1998 Lotus Elise

Hilton & Moss are delighted to present a fabulous example of the Lotus Elise Series 1 at our Hertfordshire showrooms.

There are few modern sports cars that embody the Lotus philosophy quite so completely as the Series 1 Elise. When it arrived in 1996, the Elise was something of a revelation. At a time when sports cars were becoming increasingly powerful, increasingly complex and increasingly heavy, Lotus went in entirely the opposite direction. The answer was beautifully simple: make it lighter.

The result was a car of extraordinary purity. Compact, beautifully proportioned and wonderfully uncomplicated, the Elise delivered its performance not through huge power figures, but through delicacy, balance and an almost unrivalled connection between driver and road.

This 1998 model is a particularly appealing example, having covered just 8,300 miles from new, with four owners. Presented in Azure Blue, one of the colours that suits the diminutive Elise form particularly well, the car has been cherished and well cared for over the years.

The Azure Blue exterior is complemented by the black leather interior that is in excellent condition. The cars simplicity is noticed the most with the interior, featuring only the essential elements. A steering wheel, small dashboard, light switches and simple heating system are all that is required, alongside the Pioneer stereo unit.

First delivered in October 1998 by Motorway Sports Cars, the car spent 23 years in the care of its first owner. In more recent times, the Elise has undergone an extensive list of works with its most recent owner.

Most notably, great attention has been given to the underside of the car with the suspension receiving a full refresh and rebuild totalling £6,500. New bushes, ball joints and bearings have been fitted alongside new bolts and braided brake lines. New Bilstein springs and dampers have also been installed. The suspension arms have received a Cerakote coating, ensuring long term protection for many miles. Finally, a standard geometry setup has been applied with a focus on road use. Elsewhere, a Pro Alloy 48 litre OEM style fuel tank has been fitted with an uprated Spitfire fuel pump.

In April 2025, the timing belt and water pump were replaced as part of the larger C service carried out by Essex Autosport. A new radiator and fan kit were installed at the same time.

Accompanying the car is a fabulous history file outlining the cars history from new. The cars original order form is present alongside an original invoice and correspondence from the supplying dealer. Original brochures and paperwork are also present. A Provenance Certificate confirms that the car was the 1,803^rd built out of 1,965 cars produced.

Nearly three decades after its introduction, the Series 1 Elise has firmly established itself as a modern classic. Early cars such as this are becoming increasingly sought after, particularly when accompanied by such a modest mileage. Now eligible for import into the US, the market for the model is growing at a rate!

With just 8,300 miles recorded, the attractive Azure Blue finish and all the qualities that made the original Elise such a landmark car, this is a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of Lotus's most significant and engaging road cars.

Available now, only at Hilton & Moss.

Service History

Dec 1998 – Motorway Sports Cars – 1,052 miles

Mar 2001 – Frosts Cars - 4,919 miles

July 2007 – Frosts Cars – 5,479 miles

Mar 2010 – Lotus Dutton Forshaw – 6,067 miles

May 2011 – UK Sports Cars – 6,208 miles

Apr 2016 – UK Sports Cars – 6,408 miles

Apr 2019 – UK Sports Cars – 6,469 miles

Apr 2021 – UK Sports Cars – 6,515 miles

Feb 2024 – UK Sports Cars – 6,597 miles

Apr 2025 – Essex Autosport – 7,500 miles