Sold
Car & Classic

1999 Lotus Elise Series 1

Sold for

£14,000

Ended 25 May 2026

Data from Car & Classic, updated on 10 Oct 2026

Year
1999
Mileage
64,137 miles
Gearbox
Manual
Engine
1796cc
Colour
Red
Location
Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Specification

Fuel
Petrol
Steering
Right Hand Drive
Auction house guide
£11,250 – £16,200

Description

Highlights

  • Two former registered keepers
  • In current ownership for nine years
  • Never raced or tracked during current ownership
  • Extensive MOT history with no advisories since 2023
  • Cam belt changed in 2023

The Appeal

The Lotus Elise Series 1 remains one of the most revered lightweight sports cars of its era - the perfect capture of Colin Chapman's seemingly unending obsession with weight reduction and speed. With its bonded aluminium chassis, mid-mounted 1.8-litre Rover K-Series engine, and a kerb weight of well under a tonne, it delivered exactly that in droves; a real little speed demon for the approaching Millennium.

This particular Elise has had just two former registered keepers and has been in the current owner's care since May 2017, during which time it has covered only around 2,000 miles. It has been stored inside or under a car port throughout and has never seen a race circuit or track day during the current ownership.
A service history is on file, maintained by Lotus specialists and latterly by a local garage, and an extensive MOT history accompanies the car. Uprated Bilstein suspension was fitted in 2018 by a Lotus specialist, and the vendor describes it as a great fun car to drive with impressive handling and road holding. Being sold simply because the owner does not find the time to use it, this Series 1 Elise is ready and raring for its lucky new keeper.

Key Information

  • Mileage: 64,137 miles (supported by MOT history)
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom
  • Technical inspection status: 18th May 2027
  • Technical specs: 1,796cc transverse four-cylinder petrol, 5-speed manual
  • Paperwork: Service history and MOT history on file

The Detail

  • Cam belt changed in 2023 at 63,581 miles
  • Handsome red livery
  • Exterior described as commensurate with age, with a few minor scratches and stone chips
  • Original badges, branding and alloys
  • Underside in reasonable condition with surface rust noted on suspension arms
  • Interior commensurate with age, with some wear to seats and bolsters
  • Rear lining to seats delaminating
  • Instruments clean and legible
  • Engine bay in good order

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.

Comparable sales

Sold prices from auctions that ended in the last 24 months. Chart shows the last 12 months. The latest 12 sales carry details. Prices in GBP.

Median sold price

£15,463.50

Sold range

£7,875 – £25,600

Sold lots

28

Price trend

Falling

Sold 9% below the S1 median

Jan 2026Apr 2026Jul 2026Oct 2026
See all results

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