Get Lost, a new automotive brand founded by car photographer GFWilliams, has unveiled Project Safari – a dramatically re-engineered Lotus Elise S1 with a rally-style stance and genuine off-road capability.
‘The idea of taking an Elise off-road might sound ridiculous, and that’s exactly why we leaned into it,’ says Williams. ‘That one silly idea gave us real creative freedom.’
Williams, who has spent more than a decade photographing some of the world’s most desirable cars, established Get Lost to push automotive boundaries – bringing together designers, engineers and motorsport specialists to reinterpret classic cars in bold new ways. Project Safari is the first result of this vision.
Starting with an original Elise S1, Project Safari has been comprehensively reimagined rather than simply modified. It features bespoke rectangular headlights, a prominent roof scoop, all-terrain tyres and an entirely new suspension system. The car sits higher and wider than standard, while retaining the Elise’s fundamental agility, balance and compact dimensions.
Mechanically, the car benefits from a new, upgraded powertrain chosen for reliability and performance, along with a limited-slip differential and a rally-style hydraulic handbrake. Every upgrade is carefully considered to complement the original character of the Elise, amplifying its capability and playful driving dynamics.
Inside, the cabin has been fully redesigned with high-quality materials and purposeful details that echo the rally theme while adding road-trip practicality. ‘It wasn’t enough for the car to look good – it had to be brilliant to drive, too,’ Williams explains. ‘Everything has been considered – from the design to the drive – all in the pursuit of creating something that’s fun.’
Though inspired by the past, Project Safari is firmly focused on delivering fresh experiences. As Williams puts it: ‘This is not a modified Elise; it’s our interpretation of what the platform had to offer.’
Customer builds of Project Safari will commence later this year, and Get Lost is now welcoming expressions of interest from potential clients and partners who share the vision for bold, bespoke automotive experiences. Find out more at getlostautomotive.com
