Four new Lotus Elise Classic Heritage Editions have been released that pay tribute to the company’s pioneering and highly successful racing history. All models feature instantly recognisable Lotus motorsport colour schemes and offer an enhanced exterior and interior spec over the Elise Sport 220 on which they’re based.
They’re on sale now across selected international markets, including Australia. Each car comes with an exclusive numbered ‘build plaque’ on the dashboard, referencing the limited production run of just 100 cars in total.
The exterior colour combinations are black and gold; red, white and gold; blue, red and silver; and blue and white. The famous black and gold references the livery of the Lotus Type 72D which Emerson Fittipaldi raced to five victories over the course of the 1972 Formula 1 season. Red, white and gold echoes the Type 49B that Graham Hill raced in 1968, while the blue, red and silver is inspired by the Lotus Type 81 of 1980 driven by Nigel Mansell, Elio de Angelis and Mario Andretti. The fourth new Elise, finished in blue and white, is in tribute to the Lotus Type 18 design from 1960. Exactly 60 years ago, it was the first Lotus car to achieve a Formula 1 pole position and victory, courtesy of the late Sir Stirling Moss, at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Each car has as standard a number of features which were previously on the options list. These include DAB digital radio with four speakers, cruise control, ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels with racing livery finish, two-piece disc brakes and black carpet with floor mats. The Elise interior colour pack is also now integrated as standard. Elements include the upper door trim and central seat insert finished to match the exterior, with detailing on the door, gear selector surround and dashboard picking out key colours. The only one that’s different is the blue and white car, which has red alcantara seat centres.
All four cars cost exactly the same, with a MSRP of $104,990 (inclusive of GST and LCT, but excluding state based on road costs). While that’s $17,000 more than a standard Elise Sport 220, the list of inclusions amount to almost $27,000 worth of MSRP value, so there are savings to be had for the collector who wants one of these iconic cars. Orders can be placed through any of the five Lotus dealers around Australia. Several optional extras are available for each car, including a fibreglass hardtop roof, lightweight lithium-ion battery and titanium lightweight exhaust, all priced at normal Elise Sport 220 options pricing.
The Lotus Elise is an icon of lightweight performance car design and engineering. Built around its driver-focused interior, it delivers a pure, immersive and exhilarating on-the-road experience with outstanding ride and handling.
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