2016 Lotus Elise Cup 250 | 550K HKD "FIRM"
ELISE CUP 250
Colin Chapman's famous philosophy—"simplify, then add lightness"—has never been more purely expressed than in the Elise Cup 250. Unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show as the fastest road-going Elise ever built, it represented the ultimate distillation of the Elise formula: a supercharged 1.8-litre Toyota four-cylinder mounted amidships, a featherweight chassis, and aerodynamics honed at Hethel. Just 200 examples were built globally each year, making this a genuinely rare opportunity to acquire one of the most celebrated driver's cars of its generation—and one that was delivered new to Hong Kong.
THIS MOTOR CAR:
This 2016 Lotus Elise Cup 250 was originally delivered by the Hong Kong Lotus Dealer and first registered in February 2017. It has remained with a single owner from new—a self-transfer in 2020 means the HK registration now shows just one previous owner. Presented in a striking monotone specification of White paint with black roof and wheels, it has been driven fewer than 15,000 KM from new—a remarkably low figure that reflects its careful custodianship.
Year: 2016
Body: 2 Doors with removable soft top
Exterior: White
Interior: Black
Driver's Side: RHD
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Indicated Mileage: 14,500 KM (At time of Photography)
First Registration Location: Hong Kong
Registration: Hong Kong Registered in 2017 with 1 previous owners.
THE ELISE CUP 250 STORY
The Elise Cup 250 was the pinnacle of the Elise range, replacing the Cup 220 in 2016 as the flagship of Lotus's most focused road car. Its name refers not to horsepower—the supercharged 1.8-litre four produces 243 bhp at 7,200 rpm—but to its torque figure: a hefty 250 Nm available between 3,500 and 5,000 rpm.
At 931 kg with fluids, the Cup 250 was 21 kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks to carbonfibre-backed seats, a lithium-ion battery, forged alloy wheels, and reduced sound deadening.
The result was a car that could sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and reach 154 mph, while generating 66 kg of downforce at 100 mph and 155 kg at maximum velocity. Around Lotus's Hethel test track, it lapped in 1 minute 34 seconds—four seconds quicker than the Cup 220, a chasm in circuit terms. As Auto Express put it, the Cup 250 is "a proper road-legal track-day weapon—a car that you happily endure on your way to a circuit in order to relish what it can do upon arrival"
EXTERIOR
The factory white paint is in good condition, shining with light patina. The factory removable soft-top is in top shape. Some stone chips and deteriotion can be found on the lower parts of the black aerodynamic components—the front air dam, side skirt, and rear valance—which are simply evidence of normal usage. There is slight damage to the lower front lip beneath the license plate, which, given the car's low ride height, is virtually inevitable on Hong Kong roads. The monotone white-with-black-theme gives the Cup 250 a purposeful, motorsport-inspired presence.
Condition: 85/100 — White paint in good condition; some stone chips and minor deterioration on black aerodynamic trims.
INTERIOR
The interior is fully original and in excellent condition, reflecting the car's seldom-use status confirmed by the low mileage reading. The cabin is a study in focused minimalism—exactly as Colin Chapman intended. Air conditioning and a radio were fitted from the factory, a welcome addition for Hong Kong's tropical climate and for aural enjoyment on longer drives. The carbonfibre-backed seats, lightweight materials, and purposeful switchgear all remain as Lotus built them.
Condition: 90/100 — Almost as-new condition, reflecting light and gentle use throughout its life.
MECHANICAL
At its heart lies the free-revving 1.8-litre supercharged inline-four, mated to a crisp manual gearbox and the renowned lightweight chassis that has defined the Elise for two decades. This Cup 250 delivers raw, unfiltered feedback—the steering is unpowered and blissfully transparent, the suspension is track-tuned with Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs, and the brakes are AP Racing front calipers with Brembo rears. Yet despite its track-focused specification, it remains a genuinely usable car for weekend drives in Hong Kong. As Top Gear observed, "even the best turbocharged engines are still soft and slow-witted compared with this supercharged four-cylinder".
Condition: 90/100 — Free-revving engine, crisp manual, everything in robust health.
CLASSIC INSIDER ASSESSMENT
We quantify condition where others merely describe. Condition Score: 88/100 - A low-mileage, single-owner Elise Cup 250 in exceptional original condition—presented as a focused, driver's car with genuine collector appeal.
Exterior (85/100): White paint in good condition; some stone chips and minor deterioration on black aerodynamic trims.
Interior (90/100): Almost as-new condition, reflecting light and gentle use throughout its life.
Mechanicals (90/100): Free-revving engine, crisp manual, everything in robust health.
HIGHLIGHTS
Hong Kong Registered: Single owner since new; self-transfer in 2020 means VRD shows 1 previous owner.
Exceptionally Low Mileage: Fewer than 15,000 KM from new.
Rare Cup 250 Model: Limited to just 200 units globally per year.
Fastest Road-Going Elise Ever: 243 bhp, 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, 154 mph top speed.
Monotone Specification: White paint with black roof and wheels.
Factory A/C and Radio: Equipped for tropical comfort and enjoyment.
Classic Insider Score: 88/100 — A driver-focused modern classic in outstanding condition.
PROVENANCE & CONDITION
Originally HK-delivered by the official Lotus dealer and first registered in February 2017, this Cup 250 has remained with a single owner from new. The 2020 self-transfer is reflected on the HK registration as one previous owner. The car has been used sparingly and maintained consistently, as evidenced by the low mileage and service record.
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE SUMMARY
February 2018 — 30-point inspection and full maintenance service; replaced traction control and front brake sensor.
March 2020 — 30-point inspection and full maintenance service; replaced water pump and brake light switch.
December 2023 — 30-point inspection and full maintenance service.
The service history demonstrates consistent care at regular intervals, with all maintenance performed to Lotus standards. The car is presented in turn-key condition, ready to be enjoyed immediately.
SUMMARY FOR BUYERS
Why This Elise Cup 250 Stands Out The Elise Cup 250 occupies a unique position in the modern collector market. It is the ultimate expression of the Elise formula—the fastest, most focused, and most desirable road-going Elise ever produced. With just 200 built globally each year and fewer than 15,000 KM on the odometer, this example is exceptionally rare, particularly in right-hand-drive Hong Kong specification.
This is not merely a sports car; it is a benchmark. The Cup 250 represents the culmination of two decades of Elise development, a car that can lap Hethel four seconds quicker than its predecessor while remaining entirely usable on the road. For the discerning enthusiast, it offers an uncompromising driving experience that few modern cars can match.
A NOTE FOR OUR CLIENTS
Classic Insider has sold many interesting automobiles over the years, and low-mileage cars are always in high demand.
A queue always forms to see our consignments.
Priority viewing will be given to:
1️⃣ Classic Insider's existing clients or their direct referrals – as a gesture of appreciation for your continued trust.
2️⃣ In the order of making initial contact – the earlier you reach out, the earlier you will be accommodated.
Viewings are always scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis within the priority groups. If you would like to be among the first to experience this remarkable car—and potentially secure it for your collection—we encourage you to reach out without delay.
Available Exclusively at Classic Insider. Available for viewing by appointment for serious interest only.
For more info, please contact:
Kenneth Wong
Email: Kenneth@classicinsider.com
Telephone Or Whatsapp: +852 9013 2536
** SIMILAR VEHICLES ALWAYS REQUIRED**
Selling? Our brokerage sale program is a great way to utilise and access our marketing services and knowledge while maximising the return of your vehicle with minimal hassle, If you’d like to take advantage of this then please get in touch for further information.
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on this website has been compiled by Classic Insider with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. Classic Insider is not liable for any errors or mistakes.
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