Prototype Elise S1: born 03 January 1996

[DH2]

On 21/01/2022 at 12:45, jep said:

Searching for all prototype/pre-production Elise.

There are special rules around prototypes - I don't profess to be an expert, but I understand that they are supposed to be destroyed (or certainly most circumstances) and not put onto the road once they have served their purpose.  So in theory you shouldn't find (m)any.  But this being Lotus, inevitably they do fall out of the back door.

Dave

[jep]

A touch of frost this morning. Popped to Bell and Colvill to drop off Evora radiator.

[jep]

The later addition radio now removed. I found a correct dash trim finish (sans radio), which seem to be uber-rare nowadays. I suspect many were binned back in the day.

 

[jep]

A touch of ACBC for the prototype:

[Bazza 907]

Is the top picture Tony Adams?

 

[jep]

If Adams has a hat trick.....

Justin

 

[jep]

Terrific day at the Silverstone Classic. Bizarre occasional stalling resolved with new fuel pump, fitted by Steve Williams Sports Cars prior to our trip. 

The prototype flew on the journey, torque and top-end oooomph, a total joy. The engine was the first 135 Lotus attempted and Dave Minter says it's pumping 140. It certainly feels like it.

We stayed overnight in Brackley and found a wonderful Indian restaurant that has hosted many a F1 legend over the years. 

[Techyd]

Just come across this thread - amazing bit of Lotus history that and lovely to see it being used and enjoyed 🙂 

[jep]

Nearly autumn:

[jep]

This chap, who I bumped into by chance this morning (admittedly at a Lotus informal meet), drove the prototype Elise S1 in period whilst working at Lotus. 

He designed the 340R and Elise S2. And McLaren Speedtail, amongst other stuff. 

He was genuinely thrilled to see 'Ruby' again and I was regaled with stories about making cars. An understated superstar, Mr Steve Crijns. 

Justin

 

[jep]

Steve has added some lovely stories and, more amazingly, some period pictures here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjyMaebDeUn/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

 

 

[Bibs]

Very cool

[kunstenaar]

Was cool to park next to the car and have a short chat on Sunday. I liked the front bonnet release in the door jam!

NCS1s.jp2

[jep]

It's a pleasure to chat to folk about any Lotus but particularly to those that appreciate 'Ruby'. 

A joy to own for both driving and historical interest. It don't get better in the old motor world than that.

I intend to collate as many period pictures of Ruby as I can, so if you know anyone who knew Ruby 1996 to 2001, let me know. She knew quite a few.......

Justin 

 

 

[cyberespion]

On 02/02/2022 at 23:08, jep said:

Max500 found this today, stamped on the chassis:

Wonderful story and car Jep! Thanks for sharing that. I noticed an interesting detail, the VIN doesn't match the structure of the production model Elise S1 as described on Seloc: https://wiki.seloc.org/a/File:Vin_decoder.JPG

[jep]

The chassis number sequencing was changed, later cars are as the link you sent but earlier cars not.

Justin

[jep]

Drove passed and had to have a snap. 

Justin

 

[cyberespion]

On 06/11/2022 at 12:47, jep said:

The chassis number sequencing was changed, later cars are as the link you sent but earlier cars not.

Justin

Hi Justin, I wonder when the change happens exactly. Do you know that? Also, what's write on your V5? Is your car already registered as an Elise model? Do you have any prototype mention?

[jep]

Never forget

[jep]

Beautiful day for a Lotus:

[jep]

Prototype didn't make the Lotus Talk at Gaydon:

Disabled indeed.

Justin 

 

 

[Daveb99]

Great thread and what a piece of history you’ve got there.

Couple of pics from Lotus 70 where it was one of the feature cars…

[jep]

I snapped the prototype at Lotus 70 too. Never did I think I would own Ruby. 

Registered 03 January 1996, not March! 

Justin 

[cerbere]

N284 KNG is now for sale in Holland.

https://link.marktplaats.nl/m1928907034?utm_source=android_social&utm_content=vip&utm_medium=android_social&utm_campaign=socialbuttons

[jep]

Early car and I don't think ever MOT'd in UK. So exported early on. 

Not comparable with N848 JNG which has confirmed provenance of usage by many at Lotus as a development car and test bed for 135 head, steel brakes and durability testing. 

And is the type approval vehicle, as seen in the Discovery Channel documentary. 

Justin