1999 Lotus Elise Sport 160 Review: Why THIS Is The Lotus You Need To Buy RIGHT NOW

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  • Опубликовано: 29 май 2024
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    Today I drive the extremely rare SVA version of the Sport 160. A member of the first generation of Elise, this was released in 1999 but discontinued in 2000 with the rest of the S1 cars. Today, they are highly prized by Lotus fans - but what exactly is it, and why do people want them?
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Комментарии • 227

  • @JayEmmOnCars
    @JayEmmOnCars  Месяц назад +2

    CarVertical: The History Checking Service
    Use this link or code "JAYEMM" for a discount!
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  • @johnohare992
    @johnohare992 Месяц назад +58

    That seamless bit of Lotus Elise history for ten minutes straight while driving, with no umms or ahhs, interjected with your own toughts and observations with descriptive prose is next level journalistic stuff. Well done James. Smack in the middle of early Clarkson and anytime Catchpole.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Месяц назад +13

      Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it. More Elise content coming soon

    • @markwood7045
      @markwood7045 Месяц назад +2

      Well said John !! There isn't ANYONE doing it like this guy right now. Top of the RUclips tree.

    • @NickThornhill
      @NickThornhill 29 дней назад

      Cracking car. That roll bar bought back some memories. I did work experience as a spotty 16 year old at the factory in the special vehicle department, best week of my college life. I got to help convert a 190 and then we track tested it, I can confirm it had carbon body panels. Got pictures of it somewhere.
      The 190 was faster round the old test track than the v8 esprit.

  • @willum223
    @willum223 Месяц назад +66

    This and an E39 M5 would be a pretty top-notch 90s two-car garage.

    • @klasseact6663
      @klasseact6663 Месяц назад +3

      Agreed😎

    • @BPF80MCar-vi1pg
      @BPF80MCar-vi1pg Месяц назад +4

      A man of culture

    • @jamesstaggs4160
      @jamesstaggs4160 Месяц назад +9

      Yeah that's pretty tough to beat. I currently have the poor man's version of that. A 1993 Miata (unmodified and red of course) and a 1998 540i (manual and silver, becoming increasingly difficult to find now).

    • @markwalton8644
      @markwalton8644 Месяц назад +1

      And a Clio Williams or an Integra TypeR with the B18😊

    • @bzilla1090
      @bzilla1090 Месяц назад

      ​@@markwalton8644I would cross the jap rotbox off and replace it with a BMW 530 MLE

  • @alfista-yr2sr
    @alfista-yr2sr Месяц назад +12

    The obsession with outright speed in a car is destroying the car. Modern cars have such high performance that they are inert to drive thanks to (1) all the nanny systems that are doing most of the driving and (2) the car's performance threshold being so high before any fun can be had. I've owned my Lotus Elise Sport 135 for 18 years and will never sell it, and you can have raucous, visceral fun at 50mph. To have the same sensations in a modern performance car, you need to do double that, and you'll still be nowhere near the Elise for feedback and fun. If I had a penny for every nonce who's ridiculed my car's "slowness" because it doesn't do 250mph in a straight line, I'd be very rich. But if those nonces drove an Elise after getting out of their 2024 BMW M3, they'd realise what they're missing. A modern performance car is a total snorefest. Even the Emira is a snorefest compared to an Elise.

    • @EvoraGT430
      @EvoraGT430 Месяц назад +6

      So true, but not many get it.

  • @davebest5624
    @davebest5624 Месяц назад +41

    Love the reg, a proper nod to the late great Murray Walker.

    • @john1703
      @john1703 Месяц назад +6

      Unless you're very much mistaken. 😅

    • @jamesS1OWO
      @jamesS1OWO Месяц назад +3

      And now, excuse me while I interrupt myself.

    • @NR-ij8ub
      @NR-ij8ub Месяц назад +2

      Looks like it’s on the bottom of rear plate

  • @bispal
    @bispal Месяц назад +58

    I owned a 160BHP S1 for 2 years (All be it a fake DVA power car). It was seriously the best car I have ever owned and driven, in terms of being a drivers car (there is one as good but it costs ££££££ more). The weight, steering, amount of power suspension and everything about it made it a true 10/10 car. There isn't a car at ANY price that has the steering feel and tactility of one of these. Pure motoring magic. You also mentioned the S3 not rev matching when heel and toeing, that was one of the main reasons I sold mine. I would have my £15k (at the time) 160 over my £100k+ 430CUP any day. I just love the S1, only car I have ever specified myself, waited for ( 3 years) and bought new, in 1998 after seeing it at the motor show in 1995. Great Vid, so good I watched twice, thanks James :-)

    • @dadogacesa3877
      @dadogacesa3877 Месяц назад +2

      What is that second drivers car? @bispal

    • @bispal
      @bispal Месяц назад

      @@dadogacesa3877 675LT 👍🏻

    • @afrancis1582
      @afrancis1582 Месяц назад +5

      I also put a deposit down in ‘95, but waited only 18 months.
      The handling of the car was so perfect it was like it had been designed personally for my driving style. But actually, it was just perfectly setup to be the best handling mid engined car, at any price.

    • @afrancis1582
      @afrancis1582 Месяц назад +1

      I also put a deposit down in ‘95, but waited only 18 months.
      The handling of the car was so perfect it was like it had been designed personally for my driving style. But actually, it was just perfectly setup to be the best handling mid engined car, at any price.

    • @bispal
      @bispal Месяц назад

      @@dadogacesa3877 675LT 👍🏻

  • @ziginox
    @ziginox Месяц назад +25

    A JayEmm Lotus video? I couldn't click fast enough!
    That sound is absolutely *glorious,* especially the flat-foot shifting.

  • @arigato7788
    @arigato7788 Месяц назад +17

    the symphony between transmission whine, engine sound and exhaust sound is pure art 😩👌

  • @barkspeed7135
    @barkspeed7135 Месяц назад +11

    I was the second owner of this car and not a day goes by that i regret selling it

    • @elliot438bcfcVTEC
      @elliot438bcfcVTEC Месяц назад +2

      You mean that you don't regret selling it 🤔

    • @zedlicious
      @zedlicious Месяц назад

      As the saying goes… never sell a Lotus. I’ve had mine 25years and counting

  • @karacop78
    @karacop78 Месяц назад +12

    You gave me an advice a few years ago. I followed it last summer and got an early '01 S2.
    Now I understand. Thank you.

  • @General87Lee
    @General87Lee Месяц назад +6

    I did all the detailing, PPF, badge fitting and finishing on this Elise after having quite a bit of work done. An absolute pleasure to put the finishing touches on this car, it's a very special thing and it's very noisy 😂 The owner James is a great guy and it was really interesting hearing the history of the car when he was here.
    Great to see it looking well on your chanel Jay!
    P.S. its L.E Detailing and PPF Studio 😜👍

  • @philip_christian
    @philip_christian Месяц назад +10

    It was S1 Elises that got me started doing MG Rover diagnostics.

  • @laurieharper1526
    @laurieharper1526 Месяц назад +28

    I remember watching a documentary about the development of the car. Lotus collaborated with a major adhesives manufacturer to develop the bonding material for the chassis to avoid the need for welding it. It was impressive. They showed destructive testing, in which the aluminium was badly damaged, but the adhesive remained intact.

    • @Skawagon
      @Skawagon Месяц назад +2

      It might be this one: ruclips.net/video/a-TiFKr2yb0/видео.html

    • @simongibbs3936
      @simongibbs3936 Месяц назад +1

      The tub was developed at TWI.

    • @Fozzymandeus
      @Fozzymandeus Месяц назад

      Was the “major adhesives manufacturer” copydex?

    • @laurieharper1526
      @laurieharper1526 Месяц назад

      @@Fozzymandeus Hilarious. have you considered a career in comedy?

    • @Fozzymandeus
      @Fozzymandeus Месяц назад

      @@laurieharper1526 glad you enjoyed it.

  • @markwalton8644
    @markwalton8644 Месяц назад +3

    Having driven a Porshe 996 GT3, a Lotus Exige S1, a VX220T( modified) and a Clio Williams, the Lotus and VX220T had the best Steering. The Turn in from the Unassisted Rack was just Pure and Unfiltered! 😊

  • @cestmoi7829
    @cestmoi7829 Месяц назад +4

    I have owned a 111s from new & having owned and still do 911s also, I have to say it is the lotus I will be keeping. The engagement & joy of driving on normal roads is exponentially better than many cars that dont give any joy on normal roads within legal limits

    • @GT380man
      @GT380man Месяц назад +2

      Of 8+ motorcycles I’ve owned, the one that gives the most enduring pleasure is my 1977 Suzuki GT380B. It’s not fast, it doesn’t handle particularly well, it’s brakes are so-so.
      But it’s smaller and lighter than my much more valuable GT750A (aka “Kettle”)
      It’s six speed gearbox is sweet, the clutch is light, it’s carburettor fuelling is absolutely spot on, it sounds fantastic as two stroke triples, running up under load do and, to my eyes, it’s so good to look at, with its four chromed exhausts, the exaggerated proportions of the motor (due to a purely decorative “Ram Air” cover), and all the period details.
      Enjoyment of our machines is a very personal thing, I find.
      One thing that I particularly dislike, on balance, despite acknowledging the many virtues and conveniences of a wholly digital dashboard, is the tendency of new cars to be almost overwhelmed by “tech”. I’m now in a position that I never expected, the ability to buy almost anything I want in the non-collectors automotive market. However, there’s nothing new on sale today or in the last 2-4 years that I would consider. I consider myself blessed to own a 20 year old 911. I even tried out late letter 911s & decided they were not for me. Too much everything.

    • @cestmoi7829
      @cestmoi7829 Месяц назад +1

      @@GT380man I agree. We are in a similar position. I like to interact physically not digitally with my car - the latest 911 etc is just not analogue enough for me including the interior touch points. I think the most recent Porsche I enjoyed driving was the 4.0 cayman GTS which was quite engaging; otherwise I will stick with 997 and earlier. Also ride and own a Ktm 990 super duke but don’t get out on it much. I have to be honest and find electric cars dull; I have driven a few including taycan and great on motorway buy breaks just aren’t there for me on b roads; they are just too heavy !

  • @leongiles3496
    @leongiles3496 Месяц назад +1

    Good to see you back in a Lotus! Thanks again for sharing

  • @Grayxyz
    @Grayxyz Месяц назад +4

    I've never had the privilege of being in a lotus. But in my mind, it was the closest a car could get to a supersport motorbike aside from a kit car. Just an engine, 4 wheels, and good handling.

  • @carlwilliams3488
    @carlwilliams3488 Месяц назад +5

    I love the s1 elise still today, really pretty shape. Having worked on the control system for the plant in cardiff where the aluminum extrusions were made its nice to have a connection to it. Love them so much i bought a Chimaera 😂. At least is British and has another legendary rover engine.

  • @charlesclay7842
    @charlesclay7842 28 дней назад +1

    Love your review and enthusiasm of my dream car. Makes me want one even more. This will be rewatched.

  • @Lukey-jy4ez
    @Lukey-jy4ez Месяц назад +9

    Your early Elise/Lotus videos helped me decide to buy a Rover powered S2. Had it 4 years now.
    I bought my dream car (964) 15 years ago, which I still have. But if I had to let one go, I think I would say goodbye to the Porsche. The Elise is such pure joy to drive

    • @bb0209
      @bb0209 Месяц назад +1

      I thought my 964 was a car for life (having had it 12 years)...until I bought my Elise

    • @paul_k_7351
      @paul_k_7351 Месяц назад

      Which variant of Elise do you have / would you recommend?

    • @Lukey-jy4ez
      @Lukey-jy4ez Месяц назад

      @@paul_k_7351 to be honest, I have only drove my own car (Elise). S2 Long tail, refreshed suspension original spec, spicy cams, upgraded exhaust, hurricane induction and bell discs/performance pads. Fastest thing on the road or track, no, not at all, but maximum smiles per mile, it would take a lot to beat in my opinion. Well happy

    • @herme99
      @herme99 Месяц назад

      160 and a 964 owner here - happy days, but never ending maintenance!

    • @paul_k_7351
      @paul_k_7351 Месяц назад

      Maintenance on the lotus or the 964?

  • @JohnAdams-kc8wx
    @JohnAdams-kc8wx Месяц назад

    I can’t get over how much you know Jay on a whole range of cars. History, specifications, backstories Terrific !

  • @paullondon5332
    @paullondon5332 Месяц назад +7

    I have one - it’s fantastic!

  • @sythenalpha2037
    @sythenalpha2037 Месяц назад +13

    dont forget the rover k series is 96kg wet compared to a honda k series which is 125kg

    • @ravenmaster6364
      @ravenmaster6364 Месяц назад

      are the two k series engines of the same design? (rover/ honda) 👍

    • @bahjah944
      @bahjah944 Месяц назад +1

      @@ravenmaster6364 nope, completely different.

    • @bzilla1090
      @bzilla1090 Месяц назад +1

      Engine weight is important, which is why nobody except drag racers use the 2JZ Toyota engine as it's heavier than most diesel engines coming in at a portly 225kgs wet.

    • @sythenalpha2037
      @sythenalpha2037 Месяц назад +1

      @@bzilla1090 and its an inline 6 so the weight goes really far forward its hard to balance a vehicle when that happens thats why american v8’s are also used as they are compact enough to stuff in really low and far back meaning the weight isnt as much of a negative.

    • @bzilla1090
      @bzilla1090 Месяц назад +2

      @@sythenalpha2037 yep, balance in a race car is vital, a V engine is always the way to go when it comes to creating proper balance, or as in some cases manufacturers like Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Subaru go for the low center of gravity approach with a flat layout, which you must really commend Porsche for slinging that engine over the rear and actually making it work for all these years, some serious engineering going on there, BMW too, for being sticklers with their straight 6 layout and actually beating the competition. Commendable efforts.

  • @paulallwood6033
    @paulallwood6033 Месяц назад +1

    I'm not even a Lotus fan as such, but that was a great video !
    That car looked absolutely raring to go at all times ! Sounded fantastic as well

  • @lewismcnicholas2631
    @lewismcnicholas2631 Месяц назад +2

    Love my Elise S1 turbo technics 190 - she’s a keeper

  • @johnnyboy1586
    @johnnyboy1586 Месяц назад +1

    What a great looking sports car,the side profile is perfect with the front to the finishing up swep of the rear spoiler😊

  • @wv2100
    @wv2100 Месяц назад +1

    My dad had one of those sport 190s, but sold it last year after 24 years of ownership. Getting an MOT for it was always a slightly dodgy process for the reasons you mentioned, but it could be done with a bit of off-the-books persuasion. As far as we’ve found, there are only 6 or 7 of those 190s registered in the UK. His car was featured in an article on piston heads shortly after he sold it, if anyone’s interested in learning more.

  • @longtailgt
    @longtailgt Месяц назад +1

    18:26 straight out of Top Gear. Never change, James!

  • @danielenticknap7540
    @danielenticknap7540 Месяц назад +1

    Loved mine. Loved it even more with Honda K20a conversion from Maidstone Sportscars.

  • @playwithcars
    @playwithcars 25 дней назад +1

    Love the plate. 6060 GO, so on point for such a special car.

  • @OppositeLock99
    @OppositeLock99 Месяц назад +6

    Thanks for the video. Serial Elise S1 owner here, including 2x Sport 160’s - one of which was the £40k S160 you refer to. It actually has less than a third of the mileage of this one. Great cars but the 111S is a much better ‘factory’ car to own and drive.
    Oh, and that exhaust really isn’t the standard SVA S160 one at all. Sounds like a Larini to me.

    • @flavioc5389
      @flavioc5389 Месяц назад

      Isn’t the Toyota-engined S2 better still?

    • @dadogacesa3877
      @dadogacesa3877 Месяц назад +1

      ​​@@flavioc5389 Define better! Later cars (s2/s3) are better at being a car. Not necessarly better at being Elise.

    • @marktickle8480
      @marktickle8480 Месяц назад

      Agree, 111S (known as one eleven S, not Elise S Jayemm). The VVC and short box are just fantastic together.

    • @marktickle8480
      @marktickle8480 Месяц назад

      ​@@flavioc5389 you can feel the additional weight and subjectively, the non-servo brakes of a K series car are better. No right or wrong, just preference

    • @flavioc5389
      @flavioc5389 Месяц назад +1

      @@marktickle8480 Thanks!!

  • @harald.370
    @harald.370 Месяц назад +2

    James must be a happy chap owning this 👍

  • @AntoniusTyas
    @AntoniusTyas Месяц назад +2

    Verde Scandal is a Lamborghini colour. It was introduced with the Miura. In fact, I think whenever someone said Miura my mind always thought of a Verde Scandal Miura. It is still available as Ad Personam paint today, by the way.

  • @Tajemni3
    @Tajemni3 Месяц назад +2

    I love the GO GO GO license plate

  • @caymanjoe2527
    @caymanjoe2527 Месяц назад

    Great video

  • @chriswaggett163
    @chriswaggett163 Месяц назад

    Best Lotus reviewer. Ever. Thanks James.

  • @davedave4658
    @davedave4658 Месяц назад

    Another beauty. (No lift shift is disconcerting for sure! It's REALLY intended for flat foot shifting at WOT. A lightning quick shift at the top of the tach, almost no power interruption, a quick crack and into the next gear. Not something easily or comfortably accomplished in someone else's car for video. Let alone with a shifter you already don't get along with. Really hoping the owner took the good Sir for a proper demonstration.) As usual, a terrific ride along in a car most of us wouldn't get the chance with otherwise. Thanks Jay.

  • @camilstoenescu
    @camilstoenescu Месяц назад +1

    Lovely color for an iconic car.

  • @lichiangchar7
    @lichiangchar7 Месяц назад

    Still have my S160 bought it new in 2000. What a car !

  • @easydrive3662
    @easydrive3662 Месяц назад +2

    There a great looking sports car, so unique, id say the lotus elise and the fiat coupe are both very unique looking sports cars that stand out among the crowd.

  • @simongibbs3936
    @simongibbs3936 Месяц назад +2

    It’s amazing how we judge cars years on. I remember nearly buying a late series 1 and the dealer said to wait as the new series 2 was due to be launched and it was a better car in every way. He was right but if I was to buy another one now it would probably be a series 1! Weird.

  • @LotusEliseNZ
    @LotusEliseNZ Месяц назад +1

    Time you did an Exige S1 review James. You can have mine if you fancy a holiday in NZ :)

  • @septanos
    @septanos Месяц назад

    my dream elise, the exhaust note is just so nice and pleasing to hear

  • @hyper8545
    @hyper8545 Месяц назад +2

    I like lotus. Great concept. Who needs a rari.

  • @FFL3001
    @FFL3001 Месяц назад +9

    tuff…tuff….tuff…. "This is the best car ever!!!"…tuff..brrrtt….

  • @midwestisbest1
    @midwestisbest1 Месяц назад +1

    Honestly the driving experience in this video seems so similar to that of my R53 Mini. A lot of rough edges but the fun is worth it.

    • @paul_k_7351
      @paul_k_7351 Месяц назад

      The r53 is an amazing car and very underrated by the professional journalists. I had one for six years but now regret selling it. F56 is not half bad either.

  • @t3hgir
    @t3hgir Месяц назад +1

    Elise variants are modern classics. I used to live near someone who owned a mid 2000s yellow Elise and they really are incredibly low and small cars, compared to a typical American sedan :)
    However after driving the turbo Vauxhall VX220 in Forza Motorsport 4, I wonder if those (and Opel Speedsters) are the real gems to pick up now. Apparently while they were somewhat co-designed and produced under agreement of Lotus, many of the parts are not interchangeable (for better or worse) and they used a 2.2 GM Ecotec 4cyl from an Opel Astra. What gets me in Forza is just that already torquey I4 getting breathed on by the turbo. Feels like an Elise with a rocket strapped to it, whereas the Elise Sport 190 in Forza feels that slight bit more response and lighter, classic Lotus. Instant power but never beyond what the car can grip, go-kart like cornering...

  • @PeterKirton-nu9iv
    @PeterKirton-nu9iv Месяц назад +2

    I have owned two Elise. The mark 1 bought used and the mark 2 new. Great cars but the thin standard seats uncomfortable and the second one I owned had a disconserting habit of accelerating when slowing down at about 10mph without touching the pedal which is why I sold it.

    • @eastleycabs
      @eastleycabs Месяц назад +5

      I used to work at a lotus dealer. The issue you describe was faulty throttle bodies. Original ones were plastic and would warp through heat and then stick. We replaced them with metal ones which were fine

  • @spa04duncana
    @spa04duncana Месяц назад

    Jay, the exhaust on the car in the video looks different to the exhaust in the magazine shots - you keep saying "original" but some confusion here perhaps (for me at least).
    Love all your videos mate, best car reviews on youtube imo. Keep it up.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Месяц назад +1

      I am going on what the owner told me

    • @spa04duncana
      @spa04duncana Месяц назад

      @@JayEmmOnCars fair enough. Thanks for the response 👍🏼

  • @race-it
    @race-it Месяц назад

    I used to own one of the other scandal green sva sport160 from 2000-2008, was interesting at mot time.

  • @BionicRusty
    @BionicRusty Месяц назад +6

    Honestly, my dream car.
    Ideally in BRG.
    Beautiful from every angle.
    Absolute dream car 💚

  • @simonstock2526
    @simonstock2526 Месяц назад +3

    This is the ultimate Elise S1

  • @eric-wb7gj
    @eric-wb7gj Месяц назад +1

    TY J! 🙏🙏. All S1's have cult status by now.

  • @simonhughes7382
    @simonhughes7382 Месяц назад

    The best Elise and in scandal green (or krypton?) legendary. Never got low enough in price for me and sure it will keep going up now!

  • @achmadsyarifhidayatullah5341
    @achmadsyarifhidayatullah5341 Месяц назад +1

    wondering if you will review analogue elise in the future

  • @leeevernden
    @leeevernden Месяц назад +1

    The want is strong with this one

  • @Tom_Hadler
    @Tom_Hadler 6 дней назад +2

    I'm with you Jay, the S1 Elise I've never found especially pretty. That said, the older I (and it) get, the more I am coming round to it and perhaps even seeing it as better than the S2 Elise. This spec looks cool, great colour too.
    Is the rear wing / spoiler more upturned on this than normal? Or extra, I feel like it's an extra piece. Improves the side profile no end.

    • @jamesS1OWO
      @jamesS1OWO 6 дней назад +1

      The 111s came with the spoiler as standard. Then for the sport 160 they used the same spoiler but added raiser blocks so it’s about an inch higher than the 111s. It’s a standard item on the car.

    • @Tom_Hadler
      @Tom_Hadler 6 дней назад

      @@jamesS1OWO ah thanks

  • @robinkirke1702
    @robinkirke1702 Месяц назад

    Nice!.

  • @pokemaster2331
    @pokemaster2331 Месяц назад +1

    Is it the pg1 gearbox in these?
    If so explains the reverse issues.
    Even my TF le500 doesn't like to go into reverse

  • @markgilmour1169
    @markgilmour1169 Месяц назад

    I owned a S1 Elise sold it for a Boxster mainly for the practicality wish I hadn't.

  • @techyd8411
    @techyd8411 Месяц назад +2

    So which suspension does it have then? Told us it didn’t have nitrons but omitted to say what it does have …??

  • @adamgreen7291
    @adamgreen7291 15 дней назад +1

    Awesome video, a real petrol head. Who cares its not rapid, modern cars are to quick and boring compared to that thing

  • @GT380man
    @GT380man Месяц назад

    James, at low speeds, that car sounded a little like a motorcycle departing pit lane with a speed limiter engaged.

  • @moospeed
    @moospeed Месяц назад

    Ah yes, my spidey senses hone in on those magic words Sport 160. I've had a few, the last one was one of the SVA ones and one of only three in Azure Blue. It's the longest I've owned any car as it was just so damn good. I had to sell it to fund a Porsche (crack out the violins) but I do sometimes wonder if I should've just bought another cheaper car to go alongside it.
    Mine was stunningly original and to be honest I'd got a bit nerdy and precious about it. It was making my teeth itch looking at all the differences on that one there.
    I don't regret selling it and missing out on the increase in value, it had already hiked up considerably in the time I owned it and I knew I'd be selling an investment. I'm more into cars than investments though so I'm at peace it was the right choice at the time. Then again I sold my E30 M3 for less than £10k which is laughable now, never take money advice from me.
    Great to see and hear it on the video. Though it missed one of the 160's key traits, it's lumpily impressive even at idle, purposeful. Cold day in Hell before I'd choose a sewing machine 111S over that.

    • @jamesS1OWO
      @jamesS1OWO Месяц назад +1

      Got to agree 111s is a tappaty twin cambelt bag of spanner’s . I’m sure it was just done for emissions. Have driven Elise trophy cars with better low down and top end power than the vvc engine.

  • @timscarnonsense319
    @timscarnonsense319 Месяц назад

    I bought an s1 a few years back. I would have liked a 160, but found a car with almost all the factory mids already done. I just added a dva 160 head and the spec is near identical
    The comment about the nitrons was interesting. Mine has nitrons and I dont like them. Its away at a specialist at the moment having a few little tweaks done and throttle bodies and emerald fitted.
    Ige asked them to drive it, assess it, and make dome suggestions for the suspension. I hope itll be as simple as changing the springs or bushes. We'll have to see.

  • @Canadian_Gamer
    @Canadian_Gamer Месяц назад +3

    Oh hot damn. 🔥

  • @AJTalks
    @AJTalks Месяц назад +1

    I reckon flat shifting in the context of straight cut gears means using no clutch whatsoever like a motorcycle with a quickshifter. You may have been doing it wrong James, that did sound like the limiter.

  • @deaks25
    @deaks25 Месяц назад

    There's something about an angry little 4-Pot that is such a lovely noise, maybe it's the biker in me but I could have listened to that Elise sing at full chat the whole video and James simply say "I rets my case" at the end.
    Given that it's quite a special car to start with, add in it being the literal poster-child for the model, I wouldn't blame the owner if they said it was a Never Sell Forever Car, because that is a very, very special little thing. I expect it probably gets forgiven every single vice after just one spirited drive.

  • @marktickle8480
    @marktickle8480 Месяц назад

    I was told that the Sprint became the 111S (one eleven S not Elise S). Mercedes Sprinter van coming to market at the same time made Lotus backtrack and drop the Sprint, to just S.

  • @iconicon5642
    @iconicon5642 Месяц назад +1

    I had the head gasket in the elise go cost 100 quid labour and 42 quid gasket....in Australia. It cost 75 - 100 quid a year to service. And there's a problem?

  • @samueldowney2806
    @samueldowney2806 Месяц назад

    So what aftermarket suspension is this using if it rides that well? That's a problem I never fully solved in my S2.

  • @TheMrrigma
    @TheMrrigma Месяц назад

    Try one with a 250bhp Duratec on throttle bodies. Way nicer. And yes I’ve owned a sport 160!

  • @simonhughes7382
    @simonhughes7382 Месяц назад +1

    Please stop this James, I can't buy another Lotus, my brain/ wallet just can't cope!
    I also love the way the car died on you as you said 'Better behaved'. They genuinely have personalities.

  • @TexasRiverRat31254
    @TexasRiverRat31254 Месяц назад

    It's got a cute little grin and I'm sure it's really fun to drive. Where I live it would be impossible to get service so I'll stick with my Cayman. I like a roof and it's fairly reliable....so far! When did Lotus start using Toyota engines?

  • @draggonhedd
    @draggonhedd Месяц назад

    best lotus in best color.

  • @sumkunt0r
    @sumkunt0r Месяц назад +4

    Ahh I wondered If you were hitting the rev limiter.

    • @fd9ak49
      @fd9ak49 Месяц назад +1

      Really fef-f-fined

  • @shaesnell3938
    @shaesnell3938 Месяц назад +2

    I knew it was good when you pulled out of the carpark and before you were even up to 3000rpm you were already stage left

  • @larrygerfen2801
    @larrygerfen2801 29 дней назад

    I’d like to see JM get in and out of said Elise. I’m little over 6 ft and remember the contortions necessary to get in and out of one at our local dealer.

  • @guylambrechts2303
    @guylambrechts2303 Месяц назад +1

    One day I'll own an Elise. One day.

  • @dadogacesa3877
    @dadogacesa3877 Месяц назад +9

    Long term Elise S1 Owner here. In my view S160 is not the best Version. 111S is. Shorter Gearing, Engine which is more flexible, etc..

    • @willb7081
      @willb7081 Месяц назад +3

      100% agree with this! The 111S has none of the poor idle/low rev power issues the 160 has (unless DVA etc tweaked). To me the S160 is the most overated model, along with the S1 Exige (sitting in a poor idling sweat box) neither are that much 'fun' to own...... flame suit on!

    • @Nathan-vb7vi
      @Nathan-vb7vi Месяц назад +1

      Agree, I worked at Lotus and have owned most of the Elise and Exige models, including a Vx220. My favourite was always the S1 111S

    • @steveluck9541
      @steveluck9541 Месяц назад +2

      Yep I’ve had my 111S since 2001. Throw in a nice manifold and exhaust and a decent induction kit and it will make the same BHP as the 160. I have lightened and balanced flywheel and quaife torque biasing diff. Bilsteins springs and shocks from S2 Elise make it perfect.

    • @drew699
      @drew699 Месяц назад

      I have read quite a few reviews where they say that the 135BHP Sport was better than the 143BHP 111S, for various reasons including the fact that the 135 actually had more often than not 145BHP & the power was available far lower down than the 160 or in the higher peak power VVC.

  • @Adrianmazda6
    @Adrianmazda6 Месяц назад

    Talking of sportscars, have about doing a follow-up story on whatever happened to your old blue Lamborghini Gallardo FA53CUH ??

    • @taotoo2
      @taotoo2 Месяц назад

      I think he returned it

    • @Adrianmazda6
      @Adrianmazda6 Месяц назад

      @@taotoo2 What do you mean?

    • @taotoo2
      @taotoo2 Месяц назад

      @@Adrianmazda6 Gave it back to the company he bought it from I think. This video no doubt clarifies it ruclips.net/video/xV4x6ytILxE/видео.html

  • @CC-qe1gq
    @CC-qe1gq Месяц назад +1

    I'm the happy owner of a standard Elise S1.
    Due to personal reasons, I'm considering selling it.
    Do u think it will increase in value in the coming years?

  • @londonman8688
    @londonman8688 Месяц назад

    so when you change and modify everything, it is a good car !

  • @davidhodgson7764
    @davidhodgson7764 Месяц назад

    Got a S1 with the Bell & Colvill 160 conversion. Pretty sure they never made 160, but it kangaroos too.

  • @hushpuppykl
    @hushpuppykl Месяц назад

    Plonk in a K20A and off we go!

  • @GT380man
    @GT380man Месяц назад

    Considering the power to weight ratio, the Elise here is in the same ballpark as my 996 40AE. And that’s enough.
    Even the narrow body 911 is large compared with this Elise.
    I don’t know why i didn’t have this on my shortlist before selecting the Porsche.
    What could I purchase for £40-£50K?
    It’s also physically a smaller car, I expect.

  • @benwinfrey
    @benwinfrey Месяц назад +1

    Any chance you could add some footage of you getting in and out with the roof on..?

    • @benwinfrey
      @benwinfrey Месяц назад

      ruclips.net/video/5c1KgeUdrZc/видео.htmlsi=IVVAoA_mn3cnmCn7

    • @benwinfrey
      @benwinfrey Месяц назад

      Apologies, I should have known you’d have it covered! Fell out of a series one in Cheltenham once trying to look cool. Mistake.

  • @joeedwards3586
    @joeedwards3586 29 дней назад

    anyone know what the thing at 2:36 connecting the engine to the induction pipe is called?

  • @elliottharley1386
    @elliottharley1386 Месяц назад

    16.16/16.17 hilarious 😂

  • @WhiteMouse77
    @WhiteMouse77 Месяц назад

    😀...funny frog! ...and when "walking"....doing so like a duck...LoL! But entertains pretty exciting when stretches its legs :)
    But you know what.... some AC Cobra replica...is somehow.... a bit more... in some way...nevertheless it is upon everyones taste...Next to this Lotus toycar... I would also test drive some Donkervoort, Wiesmann and possibly even first gen Viper before final decision.... I think here on old continent... we need toycars for Sunday drive which are strongly exciting even within legal speed limits...just cruising....
    BTW what type of Lotus was that stunning blue one in chace sequence of movie Red 2 ?

  • @tomandrews264
    @tomandrews264 Месяц назад +3

    What suspension does this one have? I'm also wary of Nitrons ruining the ride. Is it the S2 Bilsteins?

    • @treanorshay
      @treanorshay Месяц назад

      +1 on the suspension query? I've nitrons in mine and have to decide on a rebuild or a different set up (off the road 14 years)

    • @techyd8411
      @techyd8411 Месяц назад

      I’m running Nitron street series on my S2, adjusted quite soft but springs do seem really quite stiff - but compared to the original Bilsteins I had the low speed ride is basically the same. I’ve not experienced the ride journalists describe in any Elise I’ve driven…

  • @davidgriffiths938
    @davidgriffiths938 Месяц назад

    Are those Citroen wing mirrors?

  • @Wargasm54
    @Wargasm54 Месяц назад +2

    I had one of these. It was a tad slow so I put a Bugatti Chiron engine in it. Made a big difference.

  • @fatkev1983
    @fatkev1983 Месяц назад +3

    Like any car that is sublime on the move... its is dreadful at slow speed. Oh, and I think I am in the minority, I like the series 1 Elise the most.

    • @BionicRusty
      @BionicRusty Месяц назад +1

      Yes.
      Absolutely 👍

    • @afrancis1582
      @afrancis1582 Месяц назад +1

      Not just you. I had have always thought the S1 is a very very pretty car.

    • @techyd8411
      @techyd8411 Месяц назад +1

      Not just you the low speed ride / town driving is pretty diabolical to be fair, running Norton’s street series 2, adjusted to run quite soft

    • @fatkev1983
      @fatkev1983 Месяц назад +1

      @techyd8411 I'm cheap... I bought a mk3 MR2 for my "light" mid emgine kicks. Obviously, not a patch on the Elise. I missed the boat for cheap S1 Elises by a long time.

  • @Thundercat_Johnson
    @Thundercat_Johnson Месяц назад

    How do you live with the fear of head gasket failure looming? just proactively replace it every Xk miles?

  • @valkyriedd5849
    @valkyriedd5849 Месяц назад

    Sport 190

  • @BarringtonRobinsonII
    @BarringtonRobinsonII 26 дней назад +1

    Rover didn't come along and use it later, it was from the Rover 200 vi and Lotus wanted to use it. Disjointed waffle.

  • @gothicpagan.666
    @gothicpagan.666 Месяц назад

    The ultimate, when your too old for a 7 and a 200hp super bike looks like a bad idea

  • @AndyRRR0791
    @AndyRRR0791 Месяц назад

    Elise seller's remorse gets more real as time passes...

  • @ChasingCars71
    @ChasingCars71 Месяц назад

    This is the reason I’ve owned my Sport160 for almost 22 of its 24 years #chasingcars71