2000 | Lotus Elise
Technical Information
Overview
Featured here is a 2000 Lotus Elise S1 - the first iteration of the British sports car brand’s lightweight, mid-engined compact roadster for the new millennium. Named after then-Lotus chairman Mario Artoli’s granddaughter, Elisa, the Elise was first introduced at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Elise remained true to founder Colin Chapman’s firm belief of prioritizing lightness to make the perfect driver’s car, resulting in extraordinary acceleration and handling. With the Elise now retired from production, this example is an alluring prospect for anyone seeking their next trackday toy or weekend leisure driver.
This particular Elise S1 touts a unique distinction with its factory left-hand drive specification. A recent exterior respray brings shades of Nautilus Blue to its body, combined with a Red/Grey interior and a coordinated red sof top roof that can be removed for open-air driving thrills. A set of Lotus alloy wheels are mounted at each corner. Power comes from a mid-mounted 1.8L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mated to a manual transmission. Combined with its minimal kerb weight and rear-wheel drive chassis engineered with precision, this Elise easily reaches speed and is equally lightning quick in corners, thanks to its go-kart-like steering setup. Aside from a non-original air intake that slightly improves performance, this Elise has maintained its original appearance with no significant modifications to its body and interior.
Featured equipment onboard includes a pair of red sports seats, placing both occupants firmly low and snug within the bare cabin. The addition of air conditioning and an AM/FM radio brings driver-friendly amenities to the interior. A Lotus sports steering wheel, aluminum gear shift knob, and digital instrument cluster display ensure the driver remans focused on utilizing this sports car to its fullest. Around 20,019km (~12,400 miles) are displayed on the odometer, although the seller states that due to the age of the vehicle, total mileage is unknown. According to the seller, the car was manufactured in 1998 and is titled as a 2000 model. It is now offered with a clen Carfax report, a Seller's Disclosure report, and a Canadian registration.
Please note, this vehicle is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The buyer is responsible for all importation documentation and fees. SOMO will connect you with a trusted referral who can provide an upfront cost estimate and assist with the process if you win the auction.
Features & Options
- Nautilus Blue Metallic exterior
- Grey/Red interior
- Red softop roof
- Rare original left-hand drive configuration
- 1.8L Rover inline four-cylinder engine, manual transmission
- Leather Lotus sports steering wheel
- Aluminium gear shift knob
- Sport seats
- JVC AM/FM radio unit
- Air conditioning/heater
- Manual wind-up side windows
- Lotus alloy wheels
- ‘Elise’ emblem on passenger dashboard section
- Security alarm
- 240 km/h speedometer
Modifications
- Aftermarket air intake
Service Records
- Seller’s Disclosure
- CarFax report
Ownership History & Provenance
Previous information suggests this Lotus Elise was originally made for the European market, before it was exported to its current residence in Canada. It was first registered in Canada in January 2025. The selling dealer states they have owned this car for roughly one month. This Elise is currently located with the selling dealer in Ontario, Canada.
Known Shortcomings
Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the selling dealer. This 2000 Lotus Elise shows wear consistent with its age, mileage, and refurbished condition according to a Seller's Disclosure. Please review the entire document by clicking “Seller’s Disclosure” above.
- The seller reports this Elise was previously resprayed into its current Nautilus Blue Metallic paint finish (previously, this Elise was reported Green). Photos provided show evidence of the respray performed and select body panels removed
- Photos provided display various surface marks in the interior (lower driver’s side panels, dashboard section on driver’s side)
Please click the “Contact Seller” button to reach out with any condition-specific questions. This car is sold where-is, as-is, and bidder is responsible for all due diligence regarding vehicle condition
Items included in the Sale
- 1 key
- Photos of restoration (respray work)
