Introduction
Darren Rungasamy
The original Elise is as lean as a greyhound and just as quick.
Acclaimed as an instant classic when it first hit the roads in 1996, it caused a genuine frenzy in the motoring press and refocused Lotus as a maker of compact and thrilling cars. It was one of a number of affordable driver-focused sports cars sold at the time, but its Lotus heritage added a far more convincing line of credibility, backed up by their experience in lightweight bodies.
The curvy and poised styling houses a spartan race-influenced cabin - with no frivolities. The reliable mid-mounted ‘K-Series’ engine provided the power, and while it is a modest displacement, it propelled the 725 kg car firmly into supercar territory with a genuine high thrill factor.
This very clean and original 1998 car has been with the same owner for 23 years and has always been used as a weekend and occasional toy. Finished in Metallic Azure Blue, it was spec’d with leather seats, driving lights and a passenger footrest. With a recorded mileage of just 26,249 miles at our time of visit, it comes with its original driver's wallet, two keys and an MOT to June 2024.
This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Nicholas the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
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I WANT ONEAsk Questions
Hi Nicholas, lovey looking Elise, a testament to its owner. Just wondering what the cable in the main interior shot is/for?
Also, have you taken any of the (&/or not so) common measures, to prevent headgasket issues?
E.g upgraded gasket (&/or bolts) thermostat replaced, aluminium radiator etc?
Plus was exhaust replaced due to an upgrade, or replaced due to original rotting out?
Hi Roders, thanks for the comments, I have a digital radio transmitter in the vehicle so that is the charger cable that goes into the 12v socket. Exhaust change was a requirement for MOT as the original had rusted out. Never had head gasket issues!!
Hi Nicholas,
You have a super looking car and I bet have had a lot of fun with it over the 23 years you’ve owned it. Do you know whether or not it has the MMC brakes or not? Many thanks, Matthew
Hi Matt, thanks for the positive comments, I’m afraid I don’t know the answer to the question but, if it helps, the car has not been modified in any way whilst in my possession so what is on it now I’m pretty sure was factory fitted.
You mention the exhaust has been replaced, was this with OEM or an Upgrade?
NOT an upgrade.
Hi Nicholas, thank you for your answer and that is completely fair. Two final questions I have are regarding (i) the head gasket and cooling, and (ii) the cambelt. cooling. The k-series is known for head gaskets going so do you know whether that has ever been changed? There was some water under the front near the radiator on the ‘on the road’ video which I just wanted to check isn’t a coolant leak from the radiator above? Also, I believe the cambelt interval is every 4-5 years – do you remember when that was last changed? Best wishes, Matt
Easy one first – definitely NOT a coolant leak, I had watered the hanging baskets that morning so it was just run off!! On the other points I have to be totally honest and say I have no recollection of the head gasket being changed and I can’t say when the last cam belt change was either – Sorry!!
Hi, do you have an idea of what your car is worth?
If this is within my budget is it possible to view? I live in Alresford so not too far away. Many thanks Simon
Hi Simon, firstly, thanks for viewing the listing! I clearly do have a figure in mind but, as this is a live auction, I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to mention it here. In terms of viewing you need to contact Trade Classics as there is a process that needs to be followed. Sorry I can’t be more useful.
Vehicle Location
Waterlooville, Hampshire
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