2006 Lotus Elise

Make

Lotus

Model

Elise

Year

2006

Listed price

$18,100

Location

Santa Rosa, California

Transmission

Automatic

Mileage

36,002 miles

When Lotus unveiled the Elise in 1996, it wasn't just another sports car; it was a defiant statement against the increasing weight and complexity of modern automobiles. Conceived under the leadership of Romano Artioli, then owner of Lotus and Bugatti, the Elise (named after Artioli's granddaughter, Elisa) returned to Colin Chapman's original ethos of "simplify, then add lightness." Its innovative bonded aluminum chassis, a first for a production car, combined with a featherlight composite body, resulted in a car weighing a mere 1,600 pounds. The Series 2, introduced in 2001 and arriving in the US for 2005, refined the original's aggressive styling and brought a more robust Toyota-sourced 1.8L engine, making it a track-day hero and a visceral road car in equal measure. This 2006 Lotus Elise, with 36,002 miles on its odometer, represents the pure, unadulterated driving experience that the model is renowned for. While its 1.8L I4 engine is paired with an automatic transmission, it still promises the immediate throttle response and telepathic handling that define the Elise. Presented in a striking color, this particular example carries a Massachusetts rebuilt title, indicating it has undergone significant repair. The seller notes that despite its project status, it runs and drives perfectly, has new tires, and comes with two sets of wheels, along with boxes of parts to facilitate its return to OEM quality. Crucially, the airbags did not deploy in its incident, and the critical aluminum tub and frame remain untouched. This is an exceptional chance to acquire a Series 2 Elise, ready for a dedicated enthusiast to bring it back to its former glory.