1999 Lotus Elise 111S - 5,115 miles from new

Purity is a fragile and vulnerable thing and in August 1996, the revolutionary new Lotus Elise seemed to ooze purity from every extruded anodised aluminium and epoxy resin crevice, with nothing superfluous subtracting from the essence of this truly minimalist, focused little sports car. Although 'beautiful to behold' it certainly was, the time-honoured relationship between 'form and function' was clearly evident in the way it went and handled, with its lightweight chassis-tub at 731kg failing to daunt the enthusiasm of the mid-mounted, 1.8-litre K-series engine and its 118bhp was enough for a 0-60mph time in the low sixes, allied to decent torque in the higher ratios. Clothed in two-piece 'clamshell' fibreglass bodywork, the featherweight two-door also featured all round double-wishbone independent coil-over suspension, rack and pinion steering, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, and a 5-speed gearbox.

Designer Julian Thomson and engineer Richard Rackham were keen to create a car with something of a motorcycle's feel and they undoubtedly succeeded, as is evident as much in the aluminium and rubber interior and neat little Stack instrument panel, as in the car's dynamic intimacy with the road, the wind and the weather. The Elise was a reaction to the corpulent world of leather, luxury and levers becoming increasingly evident in Lotus road cars and was an attempt to recreate Colin Chapman’s early principles before he abandoned them in a move upmarket.

Introduced at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, just over 10,600 S1 Elises were built before the arrival of the S2 in 2001. It’s a testimony to the concept that 30 years on from launch, the original 118bhp S1 still delivers, all things feel in balance – power, grip, handling and mass, making for a uniquely satisfying experience. The Series 2, naturally benefited from further years of development, however the more demure Series 1 still defines the breed.

The 111S was introduced in early 1999 retaining the VVC Rover K-Series engine, however, a modified head and VVT-type technology endowed the Lotus with an additional 25bhp, bringing it up to a more respectable 143bhp, fed through a closer-ratio gearbox and lower final drive. Other changes included cross-drilled brakes, a rear spoiler, 6-spoke alloy wheels, headlamp covers, ‘chip cutter’ front grille, additional seat padding, central locking, sun visors and alloy window winders.

This remarkable example was supplied new to its one and only registered keeper on 18th March 1999 by Kings Lotus of Warwick. We understand that it's been in storage for much of the last ten years and the odometer currently reads 5,115 miles from new.

Within the car's history file is the original Bill of Sale which shows that after her chosen options - Cobra Alarm, leather seats, a radio, Elise floor mats and a Tracker - the purchase price was £28,395.03. Also in the file are numerous original copies of correspondence from Kings Lotus, the original New Vehicle order form dated 3rd September 1998, original deposit receipt, the original book pack, Driving Controls Technical Data, the original Warranty, dealer directory, old MOTs back to March 2003 at 2,595 miles, and the stamped maintenance record with the last service in the book at 5,112 miles on 7th May 2015. The car will have a cambelt service prior to our auction.