On the face of it, £26,800 seems a lot for a series 1 Elise, even one that’s had its original Rover K-series engine replaced by a K20A Honda Civic Type-R unit, but then there’s much more to Stark Automotive’s ‘Elise R’ conversion than that. The chassis is stripped and cleaned, the bodywork is resprayed and the interior is re-trimmed in Alcantara. Underneath, the suspension receives an equally comprehensive makeover, gaining adjustable Nitron Racing dampers, powder-coated wishbones and upgraded toe links and bushes.
The result is a car that not only looks and feels brand new, but is also one of the best trackday Elises I’ve ever driven. As you’d expect with 236bhp in such a lightweight machine, the Stark fires itself at the horizon furiously when the VTEC lobes come on cam. The six-speed Honda gearbox helps keep everything nicely on the boil and uprated brakes tirelessly keep everything in check. Meanwhile, understeer has been banished and replaced by balance and rear-end adjustability.
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One drive is all it takes for you to realise that, far from being expensive, this little Elise is actually very good value indeed.
Specifications
| Engine | In-line 4-cyl, 1998cc |
| Max power | 236bhp @ 7400rpm |
| Max torque | 170 lb ft @ 5900rpm |
| 0-60 | 3.9sec (claimed) |
| Top speed | 160mph (claimed) |
| On sale | Now (www.stark-automotive.co.uk) |
