WATTSHIP
Model dossier · Lotus

Lotus Elise Series 1

1996 to 2001 Combustion engine
Lotus Elise, photograph
pyntofmyld (Flickr) · CC BY 2.0
01 Overview

Lotus Elise (Series 1) was built in 1996 2001. Powertrain: 1.8 L Rover K-series I4. Size: 3,726 x 1,719 x 1,202 mm (L x W x H). Weight: 725 kg ~ 755 kg.

Composed from the specifications below, so it states nothing the specs do not. Photograph: pyntofmyld (Flickr), CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons), from this generation's own encyclopedia entry.

02 Specifications
Built1996 2001; predecessor =
Engine1.8 L Rover K-series I4
Transmission5-speed manual
Length3,726 mm
Width1,719 mm
Height1,202 mm
Wheelbase2,300 mm
Weight725 kg ~ 755 kg
03 Market price

Not yet sourced for this model. Used prices swing with year, mileage, grade and country, so we publish a market range only when it comes with a named source and a date, and never an estimate. For a live figure, use the landed-cost tool with the price on the auction sheet.

04 Buyer's guide

Check before you buy

  • Inspect for corrosion at sills, floor, subframes and suspension mounts, and replace perishable rubber (hoses, bushes, boots) at import.
  • Read the auction sheet grade and notes, and verify the odometer against service and inspection records. How to read an auction sheet
  • Run a history check (accidents, flood, mileage) before you bid. History check guide
  • Import age rules: this generation already qualifies in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Confirm the rule for your exact vehicle with customs before buying. Landed-cost calculator

General guidance for this type of vehicle, worked out from its body, powertrain and age. It is not a finding about this particular model; use an inspection and the auction sheet for the car you are actually buying.

05 Import age windows

Worked out from this generation's production years and each country's age rule. Rules also depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

United StatesEligible now (built from 1996, 25-year rule).
CanadaEligible now (built from 1996, 15-year rule).
United KingdomEligible now (built from 1996, 10-year rule).
AustraliaEligible now (built from 1996, 25-year rule).
KenyaAll examples are older than the 8-year cap (newest built 2001).
06 Other generations and models

Other generations of the Elise

More from Lotus · all Lotus models

07 Questions buyers ask

Can I import a Lotus Elise (Series 1) from Japan?

By production year alone, Lotus Elise (Series 1) is inside the age window for United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Rules depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

What powers the Lotus Elise (Series 1)?

Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: 1.8 L Rover K-series I4.

How big is the Lotus Elise (Series 1)?

3,726 mm long and 1,719 mm wide and 1,202 mm tall, on a 2,300 mm wheelbase. For container loading, use the container packer.

Answered from this page's own data, not from outside claims. See the sources below.

08 Sources

Confidence: single-source (Wikipedia infobox). Specifications differ by market, trim and model year; the auction sheet or the vehicle's registration document is the final word on a particular car.

Work out the landed cost Back to Luxury Database
FLUX · Chief Engineermi · USD