2002 Lotus Elise S2 'Type 25'

The Lotus Elise S2 Type 25 embodies the heritage that is Lotus' remarkable Formula 1 history. The original Type 25, the car that made Jim Clark a legend and established Lotus as a major force in Formula 1, broke both technological and innovative boundaries just as the Elise did 20 years ago.

Turning away from the 'then standard' tubular spaceframe, Colin Chapman, inspired by the Elan chassis, created the first monocoque racing car by sketching the design on a napkin over lunch with Mike Costin (of Cosworth fame). Virtually built around Jim Clark, the car was secretly constructed in a small area of the then Lotus headquarters at Cheshunt, and made it's debut at the 1962 Dutch Grand Prix. The end of the season saw Lotus failing to win the championship by one point, a fantastic achievement by a radically new and different car, but the following season was to get even better with Clark and Lotus finishing the 1963 season with maximum points, securing both the Drivers and Constructors World Championships.

The same aluminium chassis and GRP body panel principles that were used in the construction of the Type 25 race car were used in the development of the Elise, with the same principles of performance through light weight, low capacity and high output engines at the heart of it's engineering.

The Elise Type 25, built to commemorate the revolutionary single-seater, mirrors its design, painted in Lotus Racing Green with twin metallic yellow stripes running front to back. Unique black Lotus-styled, six-spoke wheels complete the racing look from the exterior. Inside, echoing the original, the interior includes perforated Ruby Red leather seats, door panels and steering wheel centre. The heritage look is continued with red laurels embroidered onto the headrest of each seat and a Heritage Type 25 ID plate confirming it's limited-edition status as only 50 of these cars were produced for the UK market.

This particular example, number 24 of the 50 produced for the UK market, is supplied with a full book pack, a signed Team Lotus poster, a Lotus Elise Type 25 model, the original order form and the two original keys. It was also specified from new with a stainless-steel exhaust system and a brushed aluminium handbrake sleeve, with both still being in place, as are the factory hard and soft tops, providing all round protection from the elements. With a complete service record from new, and care and attention in recent years from Bell & Colvill, this particular Type 25 has increasing desirability within Lotus circles and will surely continue to demand the respect that only a true driver’s car can provide.