2003 Lotus Elise S2 Bell & Colvill 160

[White20]

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18527426

[benny568]

Has the head gasket ever been done on it?

[White20]

I was told when I purchased the car that the original head gasket had been replaced with a more robust unit as part of the engine upgrade. As this was before I purchased the vehicle I can't guarantee this to be the case. What I can say is that I haven't experienced any head gasket issues during my period of ownership.

[beechtreeclassics]

Hi - when was the conversion carried out? From new? Is there any paperwork (apologies if I've missed it in the comprehensive s/h). Cheers.

[White20]

My understanding is that the conversion was carried out when the vehicle was new. Sorry, but I don't have any specific paperwork.

[White20]

As an update, I have located the original Bell & Colvill sales invoice to the first owner dated June 2004 (not in the photo pack) in which the vehicle is described as a "Lotus Elise B&C 160". Thus the upgrade was clearly completed soon after first registered.

[CLYoung]

Hi....the car is listed as having 158bhp and then possibly another 30bhp with the Bell & Colville upgrade.

Can you confirm that the base car was in fact 158bhp to start, the Elise S2 of course has quite a number of avariants.

Appreciate your advice.

[White20]

No, sorry, to be clear the 158 bhp is after the upgrade. From what I understand, at this development point the balance between power, driveability and robustness was considered optimum. I've found the engine rock solid over the years I've owned.

[Hayabusasailing]

How old are the tyres?

[White20]

Purchased 12th December 2024. About 150 miles of usage of road usage.