Lotus by no means managed to deliver the unique Sequence 1 Elise into america, however an impartial firm, Solar Worldwide, did. To make the automotive U.S.-legal, Solar Worldwide ditched the Elise’s authentic Rover Ok-Sequence engine for one of many all-time nice four-cylinders, the 1.8-liter from the Acura Integra Sort R. Solely a handful of such automobiles exist, and one simply got here up on the market on Vehicles and Bids.
Particularly, it is a 1999 Elise 111S in left-hand drive and searching fairly good-looking with silver over black five-spoke Rota wheels. Primarily based on the paperwork proven within the itemizing, this Elise was introduced into the U.S. in 2002, with the B18C engine and Honda gearbox put in in 2003. It was first registered in 2005 as a 2001 Solar Worldwide RS Spider.
The Honda engine is arguably an improve over the unique Rover unit. That four-cylinder was mild and rev-happy, however they’re vulnerable to head-gasket failures and components are unattainable to search out within the U.S. The B18C, in the meantime, is Honda-reliable and with its 8400-rpm redline and VTEC cylinder head, an ideal match for the light-weight Elise.
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The Sequence 1 Elise is smaller and lighter than the S2 that ultimately got here to the ‘States in 2005, with a curb weight of underneath 1600 kilos. And to this reporter’s eyes, prettier, too. Whereas the Integra engine set up eats into what little trunk house this Elise initially had, you are most likely not shopping for a automotive like this to run errands.
General, the automotive presents very nicely, with the one apparent blemish being some fiberglass chipping on the onerous prime. (A delicate prime can be included.) It sits low on coilover suspension, and there is a ton of documented current upkeep, too.
After all, with the primary examples being in-built 1997, the S1 Elise is eligible for import into the U.S. now, But it surely’s most unlikely you will discover one abroad with this excellent engine put in within the rear. The public sale ends on January eleventh, and we’re very curious to see what it’s going to promote for.
