2002 Lotus Elise S2 135 Sport Edition

Highlights

• Sport 135 Edition in Ruby Red

• Extensive engine work completed December 2025 with receipts

• Re-trimmed seats and Alcantara door cards

• Extensive history

• Cherished L70TSS registration plate included

Overview

The S2 Elise brought Lotus's lightweight philosophy into the 21st century. A fibreglass bodyshell bonded to an anodised aluminium chassis, lower sills that made the entry and exit a little less dramatic, and that sublime combination of steering purity, agility, and a ride quality that somehow manages to be both firm and forgiving. The Sport 135 specification added stiffer Bilstein suspension and a touch more power from the Rover K-Series, producing around 135 bhp through a five-speed manual. At a kerb weight of around 735 kg, the maths works in your favour. Always has.

First registered in April 2002, this example arrives with a binder of paperwork stretching back to the original sales invoice, Lotus marketing material, and a stamped service book that tells the story of a car that's been well cared for. The cherished L70TSS plate, held since 2014, is a nice touch and it comes with the car.

Over the years, the car’s interior has been enhanced by its custodians, with re-trimmed seats, Alcantara door cards, solid aluminium window winder handles, and a repainted centre console. Meanwhile, the important stuff has been properly addressed: a full engine rebuild was completed in December 2025 at 88,556 miles.

With 89,281 miles and lots of paperwork showing regular maintenance, this is an Elise that's been driven and enjoyed but also looked after. The paperwork tells the story, the engine rebuild underpins the next chapter, and that Ruby Red is a combination worth getting out of bed for.

History and Documentation

• PDI Apr 2002, A Service Nov 2004 at 12,550 miles, B Service Aug 2005, A Service Sep 2006 at 26,206 miles, Service Jul 2007 at 28,263 miles, Annual Service Aug 2008 at 29,451 miles, Annual Service Mar 2009 at 29,585 miles (cambelt kit renewed), A Service Apr 2010 at 30,214 miles, B Service Apr 2012 at 31,140 miles, A Service Apr 2013 at 31,623 miles, Service Apr 2014, Service Apr 2015, A Service Sep 2016 at 50,867 miles, Oil Service Apr 2017 at 54,192 miles, Service Aug 2019 at 62,179 miles, Cylinder Head Work Mar 2021, Full Engine Rebuild Dec 2025 at 88,556 miles

• Extensive engine work carried out in December 2025 included stripped, skimmed, and pressure-tested cylinder head, reground valves, upgraded head gasket, timing belt, oil, filter, plugs, air filter, and coolant

• Serviced by the seller in May 2026, with invoices for parts

• Vendor tells us the gearbox oil has been recently replaced

• Binder of documentation from new including original sales documents, Lotus marketing material, and stamped service book

• V5C in the current owner's name, one key, original Lotus tool kit and locking kit

• Spare rear brake discs and pads included with the car

• First registered 16 April 2002, current keeper since April 2026

• HPI clear

• MOT valid until 3 September 2026

Interior

• Re-trimmed seats presenting well

• Alcantara door cards fitted, cleanly integrated

• Solid aluminium manual window winder handles; vendor believes these were an optional extra when new

• Centre console repainted with a polished Sport 135 shift gate plate

• Stack instrument cluster clear with no fogging

• Steering wheel shows moderate leather wear at the main contact points

• Aftermarket Kenwood head unit with Bluetooth fitted

• Red carpet vibrant, aluminium pedal set in place

• Original Lotus tool kit roll stowed in the boot

• Headlining in good condition with no sagging

Exterior

• Ruby Red paintwork presents well overall; front clam has light swirl marks and minor GRP blemishes consistent with age

• Rear clam repainted at some point with a smoother, glossier finish and good colour match

• Body panels straight with consistent shut lines and no obvious evidence of accident damage

• Factory five-spoke alloys showing light kerbing

• Yellow Lotus brake calipers exhibit paint flaking and age-related wear

• Windscreen clear, headlamps clear, mirrors intact

• Brand new rear tyres (invoice included) with fronts at adequate tread; matching specification across all four corners

• Some surface corrosion noted on rear suspension components and subframe brackets

Mechanical

• 1,796cc K-Series inline four to Sport 135 specification with Lotus Performance cam cover; engine bay tidy

• Extensive engine work completed December 2025 at 88,556 miles with receipts; consequently no symptoms of head gasket issues

• Bilstein dampers reported in good condition by the vendor

• Spare Brembo brake pads and discs for the rear axle included with the sale

Summary

A Sport 135 Edition with plenty of documentation to back it up, a freshly rebuilt engine, and a refreshed interior makes for a compelling combination. We think it’is genuinely lovely. It's been driven, enjoyed, and properly looked after. Exactly what an Elise should be.

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 Nantwich, Cheshire.