Elise 111S/111R Hardtop standard?

[Crapper]

I am around 2 month away from buying my first Elise (it can't go quick enough)... Anyway back to my query, I am looking at buying a 111S and according to Parkers guide the hardtop came as standard after the Jan 2004 update but recently in my regular searches for Elise's for sale, many of them do not advertise the hardtop. Is that because the previous owner has sold it or because Parkers guide is incorrect.

I want to extend that question to the 111R as my budget is approaching the Toyota engine'ed territory.

[TonyHetherington]

I am almost certain the hardtop is NOT standard - it's about a £1000 option, true of both 111S and 111R, regardless of year.

[sja]

It was standard on my 05 111s but when I looked at an R from the same year it was part of a £2000 touring pack I think.. I wouldn't have been without it over the winter and it looks cool with it fitted..

[TonyHetherington]

sja said:

It was standard on my 05 111s..

Blimey, I stand corrected!! Sorry about that - ah well, you learn something every day is seems

Regarding...

sja said:

I wouldn't have been without it over the winter and it looks cool with it fitted

I completely agree. I have a hardtop on my 111S and think the look is FANTASTIC (almost to the point that I get sad when I take it off. But 5 mins of roof-off-driving put pay to that )

[emenel]

If I remember correctly, at around the time the 111R was hitting the showrooms, Lotus offered the 111S with a hardtop as standard. I do think this was a limited time offer however.

[Crapper]

Hmm OK, well the previous owners must have sold the hardtop then, I do agree it does look great and this will be an everyday car and kept outside so I definately need one. Where would I be able to buy one? Would it be best just to keep an eye out for a second hand one in the right colour?

[sja]

I think they come up on PH classifieds for approx £750.. But getting the right colour could be tricky.. If your looking at 111s late 04 to 05 you shoule be able to get one.. Most of that year range have them and are advertised as such..

[enjybenjy]

They do look really good. Got one on my 111S and agree with Mr Hetherington in that I don't really want to take it off. Personally I get as much fun out of the car with it on or off...
If I didn't have one, and my soft top leaks like a bastard so the hardtop is brilliant in the winter, there are plenty on Ebay, I'd get one of those and get it colour matched. There aren't may around in Ruby Red.

[jitsukadave]

I thought the hardtop was standard on the 111S from the my04 onwards.
The 111R it's an option...

I've just checked the sales brochure I have at work (sad I know) it says from Jan 26th 2004 the 111S has 160bhp and the soft and hard tops as standard.
Option on the 111R (same date) at 1295 (inc VAT) - same price option for standard Elise 120 too.

[turnamere]

I have to admit I was pretty chuffed to get my S1 with a hardtop, and as stated it looks good on either model. I drove the car home after picking it up with the hardtop on.................

and it's lived in the garage ever since. The main problem is that once it's on you can't whip the roof off for the blast home from work on a nice evening. My car is used every day and yes it leaks, TADTS, but I live without mine purely for the convenience factor and leave the rag top on all year round. The only advantage of the hard top that I can see is added security, luckily not a problem where I work.

If you can't find a car you like without one don't let that put you off; you can always get a shower cape for about £80 if you are worried about leaks and spend the other £670 on mods and Walshy days. Despite the weather my roof has been off most days this year, I find that this lets out the harser noises and enhances the induction roar and exhaust bellow, budget about £10 for a warm hat.

[S Works]

No idea mate, but had to respond. LOVE the forum handle... Crapper =

[Crapper]

Thanks S Works Comes from a gamer tag and has stuck ever since!

[mustard]

OK Guys

The correct response was the person who suggested the hard top became standard on the 111S around the time the 111R, it did not become standard with the introduction of the 04my, hence you will find some early 04my cars without it

[midas029]

Buy a 2006 model 111r in a few months,if money is there! no need for hard top, the roofs don`t leak.!!! they have changed the pillars on the 2006 model.!! I use to have an elan m100 so i know all about leaky roofs, haven`t had any probs at all with the elise in this quite awfull weather.

[junks]

If you're interested I have two H/tops for late S2 one red & one storm both lined £695 each

>> Edited by junks on Thursday 23 February 22:49