1. Five of the Best Cars Made in Britain
2. Jaguar XK
3. Lotus Elise

It used to be that Lotus changed owners more regularly than its models, but then the company had the sense to make the Lotus Elise and since the company was taken over by a huge Malaysian company (that also owns Proton) there appears to have been a degree of stability. The Elise was undoubtedly the company's saviour.

The original Elise was scintillating to drive thanks to a combination of low weight and incredible driver feedback. Sportscar fans flocked to buy it and many wondered how Lotus could better it. Then we were shown the sharply-styled S2 Elise at the British Motor Show. Somehow, Lotus improved the breed even further. Today you can buy your Elise in various guises depending on whether you intend to use it for a lot of track work, or cruising, or both. Thanks to the fitment of a reliable Toyota engine it is even viable to use as everyday transport. Colin Chapman would be proud.

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