1998 Lotus

I’ve owned a Lotus of some description since passing my driving test just over 15 years ago. The majority of my cars have been daily drivers and I've managed to rack up multiple hundreds of thousands of miles in a variety of different Elises. You could say I was a bit of an enthusiast!

I bought this car back in May 2016 at approximately 60,000 miles and was the third car in my collection. I used it solely for trips through the countryside, a few road trips, and for scaring friends and work colleagues!

Two years ago I bought a Jaguar F-Type V6S convertible to replace another car in my collection. Unfortunately, this car has taken precedence over the Elise for fun drives. As I haven't driven the car in a few years, I’ve decided it’s now time to sell. To be honest, since undergoing a ‘lockdown diet’, it’s rather uncomfortable for me to get in and out of!

You may recognize this car as the first Elise that underwent an Audi conversion by Bernard Scouse at Auto Teknix. I have scans from Performance Car Magazine, where the car was featured for an article, which Bernard kindly forwarded onto me.

Here are some specs/details:

* 1998 Lotus Elise S1 in Calypso Red

* Audi 1.8T AWT conversion (Approx. 270BHP / 270lbs.ft)

* 6 speed gearbox (Audi TT Quattro gearbox)

* 71,100 miles

* Comprehensive service history (Minimal stamps, but lots of receipts/invoices for services)

* MOT due 30 April 2022

* Service due 30 April 2022

* Exige S1 Rimstock alloys (worth £2K+)

* Nitron suspension fitted at 56,000 miles

* Ali-bell floating discs with Pagid RS4-2 pads

* Safety Devices A-Frame (Petty bar included, but no mounting bolts)

* Eltech Italia V1R full carbon seats (£1500 upgrade)

* Luke Pro harnesses

* OMP Superquadro steering wheel

* Snap off steering wheel hub

* Four fin flush fit diffuser

* Polycarbonate rear screen (original glass also included)

* Features EliseParts aluminium stalks/handbrake, carbon side scoops, light covers

* Upgraded cant bar striker kit, for easier roof removal - as per later cars.

* Toyo T1R tyres

* 2 keys with 2 immobiliser fobs and 2 fuel keys

In my ownership, the car has also benefited from:

* Clutch at 60,000 miles

* Clutch master cylinder at 60,000 miles

* Cambelt, water pump and ancillaries at 60,000 miles

* Fuel pump recently installed

* Brand new spark plugs, coil packs and battery installed last week

* Full Geo for road use

* Front respray with new towing eye bracket

* Brand new rear CV boots

Bad bits:

* The stitching on the roof has frayed where the plastic front lip has snapped. There is an opening approximately 2-3 inches long. The roof needs an overhaul if to be used in wet weather, or if the car is standing outside. I’m happy to have this arranged by Allon White prior to sale, with a deposit in place.

*The carbon scoops have deteriorated due to exposure to sunlight.

* There are some small cracks in the paint on the front access panel due to heat from the radiator.

* The boost gauge and oil temperature gauge works, but the oil pressure gauge does not work/is inaccurate.

* It's been sat around for 1.5 years and has some old fuel in it. I'll top it up before sale, but it could really do with a good long run! I've found it boosts up to 1.5 bar perfectly at 90% throttle and is smooth in acceleration throughout 0-90% throttle position. However occasionally at 100% throttle, it does splutter/cut power. It could be the old fuel, it could be sensor related, or something else. The price of the car reflects this. Happy to take you out for a long test drive and show you if interested!

Silly offers will be ignored. Price reflects the specification, as well as the issues listed above. I've included lots of photos of the car, including some examples of the paperwork included. I can also provide a link to a YouTube video of the car heading to and from Monaco, to prove it's been used for road trips.

The car is located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

Thanks!