2001 LOTUS EXIGE

Hilton & Moss are very pleased to present an exceptional Series 1 Lotus Exige, offered from extensive long-term ownership and recent thorough servicing.

The original Lotus Exige, the Series 1, represents one of the purest expressions of Lotus’ founding philosophy. Simplify, then add lightness. Built in limited numbers and conceived as a more focused evolution of the Elise, the Exige S1 has become one of the most revered modern classics from Hethel.

Introduced at the turn of the millennium, the Exige S1 was unapologetically purposeful. Its dramatic fixed roof, deep front splitter and rear wing were not stylistic indulgences but functional aerodynamic elements, developed to deliver genuine downforce and enhanced high-speed stability. The result is a silhouette that remains striking, even by todays standards. Compact, aggressive and unmistakably Lotus.

Just 604 Series 1 Exige models would be built during the production run at Hethel from June 2000 to November 2001. It is thought that of the 604 built, around 400 cars were RHD and mainly delivered to the UK, although a number of cars found their way to Japan and Australia.

Beneath the sculpted bodywork lies the legendary bonded aluminium chassis, clothed in lightweight composite panels and paired with finely tuned suspension that delivers extraordinary balance and feedback. Power is provided by the high-revving 1.8-litre Rover K-Series engine, offering crisp throttle response and an engaging, mechanical character that perfectly complements the car’s low mass and exceptional chassis poise.

The cabin reflects the Exige’s uncompromising intent. Minimalist, driver-focused and refreshingly analogue, every control is positioned for engagement rather than convenience. This is a car designed to be driven, rewarding precision, commitment and skill in equal measure.

This particular example, Car number 0162, completed build at the factory on 8th September 2000 and was first registered In April 2001. Changing hands to the second owner in September 2002, the car would remain in this second ownership until today. A total of 23 years and 3 months.

Presented in the factory colour of B98 Titanium with contrasting Satin Black lightweight wheels, the exterior remains in a fantastic condition throughout, having covered just 13,970 miles over its 25-year life. In more recent times, the car has been stored by the second owner, who instructed a full recommissioning of the car with Hilton & Moss earlier this year. These works included:

Carrying out the F service schedule – Oil, filter, gear oil, brake fluid, spark plugs, air filter and alternator belt

Head gasket replacement

New timing belt and water pump

New thermostat housing with 82-degree thermostat

All brakes stripped down and refit

Sports Cat installed

Replaced heater matrix

Replace vacuum hoses

New tyres and four-wheel alignment

New battery

Fresh MOT with no advisories

The interior of the car features the optional Sports seats with a red Alcantara trim pack and presents in fantastic condition. A radio was optioned from new and a brand-new Momo steering wheel and quick release mounting have been fitted. A harness bar and 4-point harnesses are also fitted to hold both driver and passenger in place. Mechanically, the car was also specified with the carbon fibre air box.

Today, the Exige S1 is increasingly recognised as a modern Lotus icon. Rare, visceral and deeply involving, it stands as a reminder of an era when driving enjoyment was measured not in screens or modes, but in feel, balance and connection.

For the discerning enthusiast seeking an authentic, analogue sports car with genuine motorsport lineage, the Lotus Exige Series 1 remains a compelling and highly collectible choice.

Eligible for immediate import to the USA, being over the 25-year age limit, the S1 Exige is set to become a future classic, with un-modified examples such as this becoming harder and harder to find in such a good condition.

Supplied with a 12-month warranty and a complete, clean bill of health by our expert Lotus technicians, this Exige is ready to be enjoyed immediately by its next custodian.