2017 Lotus Elise S3 Sport 220 Type 49 - 1 of 2

Highlights

• One of just two ‘Type 49’ cars, sporting a Clive Chapman-designed heritage livery

• Supercharged 1.8-litre Toyota 2ZR-FE engine delivering 220hp and 184lb ft of torque

• Six-speed manual transmission with exposed gear linkage

• Fastidiously cared for by single private owner

• Comprehensive service history

Overview

If you’re in the market for a lightweight, manual sportscar, then Lotus will need no introduction. That reputation is, in no small part, thanks to the Elise; the model which famously saved the brand in the ‘90s, and has retained a place in the hearts and minds of enthusiast drivers ever since. 

That status wasn’t maintained by resting, however lightly, on any laurels however, with Lotus ensuring the Elise kept up with (and often led) the competition through the course of multiple generations, updates and special editions. 

As the final scion of that prodigious evolution, the S3 concluded the Elise era with revised styling, improved build quality and a more rounded personality – traits exemplified further still by the Sport 220. 

The fitment of a supercharged 1.8-litre Toyota 2ZR-FE engine in place of the standard S3’s naturally aspirated, 1.6-litre motor, paid obvious dividends. Increased torque and more linear power delivery made the Sport 220 more accessible on the road, while the addition of a chargecooler ensured that performance remained equally available on track. 

In true Lotus fashion, the Sport 220 was about far more than outright speed, though. A curb weight of just 924kg, unassisted steering, an open-gate six-speed manual and exceptionally compliant ride quality continued to deliver the kind of driver-centric experience that had pulled Lotus back from the brink two decades prior. 

This particular example is yet more special still, paying homage to Lotus’ halcyon days of F1 glory with a bespoke retro livery. One of two ‘Type 49’ Sport 220 Elises, exclusively designed by Clive Chapman of Classic Team Lotus for the Oakmere Lotus dealership in 2017, it represents all that’s great about the Hethel brand in both form and function. 

History and documentation

• First registered as a dealer demonstrator on 12/06/2017

• Single private-owner vehicle, acquired by current keeper on 20/01/2019

• £200 road tax

• Extensive service and maintenance history including: Jan 2019 @ 5,345 miles, Jul 2020 @ 8,643 miles, Oct 2021 @ 11,374 miles, Dec 2021 @ 11,489 miles, Dec 2022 @ 13,225 miles, May 2024 @ 15,150 miles, 2025 @ 17,090 miles (service, brake discs and pads replaced), May 2026 @ 18,692 miles

• Full document pack accompanied by historic paraphernalia

• Optional (paid) addition of bespoke, colour co-ordinated luggage

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Reportedly garage stored and used exclusively in dry conditions

• Two keys

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 05/05/2027

• V5 present in owner’s name

• ULEZ compliant

• HPI clear

Interior

• Beautifully presented yet driver-focussed cabin with exposed aluminium architecture 

• Black and red contrast interior including leather sports seats and door trims 

• Seats offer use of standard inertia real seat belts or upgraded Luke four-way harnesses

• Open gear linkage emphasises six-speed manual transmission

• Upgraded Pioneer DAB/CD radio and four-way speakers

• Fitted with additional soundproofing and new carpets by current owner

• Aluminium pedal box

• Start/stop button

• Global Telemetrics tracker

• Odometer shows 18,891 miles

Exterior

• One of just two ‘Type 49’ cars, sporting a Clive Chapman-designed heritage livery

• Red, white and gold colour scheme pays homage to championship-winning Lotus Type 49 Formula 1 racecar, driven by the likes of Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jochen Rindt and Emerson Fittipaldi

• Retro details include Classic Team Lotus insignia, bespoke ‘Elise Team 49’ logo, applied Colin Chapman autograph and #49 roundel on both sides

• Lower half graphics reapplied in October 2024

• Bodywork appears beautifully presented, with small stone chips on front of car and wing mirror having been touched up

• Two small stone chips reported on windscreen

• Black forged alloy wheels present nicely, with very minor signs of use

• Detachable soft top in excellent condition

• PPF coating applied to entire front of car and sills

Mechanical

• Supercharged 1.8-litre Toyota 2ZR-FE inline-four petrol engine, producing 220bhp and 184lb ft of torque

• Six-speed manual transmission

• Rear-wheel drive

• 288mm discs all-around, with twin-piston AP callipers front and single rear

• Fixed-rate Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs as standard

• Yokohama Advan Sport V105 tyres fitted to the front wheels at 15,150 miles

• No mechanical issues reported, small intermittent rattle from front of the car explored by Lotus-accredited servicer in May 2025 with no mechanical fault found; new brake discs and pads fitted 

• Battery in good condition, kept on trickle charger over winter when not in use

• Car starts on the button, described as very responsive to throttle inputs with confidence inspiring braking and cornering abilities

• Steering is precise and surefooted

• Exhaust note is rewarding without being intrusive

• Extensive maintenance history with Lotus approved specialists, Maidstone Sports Cars

Summary

Lotuses are a joyously common sight around these parts, but if this one takes your fancy you’ll be waiting an awfully long time to see another. Not only does the Sport 220 represent one of the ultimate realisations of the Elise formula, but this Type 49 example is as exceptionally rare as it is immaculately cared for. 

So, should you find yourself performing some rather complicated Man Maths to determine whether it fits into your budget, let the famed words of the marque’s illustrious founder be your guide: “Simplify, then add ‘right, yes.’”

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