Lotus Elise S1
Sold prices, market value and cars for sale
As of October 21, 2026, Shifty has recorded 18 public sales of the Lotus Elise S1. The records run from January 2021 to October 2026. In the past 12 months, 8 sold at a median of $27,039. The Shifty Estimate for the 111S is $27,100.
Versions
About the Lotus Elise S1
- Built
- 1996 to 2001
- Versions
- 2
- Body styles
- Roadster
- Engine
- Rover K-Series VVC, 1.8L
- Power
- 143 to 190 hp
- 0 to 60
- 4.4 to 5.4 s
- Top speed
- 131 to 140 mph
- Designer
- Julian Thomson
The Lotus Elise S1 was built from 1996 to 2001.
The Elise, the most traded version: The original Elise marked Lotus's triumphant return to its core philosophy: add lightness. Weighing just 1,588 pounds, this mid-engine marvel proved that Colin Chapman's ethos still had relevance in the modern era. The extruded aluminum chassis, bonded and riveted rather than welded, created exceptional rigidity while keeping weight minimal. Power came from Rover's K-series 1.8-liter four-cylinder producing 118 hp—modest on paper, but transformative in practice thanks to the car's featherweight construction. The result was 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds and handling that redefined what a sports car could be. With only 21,000 built across all variants during this generation, early Elises have become increasingly sought after. Clean examples command strong prices, particularly Series 1 cars with their distinctive headlights and purist appeal. The Elise didn't just save Lotus—it reminded the world why lightweight, driver-focused sports cars matter.
The market
Recent sales
Common questions
How much does a Lotus Elise S1 cost?
In the past 12 months, 8 sold at a median of $27,039. Half of the 18 most recent sales landed between $26,080 and $46,750. The Shifty Estimate is $27,100.
What is a Lotus Elise S1 worth today?
The Shifty Estimate for the 111S is $27,100. It describes a well-kept example.
What is the most expensive Lotus Elise S1 ever sold?
The highest sale on file is $78,888, for a 2000 Lotus Elise at Bring a Trailer. It sold on Oct 3, 2026. It showed 4,500 miles.
How many Lotus Elise S1 examples have sold?
Shifty has recorded 18 public sales since January 2021. 8 came in the past 12 months. The most recent sold for $78,888 on Oct 3, 2026.
Where do Lotus Elise S1 examples sell?
Of the last 18 sales with a known venue, 11 were at Bring a Trailer. The rest: Cars & Bids (4), Collecting Cars (2) and Car & Classic (1).
How many miles do Lotus Elise S1 examples have when they sell?
Across the last 18 sales with a recorded odometer, the median was 24,600 miles. The lowest showed 500 miles and the highest 100,000 miles.
Where do Shifty's Lotus Elise S1 prices come from?
Every figure here comes from recorded public sales and live listings of the Lotus Elise S1. Each sale is filed by version and year. Shifty leaves out cars without a clean title, mismatched cars and implausible prices. The Shifty Estimate weights the most recent sales most heavily. These figures were read on October 21, 2026.