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FRIENDLY WASP
Car expert urges drivers to buy ‘near-perfect’ early 2000s modern classic that’s ‘the best-kept example in the UK’
This 'friendly-faced wasp' is ready to sting the dullness out of your life
A CAR expert who specialises in modern classics has acquired an iconic set of wheels that he believes is the "best-kept example in the UK."
A gorgeously yellow Lotus Elise, described as looking like a "friendly-faced wasp", can be bought for less than £30,000 from - and it's well worth every penny.
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James Russell, founder of The Motor Grid, a dealership packed full of the very best modern classics, has recently picked up a stunning Lotus Elise S.
James, who previously told Sun Motors that the Elise S2 model is an "underappreciated" modern classic, believes this example is the best he's ever laid eyes on.
Speaking exlusively to us again, he said: "This isn’t just any Lotus; this is potentially peak Lotus.
"The S2 generation is a masterclass in evolution, taking the already brilliant S1 and refining it to near perfection.
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"It’s easier to get into, though still a nightmare to get out of – imagine a car trying to give birth to a human, and you’ll get the idea."
Despite its almost go-kart-like size and tiny interior, which for some drivers might make it somewhat impractical, James describes the S2 as "magnificent in every conceivable way."
He added: "Under the hood, you’ll find the Toyota VVTL-i engine, a marvel of engineering that combines silkiness with a punch that could floor a heavyweight boxer.
"And the paintwork – oh, the paintwork – it’s a crisp yellow with black accents, making it look like a friendly-faced wasp, ready to sting the dullness out of your life."
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This 111S model, which first came out in 2002 and ran until 2011, packs 156 bhp and can reach a top speed of 130 mph.
But to James, this motor is about more than just speed and good looks.
Racer Will Hoy test drives the Lotus Elise in 1999
He said: "Driving this S2 isn’t just a pleasure because it’s an Elise S2; it’s a joy because it’ss a time capsule.
"This car feels like it’s been cryogenically frozen and then woken up as a sprightly teenager."
This might be the best-kept Elise in the UK, I never thought I’d find one, but here it is.
James Russell, The Motor Grid
According to James, the 15-year-old motor boasts just 23,000 miles on the clock and has barely seen a drop of road water - having been kept in pristine condition.
James added: "It’s barely been run in and hasn’t seen a single drop of road water, doesn’t know what winter feels like, having been coddled away more securely than a hibernating hamster.
"The condition? Immaculate doesn’t even begin to cover it; this might be the best-kept Elise in the UK.
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“I never thought I’d find one, but here it is.
“The steering and gearbox feel as tight and fresh as the day it left the factory.
“The power? All the horses are still firmly in the stable, ready to bolt.
“Cosmetically, it’s perfect – no sill damage, no osmosis on the paint. It’s baffling why the previous owner didn’t drive it more."
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James has previously urged Sun Motors readers to check out two other modern classics that can be bought for just £10,000 and under - including an iconic Audi model
And elsewhere, a much-loved 80s icon that was bought for less than £4,000 by Wheeler Dealers’ host Mike Brewer in a classic episode is now worth eye-watering amount.
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