Highlights* Toyota ZZ twin-cam engine* Excellent leather interior* 186 bhp, 0-62 in 4.9 seconds* Heater and aircon* Six-speed manual transmissionOverviewThe Elise catapulted the traditional British sports car into the 21st century, with a design philosophy which was deliberately far removed from the aged models of the previous decades. And it's all the better for it. The Lotus weren't trying to imitate a rose-tinted idea of what affordable sportscars should be, instead they managed to redefine the entire concept and usher in the dawn of a new era.With its mid engine position and clever suspension wizardry, the handling is famously excellent and all the better for being in a lightweight aluminium and glass fibre shell. Originally the Elise featured a Rover K-series engine, but the 111R model was fitted with a Toyota ZZ unit which upped the power and crucially wasn't from a company that was about to go bust.186 bhp in a car which still only weighed under 900 kg meant the 111R could hit 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds and would top out at 150 mph. This kind of performance in such a small package is what Lotus has always been about.This particular Elise is in great condition, throughout. Its sporting performance is made slightly more manageable by the comfortable leather interior, heater/aircon, and a proper stereo. So it's fantastic fun when you want it to be, but when you need to go a little further you won't find yourself dreading the journey.History and documentation* Registered 2 Mar 2004* Original document wallet* Owner's Handbook and Maintenance Record* Invoices on file for parts and servicing* Some old MOT certificates* One key and remote fob* Five former keepers* Purchased by the current owner in May 2022* Current MOT with no advisories expires 17 May 2025* V5 present in owner's name* HPI clear* The private plate on the car will be included in the sale* London ULEZ compliantInterior* The interior of this Elise manages to be both pared-back and comfortable* Black leather upholstery covers the seats while the dashboard and steering wheel feature contrasting suede* There are plenty of brushed aluminium pieces which give the car a sporting feel* Although this is a very capable sportscar, it does have a few comforts like a radio, a heater, and air conditioning* The upholstery is all in excellent condition, with few signs of wear* There is a little creasing to the driver's seat leather, but nothing unsightly* Next MOT due 17/05/2025, Part service history, Silver, 4 owners, £20,995