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A rare and collectable Lotus Elise S1 Type 49 with only 9,795 miles.
MODEL HISTORY
Lotus closed the 20th century with a special edition Lotus Elise 49 that commemorates Lotus’ Grand Prix glory and racing history. It is painted in the same red, gold and white colour scheme as the Lotus Type 49 Formula One car (along with several other Lotus F1, F2, F3 and sports racers) driven by, amongst others, Graham Hill and Jochen Rindt. According to group Lotus’ very own Archivist just 92 standard 118hp Elise Type 49 covering LHD and RHD were produced and the 111S 143hp based Type 49 totals 43 cars covering both LHD & RHD. Unveiled at the 1999 London Motor Show at Earls Court and with a fraction of the total 135 cars made surviving, this Gold Leaf special edition is a collectors dream.
EQUIPMENT
Composite body panels with detachable front and rear clamshells, extruded anodised aluminium epoxy-bonded spaceframe chassis, integral roll over hoop, STACK electronic speedo and tacho with multifunction LCD, 12v socket, interior lamp switch, tell-tale warning lamps, odometer, trip recorder, instrument brightness control, pump lumbar support. Type 49 Specification; Special red, white and gold colour scheme, headlamp covers, gold 6-spoke alloy wheels, Lotus/Nardi steering wheel covered with black leather and red Alcantara, black leather and red Alcantara sports seats. Factory Options; Passenger footrest, radio, Thatcham One approved Cobra alarm/immobiliser.
EXTERIOR
As a Type 49 ‘Gold Leaf’ special edition this sports car was available in its distinctive red, white and gold colour scheme. With just two careful owners and 9,795 road miles from new, this cars condition is stunning with even the fragile underside blue jacking stickers still being attached! The orange epoxy resin used to bond the aluminium at factory is still bright and the V.I.N. stamped in the chassis to the offside rear wheel arch area is clearly visible. The car has an incredible bright gloss shine and is first paint, but some of the composite body panels have minor micro blistering. The headlamp covers remain crystal clear with no clouding or internal water ingress stains. Wheel arch apertures and the flat underside to aid aerodynamics are very clean and the Black material hood and simple roof apparatus is perfect. All decals are correct and factory original. Very special.
INTERIOR
Engineering excellence is built into the interior with the aim to save weight and provide ultimate driver focused enjoyment. Exclusivity with the unique Black leather and Red Alcantara sports seats add to the occasion and all Type 49 enhancements such as the Lotus/Nardi steering wheel covered with black leather and red Alcantara and red carpet mats are pristine and unworn. The wide sills are protected by a leather/cloth pad and unlike most, are unworn thanks to the owner’s careful entry and exit technique and super low miles! The doors remain open thanks to undamaged door retaining plates and the windows wind up and down smoothly. An interior Colin Chapman would be proud of and an impeccably preserved Lotus Elise Series One with added rarity.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Entirely standard the four cylinder in-line 16-valve engine with aluminium engine block and cylinder head displaces 1796cc to produce 118hp at 5500rpm and 165Nm torque at 3000rpm. Lightweight construction, rear wheel drive and mid-mounted engine, this ticks the core race car credentials and the driving experience is a must for any petrolhead. The clean engine bay and front compartment display a fully intact heat insulation panel, factory identification sticker, PDI markings and labels. The 5-speed close ratio gearbox with short throw is precise and direct.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The special edition Type 49 has Gold painted 6 spoke 111S alloy wheels which are pristine and have never been refurbished. A collector will be delighted to see factory fitted front 185/55 R15 and rear 225/45 R16 Pirelli P-Zero tyres still fitted with ample tread, yet these tyres should be replaced if the car is to be driven hard as intended. The cast iron 282mm ventilated discs with unique Lotus/AP Racing opposed piston front callipers provide powerful stopping power.
HISTORY FILE
Registered on the 27th April 2000 by Lotus main dealers, Peter Smith Sports Cars Ltd, the car was owned by the first registered keeper until 2019 with just one further keeper since. KGF Classic Cars sold this stunning example to the second owner and are delighted to welcome the rare car back! The car has benefitted from a full C Service, cambelt and water pump and brake overhaul at 9,631 miles and a further A service in May 2024 at 9,795 miles. The Elise document wallet holds all handbooks including a service book with five stamped entries, two from the supplying dealer. All documentation including the Certificate of Conformity, Elise Type 49 and publicity material are included. Two keys, two Cobra immobiliser tags and two Cobra remotes are present with the remotes operation but worn. Showing exceptionally low mileage, this rare Elise is for the discerning car connoisseur.
MOT May 2025, HPI Clear.
Original
