While so many were copying Caterham to create lightweight sports cars in the 1990s, it was fitting that Lotus was the one to create a true successor to the Seven. The Elise, in what's become known as the Series 1, buyers could delight in simple, pared back machine weighing just 723kg at launch.
Even with the modest 120hp 1.8-litre K-Series engine borrowed from the base MGF, the Elise was good for 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds. Top speed of 124mph was modest next to most hot hatches, but it didn't matter because what did was the car's handling.
The featherweight Elise was, and remains, a handling sensation. Even on its slim 185/55 VR front and 205/50 VR15 rear tyres, here was a car that could out-point, out-handle and simply out-drive anything else on the road. Superbly accurate steering was another Lotus calling card exemplified in the S1, which was just as well as the back end could break away quite suddenly with an inexperienced driver on board.
Inside, it was clear where Lotus had saved all that weight, and not just with the wind-up windows and sparse equipment. No, you could see the tub which was made of extruded aluminium sections bonded together. It made for an incredibly strong and light base. Further weight was avoided in early cars with metal matrix composite brake discs, but these were dropped on later cars due to the cost of replacements.
In 1997, Lotus showed off the potential of the Elise with the Sport 190. It used a K-Series engine developing 190hp at 7,500rpm and with weight further stripped down to 673kg. The result was 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds and 141mph. It was rabidly quick on twisty roads, but proved too extreme for most buyers and cost £33,500.
Reining in the power and price, Lotus then came up with the Sport 135 in 1998. As the name suggests, power was 135hp for 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds. It was a fraction slower than the early cars as weight crept up to 740kg and its close-ratio five-speed gearbox meant more gear changes.
Balance was restored with the 111S in 1999, which used the 145hp VVC variable valve timing engine from the MGF. Noticeable by the Perspex headlight covers and small spats over the rear arches to cover the wider 225.45 ZR16 tyres, the 111S dealt with 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds. It was the most economical Elise S1 at 30.7mpg and, like all S1s, was offered with an optional hard top that fitted where the fiddly soft-top usually fitted.
Last hurrah for the Elise S1 was the Sport 160. It weighed the same 770kg as the 111S but with 160hp it covered 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds. Only 337 Sport 160s were made before the S1 gave way to the S2 in 2001. All Elise S1 models are now prized, but it's wise to buy on condition rather than specification, unless you particularly want a Sport version. Look after it and you will not lose money.
Bodywork and interior
Front driving lamps were a popular option when new and buyers still covet this; 111S has clear front indicator lenses, but check any car described as one has the right engine too
Fabric roof is very basic and it's easy to break the securing mechanism; make sure the hood fits and seals on the car
A hardtop roof makes the car more usable year-round, but it still leaks and there's more noise inside the cabin with it fitted
Air vents throw up dust and debris into the cabin; a simple fix is to cover the air intake in the front boot with a fine mesh material.
Window winders become stiff with age as the runners warp; tricky to fix as the mechanism is hidden inside the bonded door.
Engine and transmission
Head gaskets are the first thing anyone will mention about the K-Series motor; Elise's light weight gives it an easier time, but check coolant is clean and to upper level
Replacement head gaskets are easily available and stronger than the original; look inside the oil filler cap for 'mayonnaise' as a sign of a blown gasket
Poor gear shift is most likely worn linkages; easy for a specialist to sort.
Worn synchromesh also causes poor gear changes and requires removing the gearbox to cure
Servicing is needed every 9,000 miles or 12 months, so check for a fully stamped book
Cambelt replacement is 54,000 miles in most Elise S1s, but 36,000 miles in Sport 160
Swap the original clutch pedal bush for a stainless steel pivot to solve a stiff pedal action
Suspension and steering
If the main tub has been damaged, look for signs of ripples in the floor; a new tub is £10,000
Rear subframe is made from steel, so look for corrosion; a new one is £500 plus labour to fit and that will include swapping the engine over
Damaged suspension mounts need specialist attention to fix; if a car is affected by this, it's cheaper to look elsewhere
Rear toe links, ball joints and dampers wear, but are cheap to replace and transform the handling
Wheels, tyres and brakes
Early MMC (metal matrix composite) brakes are very effective but expensive to replace, so many now have steel discs
All Elise S1 models use the same front tyre size, but rear sizes vary so check carefully the right wheels and tyres are fitted
Elise is popular for track days and motorsport; uprated brake pads will extend braking power and pad life in these conditions
Lotus Elise S1
Engine: 1,796cc 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Power (hp): 120@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 122@3,000rpm
MPG: 28.7*
CO2: 168/km*
Price new: £18,950*
Yours for: £8,000 upwards
*Figures for official UK
