Some cars are made to be admired; the 2005 Lotus Elise was made to be driven. With 35k miles and the honor of being the second U.S.-spec Elise produced, this Arctic Silver roadster captures the raw spirit of track-ready thrills with no apologies.
Lightweight Looks and Driver-Focused Design
Finished in Arctic Silver Metallic, the Elise’s compact curves and color-matched roof panel set the tone. It’s minimalist, purposeful, and unapologetically sporty. A rear spoiler and dual exhaust outlets echo its performance intent, while minor exterior blemishes hint at real-world enjoyment.
Wheels and Brakes That Work as Hard as the Engine
Riding on 16″ front and 17″ rear eight-spoke alloys wrapped in Yokohama Advan rubber, the Elise grips with confidence. Cross-drilled brake rotors, stainless-steel lines, and a mix of AP Racing and Brembo calipers keep braking clean and firm, no fade, just precision.
A Cabin That’s All About the Drive
Inside, black leather bucket seats deliver simple comfort. Carbon-fiber trim adorns the shifter area and door grabs, while a CD stereo and air conditioning keep it civilized. It’s not luxury, it’s logic, wrapped in analog feedback.
Minor Wear, Major Character
The headliner is missing, and the passenger door’s leather is stretching, but the core experience remains intact. Every inch tells a story of movement over time.
Toyota Power Meets Lotus Precision
The heart is a transverse 1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE inline-four sourced from Toyota, factory-rated at 190 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual transaxle and enhanced by an aftermarket clutch and flywheel, it’s explosive in the low gears and smooth at high revs.
Digital Dash with Real Numbers
Framed by a three-spoke leather wheel, the 160-mph speedometer and 10k-rpm tachometer track more than potential, they chart memories. With just 35k miles, this Elise has been enjoyed but preserved.
Summary
This 2005 Lotus Elise isn’t about excess, it’s about execution. Minimalist, mechanical, and nearly unmatched in tactile feedback, it delivers a visceral drive backed by heritage and rarity. With clean history and subtle upgrades, it remains a street-legal reminder that lightness wins.
Disclaimer: Vehicle details are provided by the seller and may vary from factory specifications.
Source & Details: bringatrailer.com
