2002 Lotus Elise S2 Sport 135

Highlights

• 135bhp version of the highly-regarded S2 Elise

• Enormous service history file with extensive recent expenditure

• Full engine rebuild

• Suspension rebuilt and upgraded 

• Other performance and reliability tweaks

Overview

Introduced as an upgrade to the K-Series engined S2, the Sport 135 package adds various cylinder head, intake, exhaust and ECU enhancements to produce around 135 bhp. This is one such equipped S2 which means that it provides some extra fizz while retaining the model’s trademark light weight and delectable handling.

To add to the car’s appeal, the engine was fully rebuilt in 2024, to original specification, with the addition of an uprated head gasket, oil rail, and high tensile head bolts. The thermostat has been relocated, and the cylinder head itself has been gas flowed and ported, with a larger throttle body and aluminium inlet manifold fitted. Further improvements include an extensive suspension rebuild, including Quantum Racing One Zero adjustable dampers.

The seller estimates that these upgrades, along with many other improvements, have been completed at a cost of nearly £8,000. A sizeable folder of invoices for parts and servicing accompanies the car, with history dating back to when the car was new. 

In short, this is a mechanically very well prepared example of an Elise S2, which has some very sensible — and very fun — upgrades to add to its performance. 

History and documentation

• Registered 1 March 2002

• Service invoices with services as follows: Apr 2002 @ 1,271 miles, Nov 2002 @ 7,236 miles, Oct 2003 @ 8,879 miles, Apr 2005 @ 15,514 miles, Apr 2006 @ 15,514 miles, Apr 2007 @ 21,619 miles, Jul 2008 @ 24,703 miles, Nov 2008 @ 26,826 miles, May 2009 @ 27,829 miles, Jul 2009 @ 28,459 miles, Jun 2012 @ 33,528 miles, Jun 2016 @ 43,229 miles, Jul 2017 @ 47,404 miles, Jul 2022 @ 66,626 miles, Mar 2024 @ 71,429 miles, Jun 2025 @ 79,314 miles

• Thick file with invoices for parts and servicing from new

• Immobiliser fob, and spare door key 

• The seller estimates that they have spent almost £8,000 in just under two years 

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 9 Aug 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

• Private plate S2LXT included in sale

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Simple, lightweight interior

• Half-leather upholstery

• A little light creasing to the leather, but no obvious damage 

• Aluminium trim

• The door cards have been re-upholstered in Alcantara, which is a close match to the dashboard

• Satin black Elise Parts gear knob 

• The only reported issue is that the heater temperature control knob can be stiff to turn when cold 

• Steering wheel trimmed in leather and Alcantara

• Sony stereo/CD player, with USB and aux connections (unused by current owner)

• Simple, uncluttered dashboard

• Analogue instrument cluster, including large tachometer and speedometer

• Small, carpeted luggage compartment to the rear

Exterior

• Low-slung body, with purposeful styling

• Finished in a bright shade of red

• The paint retains a good shine 

• There are a few stone chips and scratches commensurate with the car’s age and mileage

• The front grille is currently attached by cable ties which are secure, although a more permanent fix could be administered if desired

• Some repairs have previously been carried out to the glass fibre body panels including one to the offside rear glass fibre sill, and the one under the front grille

• The seller notes that there is no osmosis to report

• 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels on the front, and 17-inch wheels at the rear

• Yokohama tyres

• The black painted alloy wheels remain in very good condition, with only a few small blemishes 

• Lotus badges present and correct

• Headlights clear and bright

• ‘Longtail’ soft top roof

• The underside of the car is very clean 

• Twin exhaust tips

Mechanical

• 1,796 cc four-cylinder engine

• Sport 135 spec includes a ported cyl head, 52mm throttle body, aluminium inlet manifold, Janspeed exhaust and retains a catalytic converter

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• The car weighs just 770 kg

• The seller notes that the 0-60 mph time is around five seconds, and the engine revs cleanly to nearly 7,000 rpm

• A number of mechanical tweaks have been made in order to lift the car’s performance

• The engine was professionally rebuilt in Jun 2024 

• The cylinder head was cleaned, skimmed, and pressure tested at the same time, and was reportedly re-fitted with a multi-layer steel head gasket, uprated oil rail, and high-tensile bolts

• Suspension rebuilt in Jun 2025 with a Quantum Racing One Zero damper set, stiffer front adjustable anti-roll bars, and new track rod ends, at a cost of £2,595

• Brake master cylinder replaced

• The vendor notes that the adjustable dampers can be set up to be extremely compliant on the road if desired, and the toe links have been replaced with Spitfire parts

• A spare cylinder head is included in the sale, and a replacement throttle cable as the current (presumed original) part is starting to show signs of stickiness

• The seller also tells us that they have fitted a thermostat relocation kit, in order to improve the engine’s cooling system and reduce the chance of head gasket failure

• The brakes are said to be in excellent condition with the discs and Ferodo DS2500 front pads having had very little use, and the rear pads (EBC Yellowstuff), pretty much brand new; the braking system has recently been flushed and filled with Motul RBF 660 racing fluid so pedal feel is described a sharp and consistent

• The exhaust note is reported to be sporty but not intrusive — it’s refined and well-balanced

• The car retains its original catalytic converter, meaning it easily passes MOT emissions tests; the last MOT (August 2025) passed with no advisories.

• The seller tells us that the car is in excellent mechanical condition and has been a reliable companion on numerous long road trips; it starts immediately, and stops very well

Summary

This Elise will be sure to surprise a few drivers of bigger cars with its nimble handling and powerful performance. It’s a kind of lightweight Swiss army knife, if such things were made of aluminium and glass fibre composite. With a variety of upgrades for performance an reliability, it’s as versatile as an Elise as you could hope for.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Castle Donnington, Derbyshire.