2004 Lotus Exige S2

Highlights 

• Wonderful, low mileage example of one of Lotus' finest

• Strong history file

• In superb overall condition

• Some tasteful performance upgrade including uprated aluminium radiator

• Professionally re-trimmed seats with ProBax inserts

• Reportedly driving perfectly

• Will come with fresh MOT

Overview

It's all too easy nowadays to become complacent with modern cars. To let ourselves be mollycoddled. To allow the car to tell us what it thinks is best. Well not so with the Lotus Exige. There are no driver aids here. No lane assist or adaptive suspension. Just four wheels and an engine powering a beautifully balanced, lightweight chassis and you, the driver, have to put in the work. But when you do and you get it right it's perfection.

The Exige S2, introduced in 2004, used the same winning formula as its predecessor – that was itself based on the excellent Elise – but this time around was a more track-focused incarnation. And it was affordable, too. Sporting a Toyota 2ZZ-GE 1.8-litre engine in place of the previous Rover K-Series it was the perfect powerplant for the Lotus, developing 190bhp for a 0-60mph time of under five seconds before hitting its top speed of 140mph. Wider, sportier and with more downforce lap times were slashed and hitting the track is exactly what the Exige S2 was designed to do.

This particular low mileage 2004 Lotus Exige S2 looks every bit the quintessential sports car thanks to its striking red paintwork and it comes to market in wonderful condition both inside and out with an impending wedding listed as the reason for sale. Cared for by specialists the car has clearly been well-maintained and is furnished with a well-documented service history. Featuring some welcome upgrades such as a Lotus stage 2 exhaust and a TRD intake airbox alongside the mod that can accommodate the soft top roof as well as recently re-trimmed seats with ProBax cushioning which make the car a more comfortable proposition for touring it's a fine 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 13 Nov 2023

• First registered 02 Sep 2004

• Four registered former keepers

• Two keys

• Serviced in current ownership by Purbeck Sports Cars Ltd in Holton Heath and in the previous owner's time by Qmech - South Wales Lotus and Caterham specialists

• Excellent service history with numerous specialist invoices for parts, servicing and maintenance

• Vendor reports a fully stamped service book

• HPI clear

• Advisory-free MOT until 1 May 2026, which will be renewed prior to the completion of the auction

• London ULEZ compliant

• 48,295 MOT verified miles

Interior

• In very good condition throughout

• Seats have been re-trimmed with ProBax inserts by Allon White Sports Cars (Apr 2025) and as such present impeccably

• Limited wear and tear

• The steering wheel leather is showing a few light marks

• No signs of any damage

• Door cards and carpets/mats present well

• Gear and handbrake gaiters are in great shape

• No reports of any electrical problems

• Door jambs are clean

• Dashboard remains intact

• Blaupunkt stereo head unit

• Luggage compartment looks tidy

• Engine bay is clean 

Exterior

• Bodywork is in excellent shape with uniform panel gaps

• Paintwork presents well

• No signs of any damage or corrosion 

• There are two sections of PPF by the rear arches and some on the front but it's not in great condition, as reported by the vendor

• No major marks or blemishes aside from one large mark on the front near the badge but it is to the PPF only, not the paint

• Some usual, very light stone chips to the front end

• Windows and light lenses are in good shape

• All black trim pieces present well

• The contrasting black staggered alloy wheels look to be in fine fettle but there is evidence of light kerb damage to both nearside rims 

• Yokohama Advan Sport tyres all round which the vendor describes as old but in great condition and with plenty of tread 

• The vendor informs us that the car is good underneath and there is no evidence of any fluid leaks

Mechanical

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

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 4.7seconds

• 147mph top speed

• Lotus stage 2 sports exhaust

• TRD intake airbox

• Upgraded fan/blower resistor pack

• High Pressure Aluminium radiator

• Replacement radiator fan, towing strut, driving lights and covers, stainless steel bolt kit, new bulbs fitted all round (Nov 2018)

• No known mechanical issues

• The vendor informs us that the car starts and stops with no issues and sounds amazing 

Summary

The Lotus Exige S2 could very well be the ultimate lightweight sports car. It's certainly up there with the best of the best at the very least and can courageously hold its own alongside far more expensive metal. This cherished example, with its tasteful upgrades and strong service history, is a fine representation of the marque that no doubt drives as good as it looks.

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 Bath, Somerset.