Lotus Elise S2 111S

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

One of the brighter stars in the Lotus firmament, the Elise was a welcome return to the original idea of lightweight, fun cars that punched above their weight.

This is the 111S variant which means that it has the 1.8 Rover K-series engine with variable valve technology, giving the car around 150bhp and a flat torque curve. In a car with a kerb weight of only 750kg that gives not only an impressive 0-60mph time of 5 seconds, but also an impressive fuel consumption of over 40mpg (though not, sadly at them same time).

This 2003 Elise has been part of a private collection and had only two owners from new. The recorded mileage is shown as 31,641, which is supported by the MOT history. The history file includes ten past MOTs and the original sales receipt (showing the car cost £28,680 new).

The service history with the car does not reveal any horror stories, just regular maintenance and the occasional replacement part (new discs and pads fitted front and rear within the past two years). FJ03 FJF has been in a private collection and has been used only lightly in recent years and has an MOT to July 2020. The MOT does note damaged/perished tyres which the new owner should take into consideration.

This Elise is as pretty now as it was when new and the Ardent Red paintwork suits the car. Inside is a little more subdued – black leather – but both the interior and exterior are in first class condition, as you might expect with a low-mileage cherished car. The car is fitted with a factory hardtop which was supplied from new.

This is a low-mileage, very smart example which will appeal to the collector as much as it does to the driving enthusiast. An appreciating asset, certainly, but a driver’s car which also needs to be appreciated.