2008 Lotus Elise California Edition is up for sale with just 3,300 miles and with just 50 made this could be the best in the world
Published on Nov 10, 2025 at 9:14 AM (UTC+4)
by Molly Davidson
Last updated on Nov 10, 2025 at 10:02 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
A pristine 2008 Lotus Elise California Edition has just hit the auction block.
It’s one of only 50 ever made and has barely been touched, showing an insane 3,300 miles since new.
Finished in Ardent Red over Magnolia-and-red leather, it’s a perfect snapshot of Lotus at its lightest and most analog.
At the time of writing, the bid sits at $41,595 with three days to go.
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Classic Lotus Elise purity, perfectly preserved
The California Edition combined the Elise’s core engineering with a few comfort touches.
It’s powered by a Toyota-sourced 1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE inline-four producing 190 horsepower and 138lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transaxle and rear-wheel drive.
Weighing under 2,000 pounds, it delivers the same balance and responsiveness that defined the model’s reputation.
Braking comes from ventilated, cross-drilled discs with AP Racing and Brembo calipers.
Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs handle suspension duties, while 16 and 17-inch Y-spoke alloys wear Yokohama Advan AD48 tires.
Equipment includes a removable soft top, a color-matched roof panel, and an Alpine CD stereo with air conditioning and power windows.
Details unique to the California Edition’s blend of usability and lightness.
Low miles, high collectability
Just 50 California Editions were produced worldwide, evenly split between Ardent Red and Saffron Yellow.
This one was first registered in Tennessee before moving to California, where it has remained with its current owner since 2018.
The odometer shows 3,300 miles, roughly 400 of which were added during current ownership.
Inside, the Magnolia-and-red leather cabin appears almost untouched.
And the MOMO steering wheel, analog instrumentation, and color-coordinated mats present as new.
The sale includes the original owner’s manual, complete service records, a clean Carfax, and a California title.
With its documented history and untouched condition, this example could be the most original surviving California Edition anywhere.
For collectors, this isn’t a typical used Lotus.
It’s a preserved benchmark from the brand’s purest period – an Elise that has survived the years with barely a fingerprint to show for it.
The Bring a Trailer auction ends in three days, so if you’re interested, you better get in quick.
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Molly Davidson is a Junior Content Writer at Supercar Blondie. Based in Melbourne, she holds a double Bachelor’s degree in Arts/Law from Swinburne University and a Master’s of Writing and Publishing from RMIT. Molly has contributed to a range of magazines and journals, developing a strong interest in lifestyle and car news content. When she’s not writing, she’s spending quality time with her rescue English staffy, Boof.
