Lotus Elise Series 1

The Series 1 Elise reset expectations for the affordable sports car when it arrived in 1996, using a bonded aluminium chassis and very low weight in place of big power. This 1998 car is an early example, finished in Azure Blue with a black leather interior and a Pioneer stereo as the only real concession to comfort.

It has covered 8,300 miles from new and has had four owners, the first of whom kept it for 23 years. A Provenance Certificate confirms it as the 1,803rd of 1,965 cars built. The service history runs from 1998 with entries from Lotus specialists and dealers, and the file includes the original order form, supplying dealer invoice and correspondence, and the brochures.

Recent work is extensive. The suspension has been rebuilt for £6,500, with new bushes, ball joints, bearings, braided brake lines and Bilstein springs and dampers, and the arms have been Cerakote coated. A 48-litre Pro Alloy fuel tank with an uprated fuel pump has been fitted. In April 2025 the timing belt and water pump were replaced during a C service at Essex Autosport, along with a new radiator and fan kit.