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Curated Auction

1998 Lotus Elise S1

At a Glance

~8.5 Years Owned | Highly Original | Nicely Presented | Good History File

  • Mileage~61,281 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.8-litre
  • LocationClitheroe, Lancashire

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£1,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

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Video #2

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

A masterclass in minimalist engineering, stripping away modern weight to deliver pure, unadulterated sports car agility.

Built on an aluminium chassis with a fibreglass body, the Elise was designed to keep both weight and production costs low. Production began in 1996, with early cars featuring a Rover K-Series 1.8-litre engine producing around 118 bhp. That may not sound like much, but with a kerb weight of just ~725 kg, it’s enough to propel the Elise from 0–60 mph in approximately 5.8 seconds, and it’s exceptionally nimble, too.

This particular car is a 1998 S1 and has been with our vendor for approximately ~eight and a half years, and fewer than ~900 miles have been covered in that time – yes, ~900! It's finished in bright 'Calypso Red' and presents exceptionally well, inside and out.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting John the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

We got the Elise as a weekend toy, but house renovations took over.

Eight and a half years ago, John bought this lovely 1998 Lotus Elise to enjoy on weekends and days out. The purchase also coincided with an extensive house renovation, which went on for several years and is the exact reason the car has only covered ~1,000 miles in the past 10 years, some of which the car wasn’t used from one year to the next.

Now, with a planned house move and unsure of storage at the new property, John has decided that, as the car isn’t being used, it’s probably best to sell it rather than leave it sitting.

John will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

John
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

A lightweight, curvy fibreglass body manages to look delightfully hyperactive even when sitting completely still.

Wheels and Tyres

The original Lotus five-spoke alloy wheels are in excellent condition, with no damage or corrosion noted on the faces. They are wrapped in a pair of Toyo tyres at the front and Vredestein tyres at the rear, all of which have plenty of tread remaining.

Please take the time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels and tyres, so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn or over 10 years old.

image

Bodywork

The bodywork is in excellent condition, with no damage noted, and the panels align with equal gaps on both sides.

The removable fabric roof is also in excellent condition, with minimal signs of age.

We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

image

Paint

Finished in bright 'Calypso Red', the paintwork presents exceptionally well, with a deep, lustrous shine. There are a few minor age-related stone chips, but these are minimal.

The images are taken from a range of angles to show the car as you would see it in person, so please take the time to fully assess the high-resolution photos and videos before forming your own opinion of the paintwork.

image

Glass and Trim

The windows are in good condition, with no noticeable scratches; there is, however, a small crack in the lower edge of the windscreen in the middle. A small amount of corrosion under the window scraper trim has made the rubber finish slightly raised.

The front and rear lights are all in good order, with no damage to the lenses.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Bare aluminium and a simple layout suggest it's a driver-focused sports car.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in excellent condition; usually, you see signs of wear on the driver’s side from entering and exiting the low seating position. It appears that each owner has taken great care when getting in and out of the Elise, as wear and tear is minimal.

The embroidered fitted floor mats protect the aluminium floor and have no signs of excessive use.

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Dashboard

Clean and simple; the dashboard has no damage to mention.

Fitted with a twin-gauge Stack instrument cluster, this is working correctly, and the odometer shows ~61,281 miles at the time of our visit.

image

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original leather Lotus steering wheel has light signs of colour wear to the rim, in keeping with the age and mileage.

It's fitted with the original aluminium ball gear knob and is in good condition.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

~118 bhp may not sound like a lot in today's world, but in something which weighs in at 725 kg – it's a whole lot of fun!

Engine and Gearbox

The 1.8-litre engine fires up without hesitation and sounds fantastic, thanks to the short journey to the twin tailpipes. The car runs with no issues reported and performs very well.

Fitted with a five-speed gearbox, the change is short and precise, with a reassuring feel as you select each gear.

image

Suspension and Brakes

The paperwork suggests the Elise has a Lotus Sport S2 suspension kit fitted in 2009, which would have been around ~11,000 miles ago. Since then, ball joints and anti-roll bar joints have also been replaced. On the road, the car handles very well, with no knocks or bangs from either corner.

The Elise comes to a stop in a straight line, and all four brake discs appear to be in good order, with minimal signs of wear.

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The Drive

Driving the Lotus Elise is pretty much as mechanical an experience as you will find, defined by its ultra-light ~725 kg extruded aluminium chassis. No power steering, no ABS and no brake servo; every input from the unassisted steering wheel and pedal box feeds unfiltered feedback directly from the road surface to your hands and feet.

The mid-engined balance makes turn-in lightning fast and body roll nearly non-existent, making its modest ~118 bhp 1.8-litre engine feel very punchy through the close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox.

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Electrics and Other

Switchgear is minimal in the Elise, but the essentials are there and working correctly, with no visible signs of wear to the lettering.

A Sony CD head unit is fitted, with a removable face.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Just over ~1,000 miles covered in 10 years – the Elise is ready to be driven.

The Elise comes with a nice history file documenting services, previous MOT certificates and work carried out over the years. The current MOT is valid until 14.05.2027.

Two keys are also included, along with both alarm remote key fobs and the immobiliser fobs.

This Elise is in exceptional condition for its age, as you've probably seen many Elises suffer from worn interiors and heavy stone chips to the front. This one, however, is different; the interior is excellent, and although the front has some very light chips, it appears original, making it an exceptionally nice example to own and cherish for years to come.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including photo ID and V5 verification, as well as a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional HPI check that will highlight if the car has previously been stolen, recorded as being involved in an accident or has any outstanding finance. Please note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We’ve summarised our own view of the car based on information provided by the seller; however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video each car in high-resolution detail, so you can make your own assessment from the comfort of your home. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are also welcomed on all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a suitable time; we just need to speak to you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car, just like at a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
15.05.2026 MOT 61,257
03.08.2022 MOT 61,245
10.07.2021 MOT 60,784
03.08.2019 MOT 60,702
08.06.2018 MOT 60,527
17.08.2017 Service
07.06.2017 MOT 60,456
16.05.2016 MOT/Service 60,082
16.06.2015 Owners Service 59,794
07.05.2015 MOT 59,694
30.06.2014 Owner Service 59,505
15.05.2014 MOT 59,459
24.05.2013 Service 57,130
14.05.2013 MOT 57,119
31.05.2012 Timing Belt, Water Pump and Alternator Belt 56,913
17.05.2012 MOT 56,879
09.05.2011 MOT/Service 56,676
20.05.2010 MOT/Service 53,756
30.04.2009 MOT/Service 50,669
16.05.2008 MOT 46,878
21.05.2007 Service 44,646
16.05.2007 MOT 44,449
04.02.2006 MOT 40,473
18.02.2005 MOT/Service 27,969
19.02.2004 Service 26,531
18.02.2004 MOT 26,528
15.02.2003 MOT 22,469
19.02.2002 MOT 20,373
23.08.2001 MOT 19,556
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Elise
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 01.08.1998
  • CC 1796
  • Mileage ~61,281 on clock
  • Colour Calypso Red
  • Interior Colour Grey
  • Interior Trim Fabric
  • Chassis # SCCGA1113WHC34069
  • Engine # 18K4FJ31117513
  • MOT Yes Exp:14.05.2027
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 6
  • Tyre Brand Toyo, Vredestein
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~8 years , 8 months
  • Key Feature Well Presented
  • Vehicle Registration S336 ATN
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Convertible
  • Auction ID 3977
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Clitheroe, Lancashire

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    Auction Bidding

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    1998 Lotus Elise S1
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Elise S1 like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Clitheroe, Lancashire

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