Lotus Elise Classic Heritage Editions pay tribute to the marque’s illustrious racing history

The new range of limited-edition Lotus Elise Classic Heritage Editions pays tribute to not just the marque’s illustrious motorsport history but also to some very special names, such as Sir Stirling Moss, Graham Hill, Emerson Fittipaldi, Nigel Mansell, Elio de Angelis, and Mario Andretti.

Lotus has launched four new limited-edition versions of the Elise for motorsport enthusiasts. These limited-edition Elise models pay tribute to Lotus’ success in motorsport. Lotus has carefully selected four colour combinations for the limited edition Elises to represent that success – black and gold; red, white, and gold; blue, red, and silver; and blue and white.

The limited-edition black and gold Lotus Elise pays homage to the livery on the Lotus Type 72D that was driven by Emerson Fittipaldi to five victories in the 1972 Formula One season.

The second red, white, and gold limited edition Lotus Elise pays tribute to the Type 49B Lotus raced by Graham Hill in 1968.

The big Formula One driver names don’t stop there for Lotus as the new third limited edition blue, red and silver Elise here harks back to the Lotus Type 81 of 1980 that was driven by Nigel Mansell, Elio de Angelis and Mario Andretti.

And the fourth limited edition 2020 model year Elise painted blue and white is in honour of the 1960 Type 18 Lotus Formula One car, which was the first Lotus Formula One car to take an F1 pole position and to win in the hands of the late Sir Stirling Moss at the Monaco Grand Prix, exactly 60 years ago.

All four limited edition cars are based on the 2020 Lotus Elise 220, which is currently on sale in select international markets. All of these cars come with some additional features over the standard car, which are available as optional equipment.

In terms of added features, the limited edition Elise gets ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels with a racing livery finish, two-piece disc brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, DAB digital radio with four speakers, and black carpet with floor mats. The upper door trim and central seat insert are finished to match the exterior, with detailing on the door, gear selector surround, and dashboard. Only the blue-and-white car has red Alcantara seats.

All four versions of the new limited-edition Lotus Elise have been priced at Rs 43.46 lakh, which is Rs. 5.96 lakh more than the standard Elise 220, which has the same mechanical specification. Lotus, though, is quick to point out that all of the added features as per the Lotus catalogue cost Rs 11.02 lakh, which makes the limited edition versions not just exclusive and special but also financially attractive.

You’ll have to hurry if you want one, as only 100 units will be produced and each car will bear an exclusive numbered ‘build plaque’ on the dashboard, referring to the limited production.

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