2004 Lotus Exige S2 Touring Pack

Highlights 

• Desirable specification

• Strong history file

• In excellent overall condition

• Touring Pack

• Some choice performance upgrades

• Reportedly driving perfectly

• Advisory-free MOT

Overview

Following in the rather large footsteps that the original Elise left in its wake was always going to be a big ask for Lotus and the car that it decided to produce next had some particularly big shoes to fill. The Elise was a hugely successful, lightweight two seater sports car that took everything that was great about the Lotus 7 and instilled it into a more modern, practical proposition, instantly catapulting it into bona fide legend territory. It was a true driver's car through and through but Lotus couldn't rest on its laurels. It had to  keep the momentum going that had been built up by the Elise and what it came up with was the further refined, hugely exciting and eminently capable Exige.

Debuting in 2000 and remaining in production for just over 20 years the Exige was further proof that Colin Chapman's now famous “simplify, then add lightness” approach to building sports cars was still very much working, and working well. Retaining the sleek design language of its predecessor but presenting as a more muscular proposition the Exige was a fitting follow up with impressive performance credentials that was and still is astonishingly fun to drive .

Enjoying three generations, along with numerous special and limited edition models, the Exige remains an exciting used buy for anyone looking for a pure and unadulterated thrill ride and this particular 2004 Series 2  is certainly no exception. Equipped with a 1.8-litre 16-valve DOHC Toyota inline four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing wizardry that produces 190bhp, the Exige – thanks in part to its meagre kerb weight – can hit 60mph from parked in just 4.7seconds and thanks to a whole host of aerodynamic jiggery-pokery it handles like it's on rails too.

Perfect for fast road as well as track use this Lotus Exige comes to market in excellent overall condition. Reportedly driving perfectly and with good service history it's a fine representation of one of the greatest two-seater sports cars to ever play the game. Complete with Touring Pack for an enhanced, more comfortable interior, as well as a few choice mechanical upgrades such as induction kit, uprated alloy radiator and sports exhaust, this Exige S2 is a lovely turn key example that's ready to be enjoyed.

History and documentation

• 2004 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• In current ownership since 11 Jan 2025

• First registered 02 Nov 2004

• Seven registered former keepers

• Original book pack 

• Two keys

• Good service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: 2004 @ 1,787 miles, 2007 @ 12,463 miles, 2010 @ 26,108 miles (specialist), 2012 @ 33,373 miles (specialist), 2015 @ 40,452 miles (battery), 2016 @ 40,610 miles (gearbox oil), 2017 @ 40,944 miles, 2018 @ 41,154 miles, 2019 @ 41,332 miles (specialist), 2024 @ 41,845 miles

• Numerous invoices for parts, servicing and maintenance

• Various old MOT certificates

• HPI clear

• Advisory-free MOT until 08 Jan 2027

• London ULEZ compliant

• Please note that the private plate shown on the car is not part of the sale

• Please note that odometer is showing 71,684 indicated kilometres

Interior

• In very good condition throughout

• Touring Pack, including Exige embroidered floor mats

• No rips or cracks to any of the upholstery or trim

• Some light marks and scuffs commensurate with age and mileage

• Harness bar and TRS four-point harnesses for both seats

• Quick release Momo Jet steering wheel

• Pioneer stereo head unit

• Fire extinguisher mounted in front of passenger seat

• No reports of any electrical problems or issues with the gauges and switchgear

• Luggage compartment is tidy

• Engine bay presents well

Exterior

• Bodywork is in excellent condition overall

• No signs of any major damage

• All shut lines look to be uniform

• Paintwork is free from any significant issues but there is a small mark on the offside door that has been touched up

• Some usual light stone chips to the front splitter

• The vendor informs us that the front end has been coated with Paint Protection Film 

• Factory staggered alloy wheels (16” front, 17” rear) all look to be in great shape with only a few light marks to note 

• Yokohama Advan Neova  AD08R high performance tyres all round

• All glasswork appears to be free from damage

• Hurricane HID headlamps

• Black diffuser, stone protectors and fuel cap surround

• No evidence of any corrosion

Mechanical

• 190bhp, 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder engine

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 4.7seconds

• 147mph top speed

• Aluminium upgraded radiator

• Sports exhaust

• Induction kit fitted as reported by the vendor

• Grooved brake discs with new pads as reported by the vendor

• No known mechanical issues

• The vendor informs us that the car runs perfectly, stops fine and sounds amazing with the sports exhaust 

Summary

As a thrilling featherweight performance machine the Exige certainly has a lot to offer and this Series 2, offered in great condition and with a strong service history, looks to be an excellent choice. Add in the Touring Pack and a long, advisory-free MOT and things start to look even more appealing so if you're after a well sorted, usable example of one of Lotus' best then this could be the car for you.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Ross-On-Wye, Herefordshire.