with the Lotus three-spoke wheel wearing a yellow centre roundel. The JPS-branded leather gear knob sits proudly atop the exposed Lotus shift gate. Billet aluminium switchgear, handbrake handle and seat tilt levers replace the standard plastic items, while a Kenwood head unit brings iPhone connectivity to the dash. A Cobra alarm handles security.

Sympathetic upgrades run beneath the skin too. An ITG carbon fibre Competition induction kit feeds the K-Series, an upgraded exhaust takes care of the other end, and adjustable dampers at all four corners let the new owner dial the chassis to taste. The vendor reports the car has been stored indoors on a trickle charger, with under-car photographs taken during a recent radiator and water pipe refresh confirming a clean and unmolested aluminium chassis tub. 

An Elise of any stripe is a tempting proposition, this one even moreso.

History and documentation

• First registered May 22nd, 2002

• Three former keepers, with the current keeper acquiring the vehicle in October 2023

• The vendor describes a substantial history file accompanied by the original service book and paperwork

• The vendor advises that the May 2023 reading reflects an incorrect odometer entry at the testing station (which subsequently ceased trading before the record could be amended), with surrounding tests reflecting the true mileage progression

• Tasteful upgrades fitted: ITG carbon fibre Competition induction kit, upgraded exhaust, adjustable dampers (reported by the vendor to be GAZ units all round)

• Cobra alarm fitted, reportedly with two working fobs

• Two keys

• Recently fitted new radiator and refreshed water pipes

• The vendor reports the car has been stored indoors on a trickle charger

• Current MOT expires August 13th, 2026

• HPI clear

• Current mileage is 60,393 miles

Interior

• Cabin presents in unmistakeable JPS spec, with yellow Alcantara door cards, seat trim and transmission tunnel set against a black suede dashboard

• Lotus three-spoke steering wheel features a yellow centre roundel, with a JPS-branded leather gear knob atop the exposed polished aluminium shift gate

• Stack instrument cluster and aluminium-ringed switchgear (hazard, fog and headlight buttons) all present cleanly

• Billet aluminium upgrades fitted to the door pulls, handbrake handle and seat tilt levers in place of the standard plastic items

• Aftermarket Kenwood KDC-4551U head unit supports MP3, USB and aux input with iPhone connectivity, complemented by upgraded door speakers

• Driver's seat shows light nap-flattening and slight discolouration to the cushion base, with bolsters intact and no splits

• Yellow seat bases display some shading variation from sun exposure, but no rips or tears are visible

• Suede-trimmed steering wheel boss displays mild surface patina with no lifting or tears

• Carpets, sill tread plates and exposed bonded aluminium chassis tub all present tidily in the footwells

• Soft-top header rail, twin roof latches and seal in clean, undamaged condition

• All cabin controls are reported to be working as they should

Exterior

• Finished in black with bronze/gold five-spoke alloy wheels and Lotus-branded centre caps, dressed with the signature JPS visual package

• Gold "JPS" monogram applied to the rear clam, with gold Lotus laurel-wreath decals on the front wings and Union Jack decals to the side scoops and rear quarters

• The vendor reports the car is in good condition for a 60,000-mile example, with the front clam having seen the most wear

• Stone chipping and paint loss visible along the leading edge of the front lip and splitter, in line with the vendor's notes

• Light scuffing along the lower edge of the rear diffuser/undertray consistent with normal road use

• Paintwork across the rear clam and flanks presents with deep gloss and metallic flake clearly visible in sunlight

• Headlight and tail light lenses clear and crack-free, with LED high-level brake light intact

• Soft-top fitted, sitting cleanly against the rear clam with consistent panel gaps

• Bronze five-spoke wheels appear free of significant kerb damage, with light surface dulling to the gold finish in places

• Wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza tyres with plenty of tread visible

• Twin centrally-mounted exhaust outlets

• Underside views show clean, dry bonded aluminium extrusions with intact chassis bonding lines and the original factory inspection sticker still in place

Mechanical

• 1.8-litre Rover K-Series VVC inline four-cylinder producing 156 bhp and 129 lb ft

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-62mph in around 5.7 seconds

• Top speed of around 131 mph

• ITG carbon fibre Competition induction kit fitted in place of the standard airbox

• Upgraded sports exhaust

• Adjustable dampers fitted, which the vendor states are GAZ units at all four corners, allowing the chassis to be dialled to taste

• Recently fitted new radiator

• The vendor reports the car lives on a trickle charger and starts first time, has no known  mechanical issues and no immediate upcoming maintenance is required

Summary

Few modern Lotuses wear their heritage as openly as this. A genuine factory JPS Type 72 special edition, finished in the colours that helped define Lotus's Grand Prix golden era, is a wonderful thing to behold. Underneath the livery sits the willing 156 bhp K-Series VVC, lightly fettled with sensible breathing and adjustable suspension upgrades, and a recently recommissioned cooling system means it's ready to be enjoyed straight away.

Equal parts collector's piece and driver's tool, this is the kind of Elise that earns a second look at every fuel stop and a knowing nod from anyone who remembers the Type 72 in its pomp. Driveable today, increasingly rare tomorrow.

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 Letchworth Garden City, Herts.