1997 Lotus Elise For Sale
This 1997 Lotus Elise Series 1 is a true UK-spec, Right-Hand Drive (RHD) example located in Washington, D.C. Finished in Solar Yellow, it features approximately 60,000 miles and a clean title. The seller has owned the car for several years, focusing on addressing the common Series 1 mechanical weak points, specifically regarding the cooling system and head gasket. While the car is mechanically sorted and described as driving flawlessly, it is being sold as a cosmetic project due to clear coat failure on the front clam, which has already been prepped for a respray.
Location: Washington, District of Columbia/USA
Price: $25,500.00
Key Details
- Make/Model: 1997 Lotus Elise S1 (RHD)
- Mileage: ~60,000 miles
- Engine: 1.8L Rover K-Series Inline-4
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
- History: True UK spec; enthusiast-owned; documented preventative maintenance
- Title: Clean
Condition
- The fiberglass body is in great shape with no cracks
- The front clam has been professionally sanded and primed
- Overall chassis is light, raw, and communicative
- Interior is reported as well-maintained for its age
Performance Highlights
- Lightweight bonded aluminum chassis
- Upgraded EliseParts Bilstein suspension (Pre-98 spec)
- Multi-layer steel (MLS) head gasket installed
- Includes both factory OEM and aftermarket exhaust systems
Known Issues
- Clear coat cracking on the front clam (currently sanded/primed for respray)
- Minor cosmetic refresh required to match the primed front end to the rest of the body
Upgrades & Features
- Race-spec aluminum radiator, 82° thermostat, dual Spal fan upgrade, and black silicone hoses
- Comes with both the factory hardtop and soft-top
- New auto-tensioner cambelt, water pump, and fresh bushings
- Radiator fan controller and upgraded temperature senders (ECU + Stack)
Additional Information
- Legally imported and titled in the U.S.
- Seller is parting with the car due to a newborn and shifting priorities
- The car is described as being in a state where the "hard work" of mechanical sorting is finished, leaving only the cosmetic paintwork
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