How can you tell if its an orig 111s S1?
Discussion
Hi All
Well my friend has decided on a S1 111s. He has tested a couple and loves it.
Now he's been offered one (a 98 car) with the right miles and in seemingly lovely nick, but it looks a bit different to the cars he has tried. It has 5 spoke wheels (the others had 6 spoke) and the headlamps are not fared in (the others were).
The seller swears its a 111s, and it has a VVC engine in it, but is it possible for it to be one with the detail differences outlined above?
Sorry to ask such a simple question, but I'm not too familiar with all things Elise..
Andy
Well my friend has decided on a S1 111s. He has tested a couple and loves it.
Now he's been offered one (a 98 car) with the right miles and in seemingly lovely nick, but it looks a bit different to the cars he has tried. It has 5 spoke wheels (the others had 6 spoke) and the headlamps are not fared in (the others were).
The seller swears its a 111s, and it has a VVC engine in it, but is it possible for it to be one with the detail differences outlined above?
Sorry to ask such a simple question, but I'm not too familiar with all things Elise..
Andy
www.elises.co.uk/models/index.html
111s has rear spoiler,1.8 VVC engine, more comfortable seats, 'carbon fibre' trim panel either side of the stereo, close ratio gear box, 'chip cutter' front grill, headlamp covers, 6 spoke alloys, and a slightly different bootlid to get clearance over the VVC inlet manifold.
111s has rear spoiler,1.8 VVC engine, more comfortable seats, 'carbon fibre' trim panel either side of the stereo, close ratio gear box, 'chip cutter' front grill, headlamp covers, 6 spoke alloys, and a slightly different bootlid to get clearance over the VVC inlet manifold.
I expect the chassis number could also be traced back easily enough to confirm the origional model.
The wheels may well be Victory's ( Sport 160 wheels )
These are a reasonably common upgrade and are stronger than the standard ones if a little heavier.
Which one is more desirable is just down to taste.
The wheels may well be Victory's ( Sport 160 wheels )
These are a reasonably common upgrade and are stronger than the standard ones if a little heavier.
Which one is more desirable is just down to taste.
Get the VIN number and call Lotus. OR I'm sure someone on here will be able to tell by the VIN code what it is. The Lotus cars website will probably have this info... mustard, any ideas?
Agree this sounds fishy - could have had a VVC stuck in it but it doesn't sound kosher from your description.
Agree this sounds fishy - could have had a VVC stuck in it but it doesn't sound kosher from your description.
Andy,
The VIN number will tell you.
It should start SSC followed by:
"G" if it is a standard 1.8K
"J" if it is a VVC (i.e a 111s)
"K" if it is a sport 160
counting from the left, the 10th number/letter designates the year, if it's a 98 this should be "W" or "X" if it a 99.
As others have said, this car would need to be at earliest a 99 plate if it is a genuine 111s
The last 4 digits are the serial number and these should be at least 5722.
All this should stack up but it sounds fishy to me.
Dunc
P.S V5 should also say "Elise 111s" under "model/type" but I guess that could be forged if someone wanted to?
>> Edited by dss123 on Thursday 21st July 13:41
The VIN number will tell you.
It should start SSC followed by:
"G" if it is a standard 1.8K
"J" if it is a VVC (i.e a 111s)
"K" if it is a sport 160
counting from the left, the 10th number/letter designates the year, if it's a 98 this should be "W" or "X" if it a 99.
As others have said, this car would need to be at earliest a 99 plate if it is a genuine 111s
The last 4 digits are the serial number and these should be at least 5722.
All this should stack up but it sounds fishy to me.
Dunc
P.S V5 should also say "Elise 111s" under "model/type" but I guess that could be forged if someone wanted to?
>> Edited by dss123 on Thursday 21st July 13:41
Well, it wasn't a 111s ! Bastard!
And the next 111s we phoned turned out to be a fake too! (The advert, not the car!)
Honestly, you'd think a man could buy a nice honest S1 111s in devon wouldn't you!
Any body got one for sale? E mail me through my profile if you do. Prefer yellow, 111s or sport 160
Cash waiting!
Andy
And the next 111s we phoned turned out to be a fake too! (The advert, not the car!)
Honestly, you'd think a man could buy a nice honest S1 111s in devon wouldn't you!
Any body got one for sale? E mail me through my profile if you do. Prefer yellow, 111s or sport 160
Cash waiting!
Andy
Andy,
That is such a shame.
When I was in the market for my 111s a few years ago I came across nothing but decent, honest guys.
I think the problem is, that now the S1 has come down in price to be available to the masses, there are obviously now plenty of "toe rags" out there trying to con people.
It makes me sad but I guess vigilance is now the order of the day more so than ever.
Hope you find what you are after, my advice would be to buy from an enthusiast. You'll get a good feeling about the right seller.
Dunc
That is such a shame.
When I was in the market for my 111s a few years ago I came across nothing but decent, honest guys.
I think the problem is, that now the S1 has come down in price to be available to the masses, there are obviously now plenty of "toe rags" out there trying to con people.
It makes me sad but I guess vigilance is now the order of the day more so than ever.
Hope you find what you are after, my advice would be to buy from an enthusiast. You'll get a good feeling about the right seller.
Dunc
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