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United States market

Lotus Elise (S1)

1996–2001

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  • Lowest price

    US$35,361

    Since 2020

  • Median price

    US$35,361

    Since 2020 · n=1

  • Highest price

    US$35,361

    Since 2020

  • Sold cars

    1

    All time

  • Sell-through

    100%

    Of 1 lots

Lotus Elise

Based on 1 verified auction result

HOLDStablemedium confidence

US$24,455

Market value · recent verified sales

+0.9%

12-month change

Fair Entry

Stable prices. Negotiate on spec and condition.

Prices have been flat (+0.9%). No strong directional signal.

MSRP

—

Collectibility

6/10

Collectible

3-Year Forecast

US$24,975

+2%

5-Year Forecast

US$25,143

+3%

Estimates pool 13 verified sales across United Kingdom, United States — cross-market prices FX-adjusted at Jul 2026 rates.

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Market scores

38

Desirability

Illiquid

10

Liquidity

Moderate

50

Resale Outlook

Option premiums

What every option is worth.

  • Built ≤ 1999

    +US$2,653+11%

    8 with · 5 without · med confidence

Premiums compare the median price of sales with each option against comparable sales without it, mined from verified auction listings. Sales are pooled across markets on a relative-price basis, so exchange rates and market levels can't skew the split. Options interact in ways a one-at-a-time split can’t capture — treat each premium as directional rather than gospel.

Marque analyst note

The Lotus Elise S1 is tracking at a median of $24,455 in the US market, up 0.9% over the past year and holding in stable territory with a Hold signal. The modest upward drift reflects steady if unspectacular momentum for the model, which continues to be classified as an appreciating classic.

Trading activity remains extremely thin, with just one recorded transaction in the twelve-month window and no active listings currently available. This illiquid status means buyers and sellers should expect extended search periods and limited negotiating leverage; when inventory does appear, pricing power shifts decisively to the holder.

The Elise S1 carries a collectibility score of 6—solidly in the classic car category—though desirability registers as low overall. The model's appeal remains niche, driven primarily by its lightweight engineering and early-2000s sports-car heritage rather than by rarity or widespread enthusiast demand.

Mileage and condition data are unavailable for recent transactions, which limits visibility into what buyers are willing to pay for specific use states. Prospective acquirers should conduct careful mechanical inspection, as the S1's age means typical examples may carry meaningful miles and wear.

The three-year base projection sits at $24,975 (up 2.1%), with the five-year outlook at $25,143 (up 2.8%). These gains are modest but consistent, reflecting a model that is likely to appreciate gently rather than spike, sustained by its position as a recognized nameplate in the classic sports car segment.

Depreciation Benchmark

  • Current avg valueUS$24,455
  • Annual appr. rate+0.9%/yr
  • Segment average+3.0 to +9.5%/yr

Vehicle History Signals

  • Auction lots tracked16
  • Damage or salvage declared0 (0.0%)
  • No damage declared16 (100.0%)
No damage or salvage declarations found in the titles and descriptions of the auction lots we track for this model. That's a good sign, not a guarantee — always commission a professional inspection and history check before buying.

Est. Annual Ownership Costs

  • Insurance (agreed value)US$600
  • MaintenanceUS$1,210
  • StorageUS$3,220
  • Depreciation— (appreciating)
  • Total annual costUS$5,030
This car has historically appreciated — carrying cost is offset by value growth, not eroded by depreciation.

Market Liquidity

  • Active Listings0
  • Sales Last 12 Months1
  • Sell-Through100%

Market Snapshot

  • Active Listings0
  • Avg Sale PriceUS$35,361
  • Avg Mileage at Sale—
  • Recent Price RangeUS$35,361 – US$35,361
  • Total Sales Tracked1

Recent sales

  • US$35,361

    Bring a Trailer · 14 Aug 2026

Common questions

What is a Lotus Elise (S1) worth in 2026?

The current United States market median is US$24,455, based on 13 verified auction sales. Recent sales ranged from US$35,361 to US$35,361.

Is the Lotus Elise (S1) going up in value?

Over the last 12 months its United States median moved +0.9%. Past movement is not a guarantee of future value.

How many Lotus Elise (S1)s are for sale right now?

No live auction listings tracked right now — new lots are swept in several times a day, and you can follow the model to be notified.

Indicative only — not investment advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future value.