Description
Launched and produced in 2005, the Lotus Exige 240R was the first and most special of the limited edition Series 2 Exiges, and the first with a supercharged engine – one of the rarest, most accomplished and fastest Lotuses.
Limited to just 50 examples and instantly sold out, completed Exiges were taken from the production line and factory converted by Lotus Sport to produce the 240R. Performance figures were incredible for the time with the 243hp supercharged Toyota engine providing a 261hp/ ton power to weight ratio and 0-60mph in 3. 9 seconds, and 0-100mph in 9. 9 seconds. Top speed was 155 mph and up to 113kg of downforce was provided by aerodynamic aids.
Exige 240Rs came in either metallic black or yellow and were designed with fast-road and track driving in mind. The standard factory specification included:
Supercharged and intercooled 1. 8 litre Toyota engine with variable valve timing and lift 243hp
6 speed gearbox
Twin oil coolers
Accusump oil reservoir system for high-speed track use
Adjustable Ohlins dampers all round
Adjustable front anti-roll bar
Stiffer upgraded suspension springs
Upgraded braking system (AP Racing and Brembo)
Sports exhaust
Lightweight alloy wheels
Yokohama AO48 tyres
4 point racing harnesses and racing seats
Full leather interior in black with yellow inserts
Air conditioning
Electric windows
Radio/ CD player
Central locking with alarm and immobiliser
Unique numbered build plate
My car is build number 007 from 050 – built and registered in 2005 as a right-hand drive UK car. The car was part of a large Lotus private collection from new in 2005 until 2017 (when I purchased it) and has been dry stored in a dehumidified environment and driven only in the dry - Summer use only. It has never been tracked – road use only – and has covered only 7, 800 miles (3, 500 miles in my ownership in the past 3 years - I am the 2nd owner). It is in immaculate condition. It is also completely unmodified in any way. Full recent engineers inspection report available. MOT to August 2021. Last serviced in August 2020 by Lotus specialist.
Featured in 10 editions of Absolute Lotus magazine (Running Reports section) where the story of my ownership has been shared.
My Exige has been a “garage queen” and weekend dry-use toy, and is quite probably the lowest mileage and best condition 240R in existence. I believe only 12 240Rs remain in the UK with the rest elsewhere in Europe, Japan and the US. Most have been tracked and many modified. My Exige would suit someone seeking an example of this special car with ultra-low mileage and in pretty much as-new condition.
International enquiries welcome. GBP £45, 995.
