Wednesday 18th November 2009

PH Show Readers' Cars: Lotus 340R

Another cracking PH gem that will be on display at the PistonHeads show in January

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Want to get a closer look at this?...

January 14th isn't that far away, which means the PistonHeads show isn't either. Now, following on from the 'Swordfish' TVR we revealed in late October we've decided to pop back into the Reader's Cars stand to show you another attendee.

It's the Lotus 340R, a hardcore Elise, for drivers who can go without wind-down windows. Or windows of any sort, in fact. Or even a roof. It promised more power and bigger thrills on the road, so is that what drew owner Leigh Holloway to his?

"I used to have a fast Audi estate as a second car, but also had an estate as an everyday car, so I decided that, good as the Audi was, I really needed something more impractical to justify having a second car! I knew what the Lotus was but had never really considered one until then. But one drive and you're hooked."

...then come along to the PH show

The 340R was originally pegged to have 190bhp, but because some people don't appreciate exhaust noise or emissions, it was muzzled at 177bhp. That doesn't matter to Leigh, though - he had a little fettling done.

"Lotus offered a 190bhp upgrade as an aftermarket fit. The first owner of the car had this done. After I bought the car I had an Emerald ECU and vernier cam pulleys fitted as well as having a custom mapping session. The car now puts out 198bhp. The power delivery is much smoother, it pulls harder and it doesn't run anywhere near as rich as it used to. It makes the car much easier to drive."

So, apart form the presence of the 340R, why should you come to the PistonHeads show? We'll let Leigh tell you.

"It's not just about seeing my car, as I'm sure there will be lots of impressive vehicles there. But, if you want to see what happens if you take an Elise and remove anything that isn't strictly necessary (like the doors and the roof), then pop along and take a look at the 340R."

If you like the look of Leigh's Lotus and want to see it in the plastic, head to the PH show website and book some tickets to the show.

[Oddball RS]

They were (are) a great fun car - many happy memories

[Oddball RS]

No i have to back up the guys on this one,

Yet again lots of people slagging cars off that they have never even set foot in, let a lone owned.

I tracked mine on occasion and did about 6,000 road miles in it. Yes you get wet, but im ok with that, its called life in the UK.

No they are not expensive to run, mechanically they are pretty cheap for what you get. Body work can be expensive yes, but its a rare exclusive car what do you expect? if you want cheap to bend get a Clio and strip it out.

I've always thought knowing you are driving an unusual (Rare?) car quickly focuses the mind slightly.

And as for the guy (Kid) who just called it 'Fugly' (yes i know its no looker) do you even drive? it looks like you are keen on lego to me?