A limited run of 100 left-hand drive Elises in Black with gold wheels and grilles. The interior has a yellow/gold chamois effect seat panel and yellow/gold dash. These are a special run at the request of the Italian dealer network and although they are in JPS colours (gold instead of the original yellow), they are badged as 'Heritage' since Lotus don't hold the rights to the JPS mark. A limited run of 50 was planned in right-hand drive form and were sold as the Type 79. These were available with both standard and VVC engines. As far as I know only 22 RHD cars were ever built.

The John Player Special edition was introduced in july 1999 and was available based on the standard and the 111S versions.

Changes to the standard or 111S model:
- Black Body colour
- Gold painted grilles: radiator air intake, radiator outlet, engine lid outlet, rear clamshell recess,
                                 engine bay intake.
- Gold painted 111S rims
- Black and Gold Alcantara steering wheel
- Gold painted dash insert panels
- 111S type black Leather seats with gold alcantara centres
- Gold decals on rear body and dash
- Black and Gold nose badge
- Union Flag decal on rear
- Standard versions also have headlamp covers and rear wheelarch spats. (111S clams)