1999 Lotus Elise Sport 135

Debuting  early at the massive 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, on sale 1996, Lotus went back to their roots with the lightweight Elise. It deployed a then unique bonded aluminium chassis under traditional Lotus glassfibre panels. It displayed styling echoes not just from famed classic Lotus from the 1960s, but also Ferrari Dino ‘Flying Buttress’ extensions aft over the mid-mounted Rover 1.8-litre motor.

This 1999 Sport 135 example is a rare opportunity to buy a rapidly appreciating modern classic of a prestige marque. Delivered from a truly limited factory run of 83 examples November 1998 into 1999, these acclaimed 135 Sport derivatives were produced in two batches. T930 JNC is the fourth of 34 made in batch 2 and carries documentation that covers the original sale by an official Lotus dealer onward. Unlike most   limited Elise editions, mechanical changes were included as well as cosmetics. Uprating the aluminium K-series engine from 118 horsepower to an official 135 was achieved with unique cylinder head modifications from Janspeed. A replacement sports exhaust was mated to a closer ratio gearbox shared with the more complex VVC-powered Elise 111S, as were the wider wheels and staggered 225 x16 rear tyres versus 185 or 195 (optional])x 15 inch fronts. Finishing touches included the Quicksilver metallic paint (largely original, minor refreshment of matte black grilles in 2017), cowled headlamps, unique decals and specific Corbeau seats. This example has later Elise S2 seats with blue leather inserts and the factory option of a detachable Momo steering wheel.

The present owner purchased it privately from a lady—a transaction that is also receipted—in May 2015. The majority of considerable recent expenditure on engine, suspension, plus January 2018 fitment of new Yokohama tyres on refurbished or new Lotus wheels, was the work of an official Lotus Heritage centre outside Salisbury.

This Elise has been featured in a series of Running reports in Classic Motoring magazine and a one-off feature in the Club Lotus publication: that club also valued the vehicle (documentation supplied) at £15,500 in 2016. A handbook and two keys, plus two alarm/ remote locking fobs are present, along with official documents and extensive MoT service records underlining correct mileage.

Available by separate negotiation are a silver glassfibre hardtop, two Elise 111S/135 S rear alloys and a set of 4 used Toyo tyres.

Auction Date: 8 March 2018