Tickles Lotus Elise S1 111s
Discussion
Stunning 111S, OP.
Apologies if you've mentioned so in the thread as I've only looked at the latest pic's on the final page so far, but have you driven a standard S1 - if so, how did the performance compare to the 111S?
I had a Titanium silver S1 with the factory hardtop from '05 to '10, loved it. People say (and I used to as well) that car X or Y 'handles like a go kart'. I stopped saying that when I started 2-stroke karting, because almost no road car (and racing car for that matter) has the direct steering and feel that a proper kart does. But the Elise S1 came closer than anything else, for me. Over a ton it ran out of puff, but that's not what a standard S1 is about. I did get mine to the book top speed once though!
Even in the rain it was cool, 'cos the single wiper and rounded screen / view over the front wings made you feel like you were in a Group 5 or Group C sportscar hammering down to Mulsanne Corner, rather than trundling down the A38 in rush hour traffic.
The not cool part was the Polish taxi driver who ran into the back of it in Leamington Spa and broke the clamshell good and proper (although the paint was better than original when it was repaired), and the way it used to eat rear Koni's, which I guess is why so many owners swap to S2 shocks.
I'm definitely not in a position to spend the money on buying another one at the moment, but yours has me looking! Those Victory wheels...
Apologies if you've mentioned so in the thread as I've only looked at the latest pic's on the final page so far, but have you driven a standard S1 - if so, how did the performance compare to the 111S?
I had a Titanium silver S1 with the factory hardtop from '05 to '10, loved it. People say (and I used to as well) that car X or Y 'handles like a go kart'. I stopped saying that when I started 2-stroke karting, because almost no road car (and racing car for that matter) has the direct steering and feel that a proper kart does. But the Elise S1 came closer than anything else, for me. Over a ton it ran out of puff, but that's not what a standard S1 is about. I did get mine to the book top speed once though!
Even in the rain it was cool, 'cos the single wiper and rounded screen / view over the front wings made you feel like you were in a Group 5 or Group C sportscar hammering down to Mulsanne Corner, rather than trundling down the A38 in rush hour traffic.
The not cool part was the Polish taxi driver who ran into the back of it in Leamington Spa and broke the clamshell good and proper (although the paint was better than original when it was repaired), and the way it used to eat rear Koni's, which I guess is why so many owners swap to S2 shocks.
I'm definitely not in a position to spend the money on buying another one at the moment, but yours has me looking! Those Victory wheels...
Actus Reus said:
What a great thread and as people have said above, how lovely these things now look.
My boss had one when I was 18 back in 1997 and I was never that taken with them, but now I suddenly feel the urge to sell my VX220 and go back to grass roots with one of these. Not sure what colour I'd have - that yellow looks stunning, too.
Cheers, I must be of similar age. I first wanted an Elise after watching Lotus Elise The Inside Story as a 17 year old Engineering student in 96. I ended up getting an early S2 though 10 years later which at the time looked a better car to me. Got to agree, the S1 has aged well.My boss had one when I was 18 back in 1997 and I was never that taken with them, but now I suddenly feel the urge to sell my VX220 and go back to grass roots with one of these. Not sure what colour I'd have - that yellow looks stunning, too.
I have never driven a VX, only Lotus variations if the '1-eleven' platform. The VXR220 looked fantastic on the Speedlines.
JBT said:
Stunning 111S, OP.
Apologies if you've mentioned so in the thread as I've only looked at the latest pic's on the final page so far, but have you driven a standard S1 - if so, how did the performance compare to the 111S?
I had a Titanium silver S1 with the factory hardtop from '05 to '10, loved it. People say (and I used to as well) that car X or Y 'handles like a go kart'. I stopped saying that when I started 2-stroke karting, because almost no road car (and racing car for that matter) has the direct steering and feel that a proper kart does. But the Elise S1 came closer than anything else, for me. Over a ton it ran out of puff, but that's not what a standard S1 is about. I did get mine to the book top speed once though!
Even in the rain it was cool, 'cos the single wiper and rounded screen / view over the front wings made you feel like you were in a Group 5 or Group C sportscar hammering down to Mulsanne Corner, rather than trundling down the A38 in rush hour traffic.
The not cool part was the Polish taxi driver who ran into the back of it in Leamington Spa and broke the clamshell good and proper (although the paint was better than original when it was repaired), and the way it used to eat rear Koni's, which I guess is why so many owners swap to S2 shocks.
I'm definitely not in a position to spend the money on buying another one at the moment, but yours has me looking! Those Victory wheels...
Thank you,Apologies if you've mentioned so in the thread as I've only looked at the latest pic's on the final page so far, but have you driven a standard S1 - if so, how did the performance compare to the 111S?
I had a Titanium silver S1 with the factory hardtop from '05 to '10, loved it. People say (and I used to as well) that car X or Y 'handles like a go kart'. I stopped saying that when I started 2-stroke karting, because almost no road car (and racing car for that matter) has the direct steering and feel that a proper kart does. But the Elise S1 came closer than anything else, for me. Over a ton it ran out of puff, but that's not what a standard S1 is about. I did get mine to the book top speed once though!
Even in the rain it was cool, 'cos the single wiper and rounded screen / view over the front wings made you feel like you were in a Group 5 or Group C sportscar hammering down to Mulsanne Corner, rather than trundling down the A38 in rush hour traffic.
The not cool part was the Polish taxi driver who ran into the back of it in Leamington Spa and broke the clamshell good and proper (although the paint was better than original when it was repaired), and the way it used to eat rear Koni's, which I guess is why so many owners swap to S2 shocks.
I'm definitely not in a position to spend the money on buying another one at the moment, but yours has me looking! Those Victory wheels...
I think the cliche of 'handles like a go-cart' only gets said by people who have never driven a go-cart. I remember my Dad getting a 306 XSI when they first come out in IIRC 94. The salesman must of spouted that phrase out a number of times, even after the sale... I can confirm that it didn't handle anything like a go-cart!
Yes, I have driven a standard S1, well standard'ish, I don't think many that get driven anymore are too standard. As itcaptainslow said, I think the gearbox is the biggest difference. The 111s (and Sport 135) has the short ratio box and it makes for a very engaging drive... not as if a S1 isn't anyway mind. Certainly more go in a straight line but on the open roads like I was the other night with the Yellow S1 there is nothing in it really when both cars are set-up well. When out for a drive and 'making progress' I like to just maintain momentum rather than feel acceleration, that's what still astonishes me about the Elise. I think a good suspension set-up in-tune for bumpy roads would be my first mod over power in an Elise. Mine is running on S2 Bilsteins, perfect for road use, yet to try a car with Nitrons / Quantums or GAZ'.
Hope you end up in the position to get back in one, sooner rather than later as prices are on the up too.
Tickle said:
Cheers, I must be of similar age. I first wanted an Elise after watching Lotus Elise The Inside Story as a 17 year old Engineering student in 96. I ended up getting an early S2 though 10 years later which at the time looked a better car to me. Got to agree, the S1 has aged well.
I have never driven a VX, only Lotus variations if the '1-eleven' platform. The VXR220 looked fantastic on the Speedlines.
I'm 38 now - I think my general indifference to the S1 was because my boss was a tI have never driven a VX, only Lotus variations if the '1-eleven' platform. The VXR220 looked fantastic on the Speedlines.
t. Now I'm the boss and have a car based on the same platform. No doubt in 20 odd years my staff will be telling people on the net that I am a tt.The VXRs do indeed look good on Speedlines - they're not dissimilar to your Victory rims. Indeed I like them so much I have just ordered a set for my VXT - they'll be going on my car in August I hope (I'll update my thread on here when it happens!).
Actus Reus said:
I'm 38 now - I think my general indifference to the S1 was because my boss was a tt. Now I'm the boss and have a car based on the same platform. No doubt in 20 odd years my staff will be telling people on the net that I am a tt.
The VXRs do indeed look good on Speedlines - they're not dissimilar to your Victory rims. Indeed I like them so much I have just ordered a set for my VXT - they'll be going on my car in August I hope (I'll update my thread on here when it happens!).
Did you get the Speedlines as a group buy? I contacted Speedline a while back about getting some. They was offered with the S1 as an option (an expensive one) in magnisuim and are now like rocking horse sht. Now I'm the boss and have a car based on the same platform. No doubt in 20 odd years my staff will be telling people on the net that I am a tt.The VXRs do indeed look good on Speedlines - they're not dissimilar to your Victory rims. Indeed I like them so much I have just ordered a set for my VXT - they'll be going on my car in August I hope (I'll update my thread on here when it happens!).
te to source. Speedline seemed to have no intetest in making any. Great looking wheel.Yes, they were a group buy on the VX forum. £720 I think though these aren't magnesium so will be a good bit heavier.
If you want a set I believe they're going into manufacture this week so you could ring em up and ask for a set - either satin black or silver. 16 fronts and 17 rears of course. Have just been painting my brakes in anticipation in fact.
If you want a set I believe they're going into manufacture this week so you could ring em up and ask for a set - either satin black or silver. 16 fronts and 17 rears of course. Have just been painting my brakes in anticipation in fact.
MOT day for the Elise. I had confidence in the suspension, brakes, tyres etc as it is well looked after by Phoenix; however, the emissions are something that do worry me come MOT time!
My position until the cat heated up was 6ft up on the ramps watching the temperature gauge, never good in a k-series!
Anyway, once up to temperature it passed, with no advisories.
Still debating on getting a sports cat, not sure if that will make MOT day more problematic though
One upgrade I did do was put one of these sty stickers on, I think they are classed as a 'chavvy' mod by recent threads on here though, never mind 
Last week I tried some alternative roads to my usual ones in Wales, nice scenery just a little busier due to the proximity to the base of Snowdon and time of year. The run back home was very clear though so I had chance to clear it's throat ready for today's MOT
My position until the cat heated up was 6ft up on the ramps watching the temperature gauge, never good in a k-series!
Anyway, once up to temperature it passed, with no advisories.
Still debating on getting a sports cat, not sure if that will make MOT day more problematic though
One upgrade I did do was put one of these s
ty stickers on, I think they are classed as a 'chavvy' mod by recent threads on here though, never mind Last week I tried some alternative roads to my usual ones in Wales, nice scenery just a little busier due to the proximity to the base of Snowdon and time of year. The run back home was very clear though so I had chance to clear it's throat ready for today's MOT
billzeebub said:
Some beautiful photos of your Elise there, it looks really well. I'm currently considering trying to run one of these or a TVR Chim as a daily! The Boxster is just too practical and not enough of a challenge! This thread is a great read. Thanks
Thanks 
I ran a S2 (k-series) as a daily, it did take the edge off its 'specialness'... but it was a 20 mile round commute, predominantly on dual carriageway. I now fully look forward to using the S1 just for drivings sake. Many use them daily it just wasnt for me; saying that it took me two years to work that out
They are great and no doubt benifit from regular use. Hope you get one, the TVR would be a nice, less harsh alternative too.
I had access to some ramps this morning, so I did a few bit whilst I had the opportunity.
First was to replace the bolts, spring washers, nuts and gaskets on the cat/pipe section with S/S ones. I had my suspicions that there was a leaking joint, but all seemed well when I looked. Anyway, all sorted with new fixings for piece of mind. I also hunted down a few rattles, they seem to of been rectified but a good run out will confirm that... or throw up new rattles!
Has a quick look under the car and all was good, surprisingly clean from this 'Summers' use, good to give it a once over though.
First was to replace the bolts, spring washers, nuts and gaskets on the cat/pipe section with S/S ones. I had my suspicions that there was a leaking joint, but all seemed well when I looked. Anyway, all sorted with new fixings for piece of mind. I also hunted down a few rattles, they seem to of been rectified but a good run out will confirm that... or throw up new rattles!
Has a quick look under the car and all was good, surprisingly clean from this 'Summers' use, good to give it a once over though.
Edited by Tickle on Sunday 13th August 20:02
A break in the weather finally meant some time in the Elise and to new roads (to me anyway).
Due to a combination of crap weather and being on holiday for a fortnight the Elise has been a little neglected. This weekend I was free to go for a run out, however rain was forecast for North Wales; my default destination if I have a couple of hours to myself. Undeterred I checked the weather for North Yorkshire, more specifically Hawes and the Buttertubs Pass area. I have never took the Elise (or any other PH type car) to North Yorkshire, not really sure why as it is no further than North Wales to me, about 45 mins or so.
I have always wanted to do the Buttertubs Pass ever since watching Clarkson wax lyrical about it on 'Clarksons Cars Years' back in 2000. I think it stuck in my head because he was in an Escort Cosworth, a dream car for a 21 year old me back then. For anyone interested, a link to said Clarkson with a perm and a Cosworth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLebmoXOukc
My route was planned incorporating the Ribblehead Viaduct, Hawes and the Buttertubs Pass using the same roads for the return leg.
Apart from a random heavy downpour for about 3 miles on the M6 it stayed dry, luckily I still had my roof on for the rain. An early start meant any other cars were scarce when off the M6. Some really good roads and fantastic scenery!
A few pics from the morning:
Had a really good drive, although not the fastest car you don't get used to the fun factor in a car like the Elise
A list of Winter jobs has been started and a new trickle charger bought, damp cold times are on the way...hopefully an Indian Summer will surprise us all, I'm not holding out for one though!
Due to a combination of crap weather and being on holiday for a fortnight the Elise has been a little neglected. This weekend I was free to go for a run out, however rain was forecast for North Wales; my default destination if I have a couple of hours to myself. Undeterred I checked the weather for North Yorkshire, more specifically Hawes and the Buttertubs Pass area. I have never took the Elise (or any other PH type car) to North Yorkshire, not really sure why as it is no further than North Wales to me, about 45 mins or so.
I have always wanted to do the Buttertubs Pass ever since watching Clarkson wax lyrical about it on 'Clarksons Cars Years' back in 2000. I think it stuck in my head because he was in an Escort Cosworth, a dream car for a 21 year old me back then. For anyone interested, a link to said Clarkson with a perm and a Cosworth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLebmoXOukc
My route was planned incorporating the Ribblehead Viaduct, Hawes and the Buttertubs Pass using the same roads for the return leg.
Apart from a random heavy downpour for about 3 miles on the M6 it stayed dry, luckily I still had my roof on for the rain. An early start meant any other cars were scarce when off the M6. Some really good roads and fantastic scenery!
A few pics from the morning:
Had a really good drive, although not the fastest car you don't get used to the fun factor in a car like the Elise
A list of Winter jobs has been started and a new trickle charger bought, damp cold times are on the way...hopefully an Indian Summer will surprise us all, I'm not holding out for one though!
Always a pleasure to catch up on your thread. Your enthusiasm and joy in owning such a great car really shine through. With the excellent photos the icing on the cake.
On the subject of photography, what post processing do you do on the images? They don't look straight out of camera, but look very atmospheric without being over-processed. Top work
On the subject of photography, what post processing do you do on the images? They don't look straight out of camera, but look very atmospheric without being over-processed. Top work
Thanks for the comments 
Having a weekend car does get under your skin, especially if you only get to use it working around family time and the weather! I don't feel like I take it for granted, it still feels special each time I use it.
Regarding the photos, I am far from an expert; however, I am trying to get to grips with my DSLR. Quite enjoying messing round with different lenses and as rightly guessed Lightroom.
The only tips I can give are:
- Rule of thirds,
- Lightroom was under £30 downloaded from ebay, well worth it IMHO.
- Remember to turn your front wheels away from the camera so the rim is side on, or dead straight for profile pics,
- I think the Elise/VX benefits from a low camera position (road height)
- Youtube has so many tutorials for camera work and processing, even as far as how to process car pictures in Lightroom.
As I said I am no expert but like anything, reading up / watching stuff gets you going in some sort of direction. There are some fantastic photographers on PH, the Photography sub-forum has some great inspiration.
Having a weekend car does get under your skin, especially if you only get to use it working around family time and the weather! I don't feel like I take it for granted, it still feels special each time I use it.
Regarding the photos, I am far from an expert; however, I am trying to get to grips with my DSLR. Quite enjoying messing round with different lenses and as rightly guessed Lightroom.
The only tips I can give are:
- Rule of thirds,
- Lightroom was under £30 downloaded from ebay, well worth it IMHO.
- Remember to turn your front wheels away from the camera so the rim is side on, or dead straight for profile pics,
- I think the Elise/VX benefits from a low camera position (road height)
- Youtube has so many tutorials for camera work and processing, even as far as how to process car pictures in Lightroom.
As I said I am no expert but like anything, reading up / watching stuff gets you going in some sort of direction. There are some fantastic photographers on PH, the Photography sub-forum has some great inspiration.
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