Is The First Lotus Elise The Best? 1999 S1 135 Sport Review
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2019
- As crazy as it may seem, I have never been a big fan of the original Lotus Elise. The looks never quite sat well with me, I always preferred the S2/S3 models. However, there is no denying the purity of focus in those early cars.
I've only driven one S1 car before, a Honda converted item. Now I am going to drive a car with its original K-Series engine. Not just any old Elise, but the well regarded 135 Sport.
Looking for a new car or commercial vehicle?
Pendle Lease can supply any make or model of car and van with a leasing package tailored to your needs, whether it be a business or personal lease. Head over to the Pendle Lease website - www.pendlelease.co.uk/ - where you will find all of the latest leasing special offers. Once you’ve found something you like, give them a call on 01277 549500 or email sales@pendlelease.co.uk and one of the Pendle Team will be happy to help!
Follow us on Social Media:
/ jayemmoncars
/ jayemmoncars
/ jayemmoncars
LOVE MY CRAZY SHIRTS?
Get your own from CLAUDIO LUGLI! Check out their site - www.claudioluglishirts.com and enter JAYEMM15 at the checkout for a discount on us!
Need oil for your car?
Enter "jayemm10" in your basket at Opie Oils for 10% off your next oil order!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Авто/Мото
I have an early S1 (chassis No 66). The slowest and least capable Elise but it is the only car I have owned for more than a couple of years - 17 years so far. I will never sell it as long as I can get in it.. You can thrash them without risking your licence. Fantastic cars
I loved mine, it was the first car I ever had that I could get the rear loose on a roundabout... Scared the crap out of me haha :-)
Those driving by shots were amazing. The first gen Elise is one of the automotive greats.
Nearly unsubscribed when you say you dont like the looks - its bloody gorgeous!
Its very well proportioned, nicely curved, and has some exotic flair without being garish. Its dated better than the S2 Elise and that shows you what a great design it was from the off
You mean better than the S3, the S2 is one of those cars that will never age, like the S1
Great video James and thanks for the mention! I genuinely think the most fun as a road car is an S1 or S2 with upgraded Rover engine to around 160bhp, close ratio gearbox and upgraded suspension. Budget around £14-17k for a good one, you'll have sooo much fun and it's better than money in the bank! :)
My first drive in a elise jubileum (number 46 red gold and white) was when i got her, 460 km non stop. Rainy weather i got real wet on my knees by the way. Had her for two years as a daily commuting car summer and winter. Great motor no trubble what so ever. Miss her.
Revvy K-series, close ratio box, AD08's, bilsteins and of course an S1...perfect Elise 👌
Almost - quaife torque biasing diff best mod to keep your car on the road and not through a hedge backwards.
@@steveluck9541 I'm yet to try a S1 with a diff. My mild fettled 111s only has 150'ish bhp, not sure if a diff would bring much. Happy to be wrong though if I try one.
Mark Tickle I have S1 111s with janspeed manifold and exhaust inc sport cat, hurricane filter, 52mm throttle body and lightened flywheel. So similar cars do 160+ on Dino. Quaife lets you nail the throttle very hard pulling out of tight T junctions without any wheel spin at all.
@@steveluck9541 I'm yet to dino mine. Probably similar'ish; janspeed supersport, ITG Maxogen (carbon box) and de-cat. I don't think anywhere I use mine has tight enough corners to warrant a diff really, mainly flowing roads.
As below - I bought mine 18 years ago! Meant to drive it for a couple of years, but I've never been able to let it go. Every time I drive it, it makes me smile and stays another ... few ... years ... couple of decades ... still have it. My other car for the last 6 years has had 400 BHP, but this is so special - as is the club you seem to join unwittingly when you own one. There is nothing on the road like it.
This is the problem
Every time I see an Elise in a photo, video or on the road I want another!
Badly😔
Had a 98 S1 for 3+ years. Still miss it so badly :(
Every time I see you in a lotus you look so happy James,
True, he clearly wants one. Only a matter of time...
Nice that Will and Jamie get a mention, bought my first and only Lotus S2 111R from Will.
Just realised I missed this video from last year. I think the emotion is spot on. That is what I feel when I can take the roof off and just stroll around.
Great review James!
‘If you drive it, you’ll probably have to buy it’ < so true!
9:47 had my first ever spliff in that lay-by.
4 mods to the K
updated head gasket and steel locating dowels
The strengthened oil ladder on the bottom end
The PRT thermostat kit
An after market low coolant alarm kit
Then reliable as anything else
@T R Yup, I know about the VVC fobiles, I was the owner of Project Vi when its VVC failed www.mg-rover.org/threads/standby-for-project-vi.111432/
My ’99 Sport 135 is mustard yellow metallic. And I really like enjoy to drive it.
Loving the improvement in the videos with the passing shots of the cars. I know it's a longer day but it is worth it. The cockpit narration is great but everyone wants to see it moving so thanks for that. I went out to buy a car in 2002 with a 30k budget. Turned up to the Leeds Lotus dealer for the test drive, 6ft 1" and Roy had the roof down on a S2 111S. As I arrived the heavens opened. He looked disappointed and put up the roof for the test drive. I loved the car but didn't fit.. Bought an Audi TT 225 instead and regretted every day since. Cooper S that followed was better... ish.
Loving the content. Thank you
The "K" series once the head gasket has been replaced for either the Multi Layer type or the "N" series conversion like my own is a totally reliable engine
@The Talentless Mr. KiplingTrust me, mine has been driven in 40 degree temperatures without ever having a problem regards temperature, i do maintain mine whilst I know a lot of owners don't........ I have heard the 160 VVC has other issues but didn't know about the problem with synthetic oil, whats the score?
Fit the Rover PRRT kit and you you won’t have to touch the gasket.
@@adolfhitler1305 No problem with 100% synthetic. Mine is a bit over 200bhp, a solid cam ex VVC 111S and I've run Amsoil since 2007 in it. It's DVA tuned.
Forgot to say, compared to the Toyota engine of the S2 onwards, I absolutely love the k series, and whilst it is down over 100bhp on my previous Exige RGB the little S1 feels nippier, more drivable and I'm not so fearful of loosing my license for excessive speed like I was in the Exige. Oh and the price, you get for more bang for your buck with the little S1 in fact my S1 cost a fraction of the price of a late plate S2 exige. And finally James was bang on when he said that if you drive one your want to buy one, I feel in love with my S1 the moment I test drove it. So moving from a Exige S2 260s to a S1 Elise in my case wasn't the down grade I thought it might be,...........absolutely love driving this car and gelled with it and it's pureness of design immediately. Great review James.
@Texan White Panther Exige has stiffer, more track focused suspension, but you give up suppleness and comfort on the road. I think it’s more a horses for courses issue.
The front grill, headlights and front indicator placement resembles that of the lotus europa when viewed head on
You and carwow are pretty much the only channels I watch now. Please do not switch to the OMG WOW thumbnails.
I have no plans for that
I love the S1. I wish we could get them in the States. It's only a few years now until we can import them at least. On the brake pedal of the S2 and heel and toe - I also have the somewhat annoying initial zone where the pedal will travel before biting, but it's fairly easy to adjust the throttle pedal position so that heel and toe is very, very easy.
Great review. Love the series 1
TOP GEAR QUALITY VIDEO !! thanks
Sounds far better than my S2 ever did. Prefer the shape too.
Great video. Watched it with a big smile on my face. Well, except when you criticised the styling. (It’s a timeless design that references Lotus past without being a retro pastiche. IMHO)
I had a S1 more than 20 years ago. I chose exactly that colour. And you’re right, people just didn’t see it.
As for the driving, there’s really nothing like it. Even my current car which is similar in size and concept can’t match the Elise magic on a British B road.
Sold my Exige 260S RGB for one of these and I can say without a shadow of a doubt the little S1 elise knocks the spots off the Exige, the S1 is so drivable, with power so usable at most of the time. As for buying. ...........I bought the first one I drove! !!!!!!!! I just couldn't help myself.
I got a 135 engine in my ZR love it
You need to try a S1 exige!!! This may be close to heaven but the exige is Nirvana.
I personally think they look pretty good in this version probably due to them being rare but also because it has that 90s and 2000s "Extreme sport" aesthetic that I satisfyingly enjoy. Dont know what im talking about? Look up 90s and 2000s snowboard, ski or powerboats. You should get the point
It's gorgeous!
Blasting over the "SLOW" written on the road: EPIC!
Never liked the styling? Way better than the later insect cars.
Styling is a personal thing - but have to say I thought the S1 was the best. The gearchange was crap and the rear suspension unacceptably noisy as supplied in 1999 (well mine was). I suspect that has been addressed by current owners. BUT the original Rover engine - even in 118bhp form was a delight. I have driven an S220 which was a significant step forward in terms of refinement and gearchange, but the extra weight did take its toll on steering and scrubby understeer at low speeds. In terms of handling the Elise (whichever variant) remains the benchmark, which only the Caterham of the cars I have driven or owned challenges (or beats?)
@T R Lot's? Which of vaguely affordable or useable cars are you thinking of?
@T R I've owned a 981S Cayman - an Elise is a far more engaging car to drive. Steering is in a different league. A Cayman (any Cayman) is, by contrast a tank. An Alpine imo is more engaging than a Cayman, a Elise more engaging still, a Caterham or Radical more engaging still. I've owned all bar the Radical. FRankly don't give a damn what lap times modded cars can achieve. In standard form a Cayman is capable but not that much fun by comparison with the alternatives.
Nothing wrong with insect looks. I like both. S3 most boring front.
I feel the second en is the best looking. The sypder eyes look cool to me
God....it’s just glued to the road ....
Whoever is doing the 'drive by' shots, (Dominic?) is absolutely beasting it. The handling looks amazing!
Handling is great, a good geo on these cars makes all the difference. A big thanks to Kenny Brown Motor Engineers in Hillington for working their geo magic on this car.
domshan11 It definitely shows in the confidence you have to throw it around! Great little car!
Bought an S2 as a compromise 8 years ago, fuel economy on an SLK55 was silly. It's now a part of the family and won't be sold. When you own an Elise you meet more owners and become friends with them. We now have a small collection of interesting cars I don't see any of them being replaced.
Stopped the vid one minute in to say that is the best intro I've seen to a youtube vid......ever? Much better than the weird music previously used.
The rest of the review was a bit philosophical rather than giving us really insightful comments about the driving experience. But still fun.
Personally I prefer the looks of the S1 without a doubt. Timeless, classic, perfectly proportioned. A Toyota S2 just comes with some really nice ease of life changes, like the short roof, better gear change, marginally better build quality etc.
The K-series is a fantastic engine though. All will have had an upgraded head gasket fitted by now and if not just fit one. After that you're left with a perfectly reliable engine that is lighter for its displacement than just about anything else and the perfect motor for an Elise..except maybe an K20A....
The thing is I've covered Elises so many times on the channel, I wanted to try and approach it from a slightly different angle
great review
That car, that kind of road is a perfect Sunday to me. Rebuild a K series with a decent head gasket etc and they're no trouble what so ever in my experience.
And a proper, considered head gasket replacement to boot. I did the gasket on my little Rover 25 (Payen MLS etc) in 2007 and it's still going strong!
The problem usually starts with the £10 intake manifold gasket losing coolant.
@ The issues were caused by penny pinching, not enough shakedown and testing of the design and poor production methods not the actual engine itself. All the issues would have beeen ironed out if not for this. A mate of mine bought a MG ZS120 with 30k on it and put a Freelander head gasket and replaced the manifold gasket and ball valve and put another 125k on it without any hassle. Then he crashed it....oops, he was fine though lol
@ Thats true, replacing any metal parts in an engine with plastic is never going to end well, like these manufacturers who make plastic water pumps....I mean, really? And also thinking that an office johnny (who never lifts the bonnet of their car) knows better than an engineer about what an engine needs 🤦♂️. Ok I'm an office johnny myself but I'd never tell an engineer his job and I know about cars from my previous jobs and its my hobby....but still!!
The cooling system is what causes them to blow. They experience thermal shock. It can be prevented with aftermarket parts.
Remote thermostat kit fixes the problem - still on my original head gasket. OEM radiator has caused more grief.
My love of the Elise stems from seeing my first S1 in Azure blue.
The most beautiful color it was offered with, in my eyes.
'Sonic bombardement' nice!
Yup yup. I owned a TTRS, drove the elise, and I bought it. No regrets.
So agree with JayEmm's comment on the colour. No small sportscar should be grey (no way is it actually 'silver').
I had a mustard yellow S1 with 118hp, fantastic little car, except for the roof which was crap....
Great review. Personally I prefer the look of the S1 over more recent flavours of the Elise. Love the headlights in particular. I daren’t go and try one because I know I’d have to buy it, and they're not cheap. The K-series can be a great little engine if it’s looked after properly: I know, I’ve got one in my MGTF.
Agreed on the looks. I bought a new one because I wanted the most up to date performance and aircon, but looks wise, I prefer that S1. Ferrari Dino and Ford GT40 are excellent examples to take styling cues from.
Great Speech !
Will be good to see on channel vx220 turbo too...not necessarily stage 3🤣👍😻
Lovely looking car sweeeet
20 years ago this December and still love it. Driving it doesn't get old. Yep, noisey, hot (In australia) and a proper driver's car.The first S2 i drove was such a disappointment compared to it. The 2014 Exige S had a lovely sound and torque, but inside the cabin was as if i was still in a 1997 Elise. Why would i ever change?
You passed my hoose! Gutted I'd already sold the VX220, would have come out to join you and Dom on the Crow Road!
Bring your Skoda next time :o)
Spot the standard Dom driving slinging it through the corners. :)
All i know is that when you saw one of these in an online race in Gran Turismo, you expected it to be at the front. It was a cornering cheat car!
The styling of the front is based on the Lotus 23, a sports racer from the 1960’s
I own chassis number 84 of the 2000 production run
My biggest regret.. selling my S1 (Honda Type R). But the next owner of it was a certain person known as "Tut".. and I see this car has done Tut Towers..
you are right!
5:16, 7:08 it looks like a lot of fun
i always drive with my Low-Beam headlights ON, in overcast or countryside driving. Put your lights On before complaining no-one can see you. Nice video though thanks
Dave S. In the MR2 Spyder, the low beams come on as soon as you take off the parking brake. So you can tell that is exactly what Toyota’s safety team thinks is the right thing to do.
I seldom hear of anyone who's sold their S1 that doesn't seriously regret it...
That silver car at ~6.09, for a lot of people that's a normal speed on twisty Scottish roads. I don't know what happened to people, but they seem terrified of any speed and brake for corners even when they're already going slowly enough.
Many drive at 45 all the time, but there's also a murder-inducing few who drive at 35. And those bastards never pull over.
Never had or driven one but I reckon I’d love one if I did
I have the same invisibility at junctions in my TVR people just pull out in front of me
You covered everything pretty well except entrance and egress.
Can you get into and out of the car, especially with the hood up? I’d hate to get in, only to be unable to get out.
i hope i can import one to the states before they get too expensive
Tbh I like the older outro better
I took a friends series 1 out for 1/2 an hour and realised what it should be to drive a car, no aids whatsoever and all the better for it.
Thought about one around 2008. Loved them but, couldn't really get in or out.
My loss.
Having tested both recently. The S1 is definitely more raw and more of a compromise if you were going to use it daily. The S2 has a nicer ride and is quieter (stock), it also has AC as standard from 2004+
S2 Springs and shocks easily fitted to S1 Elise. Less roll and a smoother ride. Common upgrade.
You ever driven a vx220?
Don't discount the VX220 either, I've had an S1 and now the VX. Saving for my 250cup.
Proper sports car
Errmm yes. Yes it is. My girlfriend has had two. I may have slightly written the first one off!!!! - Also if you look at S/H values an S1 is around the same price of an S2 and in certain cases more.
My uncle had one. This could be the most hated cars in the world, after he hit 100mph when I was a kid I’ve wanted one aha
Could you please review the "new" Elan if possible, Jay? It may be front wheel drive but I always rather liked it, even though it is ridiculously rare in Germany.
As for the Elise, I think the first ones are the best looking.
I would like to see the M100 as well
@
Boy, I'd love to get my hands on one! Only 2 (!) are currently for sale on Germany's largest used car website...
@
It really is! Funnily enough I saw one "in the wild" only two weeks ago. I cannot remember ever seeing one elsewhere, however.
@
So do I!
It was too dark to take a photo, however, and to be perfectly honest it took me a couple of seconds to understand what car just went by, at which point it was already too far away.
I llike to add that I only ever saw two other examples of our car, a Jaguar XK8, in the German "wilderness". Jaguar E-Types are common compared to that :D
Lotus! Lotus!
if i was going to honda swap one of these, i'd put the S660 engine in and tweak it to about 100bhp. only 18bhp down on an original, and with less weight behind the seats
Are you looking for a 340R to review? That’d be amazing. Not much content out there on them. Very rare car.
I would love to review one, but they are very hard to find
JayEmm on Cars On the LotusFanatics RUclips channel there’s a documentary I saw on the birth of the Elise on Discovery channel a long long time ago. Inside Story (Project M1:11). Highly recommended if you’re an Elise fan.
@@rajjy1976 I've seen it, great doc
I wonder what a 2zz mk3 mr2 would be like in comparison
Had to imagine that these cars are pushing 30 years young. I must be getting old.
Spent today driving 2-lanes in my 111R. Try erasing the grin on my face.
Wish we got these in North America.
You can, oldest S1 are 25years old now, so you can import them
If you drive it, you will buy it, I'm proof of that......
very decent...seems to know his onions...
I think an elise is the only car id swap my current car for. In fact if anybody with an elise is interested in a swap for an audi A5 3.0tdi quattro...
the second best imo the very best i think is the 160
Down that road in that weather it's a Caterham or an Elise. Everywhere else you need to be committed or insane.
Where is that road, please?
Drive an S2 Elan please
Where was this filmed?
You need to remap the ecu after removing the exhaust cats
Never heard this before, I thought the standard ECU was pretty much non-remappable? Where did you get your K Series mapped?
I can tell you that even though I love my Elise S1, it is most certainly uncomfortable. But I guess it depends where your padding is.
Hope that it's not on the standard Konis. My S1 has Nitron Street series with the dampng wound quite a long way off from how Nitron supply them. The difference is night and day, and they won't break the bank either. I believe that they cost less than the Bilstein S2 "upgrade".
@@whizzo94 Suspension refresh and Quantum Zeros installed this past spring :) LOVE what's happening with the car now, although the rock-hard seats might be addressed next. That, or a lot more doughnuts and ice cream for me for added padding :)
Which place in UK is this? Its beautiful
It's filmed on the Campsie fells (Crow Rd) north of Glasgow.
I never liked the styling of the S1 either......the S1 Exige however is in my mind the best looking Lotus ever! But with the prices of the S1 Exige now in the mid to high £45k, and the 190 engine being a bit peaky and a little fragile.....I'm going to convert an S1 Elise to an Exige with a K20a Honda swap. Best of all worlds.....just no convertible (only downside)
What are your thoughts on a S1 Exige for styling etc Jay??
That's what I'm planning to do too. A converted elise with the honda k20 would beat everything on a trackday
Is This The One That Illegal In U.S.? Anyway Nice Video Mate!
The only road legal ones in the US were the later (S2) Toyota engined cars, but only for a couple of years before they will pulled from sale again.
We're are these roads
always had the same issue with the styling, thanks for another great review.....certainly sounded rattly...
I’d love one if the values hadn’t suddenly increased in the past year!!!!
How do prices look now? 20+.
The best is s2 series for me naturally.
I've got an Mr2 roaster (red) couldn't ever afford a lotus. Closest I could get here in the UK.. I'm broke lol
If you're in the UK why didn't you get a Lotus Type 116?
The Lotus the you UK badge snobs have forgotten about.
I am in New Zealand went to buy a brand new 370z. But ended up with a Opel Speedster instead. Love it.
There are still some cheaper VX220's there too. But won't be for long as the Germans and Italians are buying them up.
Carl Ellacott well, for a start they are uglier than the Series 2 elise, but the main reason is that they were badged vauxhalls here and driving a Vauxhall has to be done only with a paper bag over your head
Those are 111s wheels. The sport 135 had the original launch alloys.
The 1999 sport 135 had the 6 spoke wheels as standard. The 1998 135s had the standard awi alloys
I have an Elise SC Mk2. When I first drove it I didn’t like it. I actually thought about selling it. This went on for 3 days. On the 4th day.....OMG! Fifth day OMFG! It goes without saying that I will NEVER sell it!! James didn’t mention that they do not lose their value and they are rock-solid reliable. Really!
They don't lose their value, but they are not rock solid reliable
Hello James, well maybe I can only vouch for my 10 year old Elise. I literally have not had a thing wrong with it. Anyway, good video and you are my favourite car reviewer!
@@gaza2322 I speak from experience with mine, it cost me a lot! They're simple cars but things do like to go wrong with them from time to time.
Which part of Scotland is that road?
followin
Crow road, just north of Glasgow
You able to review the MGF and mg tf
Awful car.