1998 Lotus Elise S1

KEY FACTS

• This Lotus Elise S1 is a lightweight and engaging analogue roadster, widely regarded as one of the purest driver’s cars of its era.
• It is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre inline-four, driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
• This example is reported to benefit from a Bell & Colvill 140bhp performance upgrade fitted from new.
• First registered in April 1998, this example has been with the seller and the second owner since 2001.
• The odometer indicates 62,104 miles, which the seller believes to be the genuine total.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This Elise S1 is finished in a timeless shade of silver, over a red leather and black cloth-trimmed interior, featuring a black dashboard and door card inserts, and exposed aluminium body panels.
• It rides on a set of staggered 15-inch front and 16-inch rear twin five-spoke alloy wheels fitted with mixed tyres.
• Equipment includes a removable black soft-top targa roof, a black and grey leather-trimmed steering wheel, an aluminium gear knob, an aluminium passenger footrest, a Stack instrument display, and heater and ventilation controls.
• The car is supplied with two keys, including one remote fob and an alarm override fob, along with accompanying history and documentation.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: a scratch on the front bumper measuring approximately the length of a pen, which has not penetrated the bumper surface. The dashboard display shows some fading, the floor mats exhibit light wear, the soft top shows signs of wear to the fabric, the boot liner is in poor condition and requires replacement, and the headlamp reflectors show some surface rust.
• The seller states that the alarm system sensitivity is currently misadjusted, and the alarm has been switched off, though the immobiliser remains functional.
• The seller also notes that the indicators can intermittently fail to operate.
• The most recent MOT test was on 8 August 2025 at an indicated 61,982 miles, which resulted in a second-time pass with one advisory for a number plate light not working.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The seller states that the last maintenance was carried out in April 2026 at around 62,000 miles by Theo Elliott (Cars Guardian), including an engine oil and filter change, new spark plugs, four new tyres, fitment of four new adjustable coilover shock absorbers, and replacement gear lever bushes.
• The seller states that the car was also serviced in August 2025 at 62,100 miles.
• The seller reports that a further service was carried out in August 2024 at an indicated 59,902 miles.
• The seller notes that additional maintenance carried out in their ownership includes the replacement of the headlamp supports with genuine parts, a headlamp relay repair, a brake fluid change, and a gearbox oil change.

Dates and mileage:

• Aug 2022 – 58,764 miles – (reported)
• Aug 2023 – 59,467 miles – (reported)
• Aug 2024 – 59,902 miles – (reported)
• Aug 2025 – 62,100 miles – (reported)
• Apr 2026 – 62,000 miles (Approx.) – Cars Guardian (reported)

SUMMARY

This Lotus Elise S1 represents a highly engaging example of the marque’s seminal lightweight sports car, reportedly enhanced by a period Bell & Colvill performance upgrade and benefiting from notably long-term ownership. With a timeless silver finish over bold red leather upholstery and boasting a lively inline-four engine coupled to an engaging manual gearbox, it stands as an appealing analogue driver’s car, which would make an involving companion for spirited B-road drives or a rewarding addition to a collection of modern classics.

Descriptions are provided by the seller and, to their knowledge, are accurate and not misleading. Buyers must satisfy themselves of the description’s accuracy, and independent research is strongly advised. Enquiries should be raised in the comments section and any inspections arranged before bidding.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.