2008 Lotus Elise California Edition For Sale With 3,300 Miles: The Cleanest Analog Time Capsule

2008 Lotus Elise California Edition For Sale With 3,300 Miles: The Cleanest Analog Time Capsule

2008 Lotus Elise California Edition For Sale with an ultra-low 3,300 miles is currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer, offering collectors one of the rarest and most pristine examples of the lightweight British sports car. Only 50 California Edition Lotus Elises were produced, split evenly between Ardent Red and Saffron Yellow. This particular Lotus Elise is finished in Ardent Red over a Magnolia-and-red leather interior, representing the final, pure analog expression of the model’s design ethos before the brand’s push into hybrid and electric systems.

Rarity and Purity Define the California Edition

This highly exclusive Lotus Elise is a perfect embodiment of the brand’s core values: light weight, balanced performance, and simplicity.

• Ultra-Low Mileage: Shows just 3,300 miles on the odometer, with only 400 miles added by the current owner since 2018, confirming its status as a genuine collector’s time capsule.
• Engine & Power: Power comes from the robust, Toyota-sourced 1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE inline-four. It is rated at 190 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, ensuring an engaging drive without excessive power.
• Lightweight Formula: The car’s curb weight of under 2,000 pounds highlights Lotus’s signature formula of light weight and balance.
• Analog Experience: Power is routed through a six-speed manual transaxle, preserving the raw, analog feel sought by driving purists.

Performance Hardware and Collector Appeal

The Lotus Elise California Edition integrates high-quality components for precision handling, while its limited run ensures high exclusivity.

• Handling: The chassis uses Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs to keep it planted.
• Braking: Features ventilated and cross-drilled discs with AP Racing and Brembo calipers.
• Wheels & Tires: Rides on 16- and 17-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan AD48 tires.
• Comfort Amenities: Unlike some of the more hardcore variants, the California Edition includes air conditioning, an Alpine CD stereo, and power windows.

Interior and Investment Context

The interior is a reflection of the car’s preserved condition and minimalist ethos.

• Pristine Cabin: The Magnolia and red leather cabin is beautifully preserved, featuring a MOMO steering wheel, clean analog instrumentation, and color-coordinated mats.
• Documentation: The sale includes the original owner’s manual, full service records, a clean Carfax report, and a California title.
• Market Value: The current high bid is $30,000, with the auction ending in six days. Given its pristine condition, extreme rarity (1 of 50), and ultra-low mileage, this Lotus Elise is expected to attract significantly higher final bids, representing a strong investment in the classic British sports car heritage.

Final Thoughts

The 2008 Lotus Elise California Edition For Sale is a rare gem that captures the final era of truly analog British sports cars. Its originality, low mileage, and commitment to the lightweight driving ethos make it a prime collector’s item. This sale is a perfect window into the brand’s history and its foundational belief that driving engagement thrives on simplicity rather than complexity.

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