Skip advert
Advertisement

Final Lotus Elise delivered to Elisa Artioli

The last Lotus Elise has rolled out of the Hethel gates and into the hands of the very person that inspired its name

After 26 years and more than 35,000 cars, Lotus has handed over the very last customer Elise to its proud new owner. And not just any owner, either, but Elisa Artioli, granddaughter of Roman Artioli (now a spritely 89 years old), who was the charismatic chairman and owner of Lotus when the very first Elise was launched.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Visiting Hethel for the handover of her new car – and Elise Sport 240 finished in Championship Gold – Elisa squared a circle which has connected her to the Elise since she was just 2-years old, for it was her name that inspired her grandfather to name the now iconic Lotus sportscar Elise.

> Lotus Type 132 SUV teased ahead of March 29 reveal

She also played a central role in the car’s global unveiling in 1995. Hidden in the cockpit beneath the covers, when they were pulled back Elisa jumped and said “I am Elise!” to the assembled media throng. No wonder she has enjoyed a close bond with her namesake ever since.

It's a unique connection and one she clearly takes enormous pleasure from. Not least because she already owns a very early S1 Elise (complete with MMC brakes) which her grandfather gave to her in 1997, many years before she was old enough to drive it.

“There is something unique about driving the Elise” says Elisa. “It’s the lightness that you feel in everything it does that makes it so exciting. I live in the Dololmites, so it’s perfect to take the Elise out and enjoy the mountain passes. I can’t wait to drive the 240. It’s got twice the power of my S1, but I think the emotion will be the same. When I sit in an Elise I feel like I am at home”.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Used Lotus Elise (S1, 1996-2001) review – a world-beating sports car for supermini money
Lotus Elise S1 – front
In-depth reviews

Used Lotus Elise (S1, 1996-2001) review – a world-beating sports car for supermini money

Part aluminium, part composite and built on a shoestring, the Elise swept enthusiasts off their feet in 1996. Today, it remains one of the world's gr…
11 Apr 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport deal
News

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport in Mk8.5 guise makes for a tempting prospect at the right price
3 Jul 2025
New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement
Ferrari Amalfi front
News

New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement

The Ferrari Amalfi picks up where the Roma left off, as a more capable, debugged super GT that’s finally brought back buttons
1 Jul 2025
Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI

With the sun shining and fuel prices palatable, now is the time to indulge your used sports car desires
1 Jul 2025