Description

2005 Lotus Elise – When the Lotus Elise was launched, the first thing we all noted was just how light it was. The original Elise weighed 723kg, making it the lightest sports cars on sale at the time (by some margin). The remarkable weight was achieved by using the most advanced aluminum chassis and bonding aluminum parts using epoxy resin and riveting rather than traditional welding. The thickness of metal can be reduced from 3mm to 1.5mm. Lotus used aluminum disc brakes and glass fiber body shell which also help with lightness. The Elise got a mid engine layout, double wishbone suspension all around and extra-high torsional rigidity from that special chassis structure. The result was quite simply that the Elise was the most involving, the most controllable and the most exciting car to drive. At the time, the motoring press was driving cars like the Ferrari F50 and McLaren F1, and yet they drove the Elise and couldn’t stop talking about how it was absolutely perfect, the way a car should drive.

These Lotus Elise convertibles are short on bells & whistles but that aids to the lightweight design. One short drive and you won’t miss them at all. After all, this aerodynamic roadster is designed to be driven so enthusiastically that you won’t even notice that there’s no heated steering wheel. We took this Elise on a 50 mile test drive and found that everything worked as it should. Cosmetically this low mile Elise has help up well over the last 17 years. The only flaws we noted were small cracks on the lower edge of the front bumper and and the clear bra is showing its age. If you have a favorite type of tire, you’re in luck! This Lotus is due for a new set and you can install the brand of your choice. Features and options include; DOHC 16-valve inline-4, 6 Speed, Leather Buckets, Removable Top, Push-button Start, Momo Steering Wheel, A/C, Front Airbags, Factory Alarm, ABS Brakes, Cargo Net, Cloth Floormats, Fog Lights, Keyless Entry, Owners Manual, Power Steering/Brakes, Power Windows, Blaupunkt AM/FM/CD Stereo, Tinted Glass, Tire Tools, 16″/17″ Factory Alloy Wheels and Bridgestone Potenza Tires! With only 26k miles, this is a fantastic and unique sports car for under $40k.