This Off-Road Lotus Elise S1 Is the Rally Monster We Never Knew We Needed

British start-up Get Lost has flipped the script on one of the most iconic sports cars of the 1990s. Meet the Project Safari—a wild, off-road reimagining of the beloved Lotus Elise S1 that tears up the rulebook and redefines what this featherweight roadster is capable of.

Instead of sticking to Elise’s original track-focused ethos, Get Lost has turned it into a rugged rally-raid warrior, purpose-built for dirt trails, rocky climbs, and full-throttle fun far from the tarmac.

“Turning an Elise into an off-roader might seem absurd—and that’s exactly why we did it,” said George Williams, founder of Get Lost.

A Bold Restomod That Defies Convention

This isn’t just a lifted Lotus with chunky tyres. The Project Safari is a full-blown transformation, starting with a bespoke suspension system that lifts the ride height by a massive 100mm. That extra clearance allows it to traverse terrain the original Elise could only dream of.

To cope with the demands of rough terrain, Get Lost has reinforced the undertray to fend off debris and damage from stray rocks, while the Nankang all-terrain tyres provide the bite needed for loose surfaces. The wheel arches are widened to accommodate the beefier rubber, and a dramatic roof-mounted air intake—styled as a nod to the Elise’s front grille—adds both attitude and function.

Lighting upgrades include rectangular LED headlights for a modern twist and a proper rally-style light pod mounted front and center. It’s a bold contrast to the Elise’s signature curves, but it gives the Project Safari a purposeful, aggressive stance that screams adventure.

Powertrain Mystery – But It's Not the Original

Under the skin, Get Lost ditches the factory Rover-sourced 1.8-litre engine, replacing it with an undisclosed—but definitely more potent—powerplant. While the exact engine remains a secret, Get Lost promises improved performance and reliability, which hints at proven swaps like the Honda K-Series or Ford Duratec four-cylinder—both popular choices in the Lotus modding scene.

With the original engine making just 118bhp, either of those would be a massive leap forward, delivering the grunt this off-road Elise deserves.

Designed for Pure Fun – On or Off the Road

Adding to its off-road credentials, the Project Safari also packs a limited-slip differential and a hydraulic handbrake—two must-haves for tackling tight corners, loose surfaces, or pulling dramatic slides.

“This isn’t just a modified Elise,” Williams explained. “It’s our take on what the Elise platform could become. Every choice—from the styling to the drivetrain—was about one thing: creating something undeniably fun.”

Why the Project Safari Matters

The Get Lost Project Safari isn’t just another Lotus Elise restomod—it’s a full-on reinterpretation of a motoring icon. By transforming this ultra-lightweight roadster into an off-road beast, Get Lost is tapping into a growing appetite for adventure-ready sports cars with character and capability.

Whether you’re a die-hard Lotus enthusiast or someone who just loves bold automotive design, the Project Safari shows what happens when you throw convention out the window and chase pure driving enjoyment.

If you like bold builds like this, check out our feature on the Apocalypse 6x6 Defender “World Ender” for another off-road beast reimagined.