Description
Lotus Elise S2 | 2002
Highlights:
- Restored car
- Equipped with a 245 hp Honda K24 VTEC engine and 6-speed gearbox
- Finished in Persian Blue with upgraded suspension and brakes
- Cosmetically refreshed with rare diffuser and LED lighting
- Fully inspected and registered with Dutch papers
The seller offers for sale this 2002 Lotus Elise S2, originally imported from the UK in 2018 and rebuilt in the Netherlands. The car underwent a restoration, both cosmetically and mechanically, and now features a powerful and overhauled Honda K24A3 2.4-litre VTEC engine paired with a refurbished 6-speed manual gearbox from a Honda Civic. With around 245 horsepower, this Elise retains its featherweight dynamics while significantly enhancing its performance capabilities.
The front end was updated to a newer style and repainted in 2020 in the colour ‘Persian Blue’. Suspension components including bushings, bearings, dampers, tie rods and arms have been renewed and powder coated. The braking system features a new master cylinder, discs, pads, and lines, with upgraded aluminium backing plates. The cooling system includes a new aluminium radiator and electric fan. At the rear, a rare diffuser was fitted and the lighting setup now includes newer headlamps and original Lotus LED taillights.
Inside, the car was carefully converted to left-hand drive using original components. A newer style dashboard was installed (without airbags due to parts availability), with instruments working correctly. The seats are original to the 2002 model and remain in good condition. The heating unit has been upgraded with a modern unit from T7-Design, providing improved comfort. The cabin overall is clean, tidy and consistent with the car’s upgraded yet purist approach.
The condition of the body and paint is described as very good, with only a minor scratch noted on the front from a foot strap. The car shows no signs of rust or structural issues. Mechanically, the vehicle performs without fault. It starts easily, does not emit smoke, and the engine and gearbox run quietly and smoothly. It has a valid Dutch inspection (APK) and is registered for road use. All systems, including lights and electronics, are in good working order.
The Lotus Elise, introduced in 1996, quickly earned a reputation for its minimalist design, mid-engine layout, and razor-sharp handling. The Series 2, launched in 2000, retained the bonded aluminium chassis but featured styling and reliability improvements. It originally came with Rover-sourced engines, but due to limitations in performance and durability, many owners have opted for Honda engine swaps—especially the K-series units, which are lighter, more powerful, and better supported for tuning.
A Honda K24-powered Elise delivers a dramatic leap in power-to-weight ratio while preserving the agility and feedback the car is known for. This particular example goes a step further with professional execution, attention to detail, and the benefit of Dutch road registration—often a complex process for modified imports. These conversions are popular among enthusiasts seeking the ultimate Elise experience without compromising usability or reliability.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a sorted, road-legal Honda-swapped Elise with high-end components, tasteful cosmetic upgrades, and verified history. It is ready for spirited driving or occasional track use, with nothing left to invest for daily enjoyment.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in North Brabant province, the Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
