Lotus Exige S (2008)

The original Series 1 Lotus Exige caused quite a stir when launched in 2000 - a lighter and more powerful version of the brand’s already successful “Elise”. It utilised a 1.8 L Rover K Series Inline-four engine in VHPD (Very High Performance Derivative) tune, producing 177 bhp in standard form. 604 Series 1 cars were produced until 2002, when work began on its replacement.

Launched at the Geneva motor show in 2004, the 189bhp S2 Exige had more horsepower than the hairy-chested VHPD version of the S1, but with a notable improvement – the dependability of a Toyota-sourced 1.8-litre, four-cylinder, VVTL-i engine. And while it may have lacked the rabid frenzy of the highly tuned old Rover lump, its two-stage power delivery – courtesy of variable valve timing and lift – gave a buzz akin to an old-school turbo coming on-boost. With its track-developed chassis and downforce-producing rear wing, the Exige S2 swiftly established itself as a circuit star, eclipsing the Elise and measuring up favourably (particularly when price was thrown into the equation) to exotic versions of the 911.

However Lotus knew more was to come and in 2006 the Exige S was launched, now supercharged these were producing a reliable 220 BHP, with various options of trim, as Evo Magazine said “In terms of soul-searing driving pleasure, there were few rivals”. Another upgrade came in 2008 and this was to 240 BHP with a AP Racing brake upgrade from Hethel – making the 2008 onwards Exige S, the model to have.

This low mileage (20,000 miles) Artic Silver Metallic car is a 2008 (240 BHP) model with factory fitted AP brakes and optioned with the Touring, Sports and Performance pack from new as well as all important Air Conditioning alongside black leather bucket seats, Lotus Traction Control System (TCS), optional performance “Exedy” clutch and paint protected by factory fit Paint Protection Film (PPF).

Supplied new to its first owner Mr McDonald in September 2008, the car has lived a charmed life since. Mr McDonald would keep the car for just one year before it passed into the fastidious care of its second, Kent based owner with less than 3,000 miles. The car would remain with that careful and meticulous owner for a further 8 years, before passing to the third and final owner in 2017, also a fastidious enthusiast.

The car’s service history is exemplary with 12 services recorded in the car’s 11 year life, all stamped correctly in the cars service book, and with a thick file of every MOT, service invoice and even the sales invoices between owners. Late in 2019, the car was serviced again by Oakmere Lotus in the North West, given a fresh MOT and fitted with new tyres since when the car has covered limited mileage, which now stands at just over 20,000 miles from new. In addition the comprehensive history file, this Exige is accompanied by all of its factory correct books manuals and spare keys. Presented in tasteful Arctic Silver this low mileage Exige S is of provenance and quality good enough for any collector. Finer examples will be very hard to find indeed.