LOTUS Elise GT1 Wheels BBS 2x 11×18″ 1x 13×18″ Rare
Lotus Elise GT1 (Type 115) wheels is a significant event for Lotus collectors. These are ultra-rare, racing-spec BBS Magnesium center-lock wheels, manufactured specifically for the 1997 GT1 racing program.
1. Technical Specifications
The Elise GT1 used a staggered setup designed to handle the power of its LT5 V8 (or turbocharged I4) engine.
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Front Dimensions: 18 × 11J (The 2 units you mentioned).
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Rear Dimensions: 18 × 13J (The single unit you mentioned).
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Construction: Three-piece “Motorsport” design with forged magnesium centers and aluminum outer rims/inner barrels.
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Mounting: Center-lock (splined hub) specifically for the GT1 uprights. They will not bolt onto a standard Elise or Exige without specialized hub adapters.
2. Rarity & Provenance
Only seven Elise GT1 chassis were ever built, plus a small number of spare parts.
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The “Missing” Fourth Wheel: Since you have two 11″ and one 13″, you are likely looking at a “spare” set where one rear was damaged or lost. Finding a single matching 13 × 18″ BBS GT1 wheel to complete the set would be nearly impossible through retail channels.
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Identification: Genuine units often feature a BBS part number beginning with 02 or 24 stamped into the center mounting face, along with “Lotus” or “GT1” engravings in the casting.
3. Market Value (2026 Estimates)
Magnesium BBS racing wheels from this era are currently trading as “Functional Art” as much as automotive parts.
| Component | Estimated Price (USD) | Notes |
| Individual 11×18″ Front | $3,500 – $5,000 | High demand for display or specialized racing spares. |
| Individual 13×18″ Rear | $5,000 – $7,500 | Extremely rare width; essential for a GT1 restoration. |
| Total for the 3 Wheels | $12,000 – $15,000 | Value is slightly lower as an incomplete set of three. |
4. Safety & Restoration Warning
If you intend to use these for track driving, you must address the Magnesium age factor:
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Crack Testing: Magnesium is prone to intergranular corrosion. They must be Zyglo-tested or X-rayed to ensure the spoke structure hasn’t become brittle over the last 29 years.
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Refurbishment: Never sandblast magnesium. They require a specialized “chromating” chemical bath and low-temperature wet painting.
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Seals: As three-piece wheels, the perimeter seals will likely be dry-rotted. You will need new BBS sealing rings and titanium hardware.
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