1998 Lotus Elise S1
Just 28,000 miles from new

Registration No: R404 JTM
Chassis No: SCCGA1114WHC33576
MOT: May 2023

• Cherished by two 'dyed in the wool' Lotus enthusiasts from new the first of whom visited Hethel to oversee its build
• Supplied by the London Lotus Centre
• Original book pack and serviced on an annual (and sometimes bi-annual) basis for much of its life
• Finished in the handsome combination of New Aluminium with Blue / Black upholstery
• Subtly enhanced with S2 suspension and S2-style upholstery
• Desirable MMC disc brakes

Introduced at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Lotus Elise was a driver’s car par excellence. A paragon of lightness, agility and responsiveness, the newcomer utilised a bonded extruded aluminium chassis clad with fibreglass body panels. Mid-mounted and allied to five-speed manual transmission, its 1.8 litre K-Series engine produced a modest 118bhp and 122lbft of torque. However, with a kerb weight of just 725kg the two-seater was capable of 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and over 120mph. Able to glide over a broken British B-road in typical Lotus fashion, the Elise did without power steering, ABS or traction control and was all the better for it. Early models featured Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) brake discs which not only minimised unsprung weight but also provided great feel. Enthusiasts are already seeking out Series 1 cars (especially MMC equipped examples) as representing the purest incarnation of the Elise; a trend which seems bound to continue.

Having placed his order through the London Lotus Centre, the first owner of ‘R404 JTM’ was such a marque enthusiast that he made several trips to Hethel to observe it being built (the associated photographs remain on file). Passionate about the Elise, he not only had it serviced on an annual (and sometimes bi-annual) basis initially but also subtly enhanced the two-seater’s driving dynamics and interior with S2 suspension components and S2-style upholstery. Another Lotus aficionado whose uncle had worked for the Norfolk firm before becoming specialising in the marque, the vendor was drawn to ‘R404 JTM’ by its condition, originality and impressive history file. Only the car’s second owner, he rates the engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, bodywork, paintwork and interior trim as all being ‘very good overall’. The Dark Blue soft-top roof is in good order as is the ‘shower cap’ and underside. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, this low mileage Elise S1 has much to recommend it and would certainly grace a marque collection.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737