The 35k-Mile 2007 Lotus Elise stands as a brilliant reminder of the brand’s core philosophy: adding lightness. This approach results in a sports car focused solely on driver engagement, unlike its heavier, luxury-oriented contemporaries. The Elise uses a bonded extruded aluminum chassis that provides incredible stiffness while minimizing overall vehicle weight. This low curb weight is the secret behind its legendary agility and renowned handling prowess. Consequently, the car delivers an unfiltered, highly communicative road feel that remains captivating for enthusiasts.
The Iconic Exterior Design
Finished in a bright Chrome Orange, the car’s composite body panels highlight its purposeful, aerodynamic shape. The design incorporates a low-slung stance and distinct, aggressive air intakes positioned behind the doors. These features are not merely stylistic; they are crucial for feeding air to the mid-mounted engine and cooling components. The car includes both a removable soft top and a color-matching hardtop panel. This provides flexibility for both open-air motoring and more secured driving. Notably, the passenger’s headlight lens shows minor damage, a common detail on these roadsters.
Wheels and High-Performance Brakes
The car sits on staggered 16-inch front and 17-inch rear eight-spoke alloy wheels. These wheels are currently wrapped in Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 tires, which were installed in early 2021. Braking performance is appropriately robust for a car with such dynamic capabilities. The system features ventilated and cross-drilled discs at all four corners. Specifically, the front uses AP Racing calipers, and the rear employs Brembo calipers. This combination ensures phenomenal stopping power and excellent brake feel on demand.
Driver-Focused Cabin and Features
The interior of the Elise is a testament to its performance-first mandate. The cabin prioritizes function over excessive luxury, yet this example benefits from the desirable Touring Package. The seats and key interior touchpoints are upholstered in black leather for a slightly enhanced feel. Equipment includes an Alpine head unit and power windows, which add a measure of modern convenience. Crucially for warmer climates, the car is also fitted with air conditioning.
Instrumentation and Controls
The driver grips a three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel, feeling every input through the unassisted steering rack. Ahead are the essential instruments: a 160-mph speedometer and a 10k-rpm tachometer, plus a digital display. The odometer currently shows a mere 35,000 miles. This low reading reflects its status as a sparingly used, specialized sports car over its seventeen-year history. The minimal mileage under current ownership suggests it has been well-maintained.
Engine Specifications and Drivetrain
Propelling the lightweight chassis is a transverse 1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE inline-four engine, sourced from Toyota. This highly-regarded, naturally aspirated engine was factory rated to produce 190 horsepower at a high 7,800 rpm. Peak torque measures 138 lb-ft, which arrives at 6,800 rpm. Due to the car’s incredibly low curb weight, this translates to a factory-claimed 0-to-60 mph sprint in approximately 4.9 seconds. Power is sent directly to the rear wheels via a precise six-speed manual transaxle. The high-revving nature of the 2ZZ-GE engine is key to the car’s thrilling performance. This setup delivers an exhilarating rush as the variable valve timing system switches to its high-lift profile.
Summary of a Purpose-Built Roadster
This 35k-Mile 2007 Lotus Elise represents a clean example of a definitive modern classic roadster. Its minimal mileage, striking Chrome Orange paint, and inclusion of the comfort-enhancing Touring Package make it highly appealing. The vehicle’s combination of a lightweight structure, track-ready brakes, and the reliable, high-output Toyota engine ensures a visceral and engaging drive. It is a pure, analog machine for the driver who appreciates mechanical connection and uncompromising agility.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
