1999 Lotus

Pistachio Green – 1.8 Litre Rover K Series Engine, 5 Speed Manual, 190bhp, 17,735 miles, 128 ft/lbs torque.

Here’s one for Lotus enthusiasts and collectors. This car was built as the first SVA’d Lotus Elise Sport 190 ever produced, used at the Motorshow and as the official Lotus press car. The car appears in all of the books & magazines relevant to the Elise. As featured in “Lotus Elise: The Official Story” by Jeremy Walton.

There were less than 10 SVA’d cars produced in the UK so this car is pretty rare, it was eventually sold by Lotus, where it was privately campaigned at selected rounds of the Lotus Elise Trophy in 2007/8.

The S1 Sport Series is powered by a 190 VHPD version of the Rover K Series 1.8 litre engine developing 190hp at 7500rpm and 189Nm of torque at 5600 rpm. Changes to the cylinder head, valves, pistons, crankshaft and flywheel together with the use of solid valve lifter in place of standard give a maximum engine speed of 8000 rpm. The engine performance enhancements as well as the use of lightweight competition components such as the clamshells, reduce the overall weight to 670kg giving you a stunning power to weight ratio of 283.6 bhp per tonne. (0-60 in 4.4sec)

This car was retired from racing after 2008 and restored back to its original specification, having recently undergone a cosmetic restoration at Maidstone Sports Cars and has been returned to its former glory. Currently fitted with an emerald ECU (original available) and mapped for fast road work. The car comes with many original and rare features including the carbon air box and fittings.

AA verdict: A rare and collectable car perfect for Lotus enthusiasts, a future classic and sound investment, not concours condition but recently restored to its original factory specification. Ran at the top of its class in the Lotus Elise Trophy with no major incidents. Perfect for investment, road use, hill-climbs or racing. (Car located in Maidstone for viewing)