Full Description
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A collectors Lotus Elise S1 50th Anniversary, one of 50 cars and just 4,908 miles.
MODEL HISTORY
Manufacturers love to celebrate their birthdays and the 50th Anniversary Elise came to market early in 1999 to commemorate Lotus Cars Limited’s half century. Exclusivity was key as just 50 were built, with all examples finished in metallic Anniversary green with Gold Leaf wheels and a green/brown leather interior. Lotus’ iconic Golf Leaf colour scheme is further seen in the decals including a small 50th Anniversary motif placed above the twin exhaust pipes. A certificate of authenticity was presented with each car and only a fraction of the total 50 cars made survive.
EQUIPMENT
Composite body panels with detachable front and rear clamshells, extruded anodised aluminium epoxy-bonded spaceframe chassis, integral roll over hoop, STACK electronic speedo and tacho with multifunction LCD, Nardi steering wheel, 12v socket, tell-tale warning lamps, pump lumbar support. 50th Anniversary Specification; Special Anniversary metallic green and Gold Leaf colour scheme, Gold Leaf twin 5-spoke alloy wheels, colour coded hard top, coloured coded and tailored hard top bag, coloured soft top, green/brown leather sports seats, green Elise floor mats. Factory Options; Passenger footrest, Thatcham One approved Cobra alarm/immobiliser.
EXTERIOR
As a 50th Anniversary special edition, this sports car was available in its distinctive Anniversary Green Metallic and Gold Leaf colour scheme, (Code B37). With just two fastidious Lotus enthusiast owners, the first having owned it until 2019, and 4,908 road miles from new, this cars condition is stunning. A deep bright shine boasts first paint credentials with only a few very light markings visible upon very close scrutiny. The green epoxy resin used to bond the aluminium at factory is still bright and the V.I.N. stamped in the chassis to the offside rear wheel arch area is clearly visible. Even the fragile underside blue jacking stickers still being attached! The Gold leaf decals including the unique rear 50th Anniversary motif are as new. Wheel arch apertures and the flat underside to aid aerodynamics are extremely clean and the green material hood and colour matched hard top are in superb order. This is a highly collectable Lotus Elise.
INTERIOR
Engineering excellence is built into the interior with the aim to save weight and provide ultimate driver focused enjoyment. Exclusivity with the unique green/brown leather sports seats add to the occasion and 50th Anniversary enhancements such as the Lotus/Nardi steering wheel and green Elise carpet mats are super clean and unworn. The wide inner-sills are protected by a leather/cloth kneel pads and unlike most, are unworn with just one small scratch to the driver’s side thanks to the owner’s careful entry and exit technique! Radio trim panels as supplied when new are included should a radio be installed. An interior Colin Chapman would be proud of!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Entirely standard, the four cylinder in-line 16-valve engine with aluminium engine block and cylinder head displaces 1796cc to produce 118hp at 5500rpm and 165Nm torque at 3000rpm. Top speed is quoted at 126mph and 0-62mph is dispatched in just 5.9 seconds!
Lightweight construction, rear wheel drive and mid-mounted engine, this ticks the core race car credentials and the driving experience is a must for any petrolhead. The clean engine bay and front compartment display a fully intact heat insulation panel, factory identification sticker, PDI markings and labels. The 5-speed close ratio gearbox with short throw is precise and direct.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The special edition 50th Anniversary has Gold painted twin 5-spoke alloy wheels which are pristine and have never been refurbished. Matching premium brand and Lotus Club UK recommended Yokohama Advan Neova front 185/55 R15 and rear 225/45 R16 tyres are fitted with masses of tread and a collector will be pleased to know that the factory fitted Pirelli Asimmetrico tyres have been retained with the car for originality purposes. The cast iron 282mm ventilated discs with unique Lotus/AP Racing opposed piston front callipers provide powerful stopping power.
HISTORY FILE
Supplied new by Lotus Main Dealer, St. Peter Port Garages Ltd in Guernsey, the first owner was Mr Rushton to whom the original sales invoice in the history file for £21,235 is made out to. Furthermore, a Certificate of Authenticity made out to Mr Rushton dated 19th January and baring the vehicle’s chassis number confirms ‘This car is one of a limited edition of 50 Lotus Elises to celebrate the anniversary of Lotus cars. Mr Rushton owned this example for over 20 years until in January 2020 the car came to the UK mainland and DVLA registered on highly prized cherished number. The exceptionally low 4,908 mileage is fully verified and despite the minimal usage there is a comprehensive history file and maintenance log containing invoices and specialist receipts including those for two cambelt changes. In August 2020 and with just 200 miles covered since, the vehicle has benefitted from a full C Service, renewal of gearbox oil, brake fluid and coolant as well as a cambelt change and routine maintenance with an invoice for £1,104.18 from UK Lotus specialist, Track V Road. The Elise document wallet holds all handbooks including a service book and spare key set. Correspondence in the neatly presented history file from the previous of just two uk owners, the first being the importing dealer, and Mr Rushton the original owner confirm the vehicles credentials and amazing provenance. Look no further for the ultimate Elise showpiece.
HPI Clear.