Ep 11. Lotus Elise

In Wheeler Dealers season 10 episode 11, the crew takes on the challenge of restoring a 2005 Lotus Elise. The car is a sleek two-seater with a lightweight aluminum body that's powered by a 1.8-liter Toyota engine. To start things off, host Mike Brewer and mechanic Edd China inspect the car to assess its condition and determine what needs to be fixed or replaced. They discover several issues, including damaged door hinges, worn suspension components, and a leaking oil cooler.

The first task at hand is to address the suspension and steering, which are crucial for a smooth and precise driving experience. Edd starts by removing the old shocks, springs, and other components, and then replaces them with new parts from Lotus and aftermarket suppliers. He also replaces the worn-out steering rack and pinion, as well as the bushings and ball joints to eliminate any play or slop in the system.

With the suspension sorted, Edd moves on to the brakes. He replaces the worn pads and rotors with new ones, and also replaces the old brake lines with stainless steel ones for better durability and performance. He also flushes the brake fluid to ensure that it's free of any contaminants that could affect the brakes' effectiveness.

Next up is the engine. The Toyota 1.8-liter engine is known for its reliability and performance, but it still needs some attention to perform at its best. Edd starts by replacing the timing belt and water pump, which are critical components that help keep the engine running smoothly. He also replaces the spark plugs, air filter, and oil filter, and changes the oil to keep the engine lubricated and running smoothly.

After ensuring the engine is in top shape, Edd turns his attention to the bodywork. The Lotus Elise has a distinctive look with its curved lines, and any damage or imperfections can detract from its overall appearance. Edd starts by repairing any dents or scratches, and then repaints the entire car in the original metallic blue color. He also replaces the damaged fiberglass sections around the doors and replaces the worn-out weatherstripping to make sure the car is watertight.

The final touches involve restoring the interior. The Lotus Elise has a minimalist interior with no unnecessary frills, but it still needs to be comfortable and functional. Edd starts by replacing the worn-out seats with new, more supportive ones, and then replaces the old carpets and floor mats with new ones for a fresh look. He also replaces the damaged door panels and installs new speakers and a head unit to give the car a modern sound system.

Overall, the Wheeler Dealers team manages to transform the 2005 Lotus Elise into a sleek and reliable sports car. With its improved suspension, brakes, and engine, the car now performs at its best, and the restored bodywork and interior bring back the car's original charm and character. The episode showcases the expertise and skill of Mike and Edd, who work together to overcome the challenges of restoring a unique and specialized car. Fans of the show and car enthusiasts alike will enjoy watching the transformation of the Lotus Elise and learning more about what goes into restoring classic cars.