“Simplify, then add lightness” were the words uttered by the legendary Colin Chapman, and although incredibly simple and direct, this statement encapsulates the Lotus approach to a tee, emphasising the reduction of unnecessary parts and weight to improve agility and responsiveness with cars that above all, are meant to be driven and enjoyed. It’s an ethos we sometimes forget, even more so in modern vehicles that are hell-bent on grappling the steering wheel from the hands of its driver. For Lotus, it’s always been about the driving, and the Elise carried on where models like the Elan, Esprit and Europa left off. Weighing over 100 kilograms less than the new-era Fiat 500 at a mere 725 kilograms, it's hard to believe such a well-rounded car can weigh so little!
Introduced in 1997, the Lotus Elise S1, truly revolutionised the small-but-mighty sports car market, offering lightness, agility, and innovative design for a very appealing price tag. Powered by a 1.8-litre K-Series engine taken from Rover, the Elise S1 has a free-flowing power band that doesn’t rely on turbochargers, encouraging drivers to use every figure of its rev counter. In true Lotus fashion, though, power is entirely secondary, and the car’s power-to-weight ratio enables it the be the ideal car for a weekend blast through winding roads and racetracks alike.
With just 8,613 examples produced over its life span, examples such as this are becoming a certified future classic. Despite being 27-years-old, this pint-sized rocket has been well maintained its entire life, showcasing excellent mechanical and aesthetic condition, something that can’t be said for many S1s, as many were snapped up by weekend-racers looking to give it their all on the racetrack. Finished in a striking White over Black colour combination, with its famously stripped out interior still in fantastic condition, this Elise would make for a sound investment for any classic and sports car enthusiast.
