2004 Lotus Elise S2 111S

Highlights

• 1796cc K-series VVC with 156bhp

• Five-speed manual

• In current ownership for over 17 years 

• Comprehensive service history from new

• Head gasket and cylinder head rebuilt

• Recent suspension upgrade

Overview

The Elise 111S is, for many of us, the distilled essence of what a sports car should be. Lightness, a responsive chassis, and a naturally aspirated engine that provides beautiful throttle response. This S2 example pairs the 1796cc K-series VVC unit (producing 156bhp) with the Touring pack's welcome creature comforts, all wrapped in a red body that has aged superbly.

Registered new in October 2004, this car has enjoyed remarkable stability. It's had just one previous keeper before passing to its current custodian in August 2008, who's looked after it for the best part of 18 years. That kind of long-term ownership tells you something, doesn't it? Just shy of 50,000 miles have been covered, and the history file backs up the care that's gone in.

Main dealer servicing from Peninsula Lotus and Westover Lotus covered the early years, before Purbeck Sports Cars (a well-regarded Lotus specialist) took over from 2018 onwards. The big-ticket work has been done, too. A full cylinder head rebuild including VVC mechanism replacement was carried out at 43,278 miles, and the front suspension was treated to Bilstein B6 dampers and Eibach springs in 2024. 

So it has clearly been taken care of, has a clear HPI report, and it's ready to enjoy. Sometimes the right car is the one someone else has already sweated the details on.

History And Documentation

• First registered 15 October 2004

• One previous keeper; in current ownership since August 2008

• MOT expires 14 July 2026, passed with no advisories

• The vendor informs us that the car will come with a new MOT from 2nd June

• HPI clear 

• Services as follows : Oct 2006 @ 11,443 miles (Peninsula Lotus – main dealer), Oct 2007 @ 14,266 miles (Peninsula Lotus – main dealer), Oct 2008 @ 16,272 miles (Westover Lotus – main dealer), Nov 2009 (Westover Lotus – main dealer), Nov 2010 @ 22,672 miles (Westover Lotus – main dealer), Nov 2012 @ 29,029 miles (Westover Lotus – main dealer), Nov 2012 @ 29,453 miles (Westover Lotus – main dealer), 2015 (Westover Lotus – main dealer), Nov 2016 @ 38,774 miles (Westover Lotus – main dealer), Nov 2017 @ 42,935 miles (Westover Lotus – main dealer), Jan 2018 @ 43,278 miles (Purbeck Sports Cars – specialist), Sep 2018 @ 46,577 miles (Purbeck Sports Cars – specialist), Aug 2019 @ 46,394 miles (Purbeck Sports Cars – specialist), Apr 2021 @ 46,544 miles (Purbeck Sports Cars – specialist), Nov 2021 @ 47,468 miles (Purbeck Sports Cars – specialist), Jul 2024 @ 48,774 miles (Purbeck Sports Cars – specialist), Jul 2025 @ 49,667 miles (Purbeck Sports Cars – specialist)

• Jan 2018 (43,278mi): Cylinder head rebuild with VVC mechanism replacement, new head gasket, timing belt, tensioner, thermostat housing and coolant hoses (Purbeck Sports Cars)

• Sep 2018 (46,577mi): Front and rear brake discs and pads, two new rear tyres, VVC solenoid seal

• Nov 2021 (47,468mi): New stainless steel exhaust, front brake discs and pads, gear linkage adjustment

• Jul 2024 (48,774mi): Bilstein B6 front dampers and Eibach springs fitted

• Jul 2025 (49,667mi): Annual service and MOT pass

• Lotus Maintenance Record book with service stamps

• V5C present and correct

• ULEZ compliant

• Two Lotus keys with branded fob

Interior

• Black leather seats in excellent condition with minimal bolster wear

• Grey Alcantara dashboard trim in good condition

• Lotus-badged steering wheel in good condition, chrome and polished alloy gear knob with leather gaiter

• Aluminium sill plates and branded Elise 111S floor mats

• Blaupunkt Lausanne CD33 head unit

• Electric windows (Touring pack)

• Hardtop headlining and boot carpet both clean

Exterior

• Red paintwork in good overall condition with consistent colour across panels

• Minor stone chips on nose and rear wheel arches, consistent with age and mileage

• No stress cracks visible on clamshells

• Good panel alignment throughout

• Multi-spoke silver alloys in good condition with yellow Lotus centre caps

• Good tyre tread all round

• Black softtop fitted, red hardtop included in sale

• Engine louvres and side air intakes intact

Mechanical

• 1796cc K-series VVC engine producing 156bhp, five-speed manual gearbox

• Cylinder head rebuilt at 43,278 miles including VVC mechanism, head gasket, timing belt, tensioner, thermostat housing and coolant hoses

• Bilstein B6 front dampers with Eibach springs (fitted July 2024 at 48,774 miles), original rear dampers and springs

• Stainless steel exhaust fitted six weeks after purchase, front pipe replaced in 2021

• Aluminium chassis in good condition

• Supplied with original Lotus tool roll and trickle charger

Summary

A well-sorted, long-term-ownership Elise 111S with the kind of history file that makes you relax rather than worry is a highly sought after thing. The K-series head has been properly rebuilt, the front suspension refreshed with quality components, and the service record shows consistent specialist care. At just under 50,000 miles, it's been enjoyed but not driven to the moon and back, and the strong service record and tidy presentation suggest a car that's ready for its next chapter. Lovely stuff.

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 Wimborne, Dorset.