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www.QV500.com - Lotus Elise Series I Part 3: Elise & Elise 111S Special Edition |
 Elise '49' |
Towards the end of Series I production, Lotus built a number of special edition's based on both the standard and 111S Elise. First to arrive was the '50th Anniversary' launched in January 1999. 50 were built, all on the entry-level 118bhp platform. Each had anniversary metallic green paint, gold wheels, dark green leather trim with fawn alcantara seat centres and Anniversary decals. Next to arrive was the JPS-inspired 'Heritage' or '79' released six months later in July 1999. Available in both standard and 111S trim, the limited run of 150 cars featured black paint, gold wheels, gold grilles and black leather trim with gold alcantara seat centres. |
| These cars additionally got a black and gold alcantara steering wheel, a black and gold nose badge, gold dash facia and matching decals. Those 'Heritage' or '79's ordered in standard 118bhp trim also came with 111S wheels, seats and headlamp covers. Another special edition that paid homage to the illustrious Formula 1 past of its manufacturer was the '49' unveiled at the London Motor Show in October 1999. This one featured a livery based on the Gold Leaf F1 cars and was also available on both the 118bhp and 143bhp platforms. Production totalled 134 units, the '49's coming with white lower body sections, a gold coachline and red upper section. Included were gold wheels, black leather trim with red alcantara seat centres, a black and red alcantra steering wheel and gold decals. |
 Elise 'Millennium' |
Once again, entry-level versions ordered in '49' trim received 111S wheels, seats and headlamp covers. A small number of '49's came painted with yellow upper body sections whilst others were ordered new with silver-finish wheels. Launched alongside the '49' at the London Motor Show in October 1999 was a less garish proposition for those who wanted a special edition Elise. Named the 'Millennium', around 50 were built in Atlantis Blue Pearl paint with black leather trim and blue alcantara upholstery for the seat centres, steering wheel and sills. As usual, 118bhp versions came bearing 111S wheels, seats and headlamp covers. |
 Elise '49' & Type 49 Formula 1 |
