The Ultimate K-Series Elise!
Not for the faint of heart, this S1 Elise boasts over 220bhp reliably from its professionally built Rover K-series engine! That’s not even the best bit of the car, this modern classic has the most incredible history file dating back to its original ‘bill of sale’, an unblemished service record along with enough choice upgrades to excite the most hardcore aficionados of the Lotus Elise cult.
Originally delivered on 01/08/1998 to a gentleman from Stourbridge by Ryland Lotus of Birmingham, this Lotus subsequently passed through only 2 other owners before finding a home with the present keeper back in 2007. Up until his ownership the car was treated to scheduled servicing at Lotus main dealers Rylands, Nick Whale & Williams as well as renowned specialists Sportmotive. Since his acquisition, the current owner has lavished the car with attention, not only with regular servicing but also with a raft of well considered upgrades amounting to what is the ultimate specification Lotus Elise.
The chassis has been improved by rose-jointing the suspension, resulting in an even more direct response than a standard car. The dampers have been replaced by the race-tuned Nitrons from Hofmann’s who have also fitted lightweight steering arms, a quick rack, an uprated anti-roll bar and concluded with a complete geometry setup to tease out every last ounce of performance from the chassis.
The interior is a more accommodating environment than the standard car, with beautifully stitched, leather sport seats and red Scroth harnesses to match the uprated red Momo steering wheel, all atop of fitted carpets. To keep an eye on THAT engine, there is a stack oil pressure and oil temperature gauge fitted.
The Lotus Elise is renowned for its light weight and amazing road holding, less so for the standard car’s 118bhp motive power. Over the years many people have fitted bigger, more powerful but heavier engines, providing tremendous urge whilst diminishing the nimble handling that make this car so iconic. The owner of this car has taken a different approach and retained the lightweight Rover K-Series engine yet completely rebuilding it with a carefully curating set of performance parts, culminating in an increase of over 100bhp! The result is breath-taking, the car remains tractable with strong low down torque combined with the most vivid acceleration at the top end.
During the engine rebuild and installation in 2014 the car was also treated to a ‘mini rebuild’ here at Hofmann’s, with both clams removed for a big tidy-up and to remedy any age related wear and tear. All ancillaries were considered with improvements made to the fuel supply, air intake system and exhaust, all contributing to the prodigious gain in BHP.
Factory hard and soft tops included in the sale as well as fresh annual service and MOT.
If you are looking for the ultimate road going Lotus Elise, this car is not to be missed.
Chassis Specification:
• Nitron dampers to ‘Hofmann’s’ specification – set up with full geometry and corner weights by Hofmann’s
• EliseParts adjustable 1” diameter anti-roll bar
• Rose jointed wishbones
• EliseParts lightweight steering arms
• EliseParts quick rack
• Uniball toe links
• Stainless steel tow mount, fuel filler surround and grills
• Adjustable engine fan controller
• Electric boot opener
• Sports seats
• Scroth Harnesses
• Oil temperature and pressure gauges
• Sparco fire extinguisher
Engine Specification (built by renowned K-Series Specialist ‘Kiwi Rog’):
Peak Power: 188bhp @ 7220 rpm @ the hubs measured and TDI Thurrock (estimate 220bhp at the fly)
Peak Torque: 153lb ft @ 5510 rpm @ the hubs measured and TDI Thurrock (estimate 180lb ft at the fly)
Cylinder head:
• VVC head, ported with standard valves
• Replaced valve guides and seats
• Piper 285H cams
• Kent valve springs
• Machine reliefs for cam lobe clearance
Bottom end:
• New/old stock crank
• EliseParts ultralight flywheel
• AP clutch
• Single tang rods, converted to fully-floating
• Accralite high compression forged pistons
• Entire bottom end assembly balanced by ‘Vibration Free’
• Westwood liners
• Block machined flat, top and bottom, blueprinted with sump matched to block and gearbox
• Sump baffled
Ancillaries:
• Jenvey 42mm throttle bodies, port match to the head
• 150/90mm trumpets
• ‘Bernard Scouse’ airbox
• EliseParts 4-2-1 manifold and 2tubular back box utilising a customer larger bore size to accommodate the flow requirements and race CAT
• 200ltr/min water pump
• Lightweight engine mounts with adjustable lower mount
• Emerald ECU driving coil packs and wideband lamda sensor
• Laminova oil cooler
• Fuel swirl pot and high flow fuel pump
Hofmanns of Henley, the distinguished motor trade business, is synonymous with excellence in customer service and vehicle preparation. Our highly qualified technicians, many of whom hold the esteemed master technician status, ensure that every vehicle in our inventory is meticulously inspected and prepared to the highest standards. We take immense pride in offering not only premium vehicles but also a comprehensive warranty that underscores our confidence in our vehicles’ quality. Our commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond the sale, as we prioritise exceptional after-sales service and support. At Hofmanns of Henley, excellence is not just a standard – it’s a promise. We are based 5 minutes walk from Henley train station, an hour from Paddington and close to both the M4 and M40 motorways