2005 Lotus Elise

Make

Lotus

Model

Elise

Year

2005

Listed price

$35,150

Location

Dacono, Colorado

Transmission

Manual

Mileage

16,900 miles

The Lotus Elise, first introduced in 1996, revitalized the British marque's commitment to Colin Chapman's "simplify, then add lightness" philosophy. Named after Elisa Artioli, the granddaughter of then-chairman Romano Artioli, the Series 1 Elise was an immediate sensation, weighing just over 1,500 pounds and delivering an unfiltered driving experience. The Series 2, launched in 2001, evolved the design with more aggressive styling and subtle chassis refinements while retaining the core tenets of its predecessor. When it arrived in the North American market for the 2005 model year, the Elise, with its bonded aluminum chassis and mid-mounted engine, quickly became the benchmark for accessible, pure driving exhilaration, offering a stark contrast to the increasingly complex sports cars of the era. This 2005 Lotus Elise, a prime example of the Series 2's debut year in the US, presents in a sleek black finish that perfectly accentuates its sculpted lines. Having covered a mere 16,900 miles, this particular Elise has been meticulously restored and rebuilt, ensuring its legendary agility and performance are fully intact. Power comes from the robust 1.8-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine, paired with a precise manual transmission, delivering the visceral, unadulterated driving experience that enthusiasts crave. The current owner has enjoyed this lightweight marvel for the past year, primarily for spirited weekend drives, preserving its exceptional condition. This is an opportunity to acquire a meticulously cared-for example of one of the most engaging driver's cars of the modern era.