2008 LOTUS EXIGE

I've owned this Exige for three years after buying from a friend, it's the car I always wanted to own after watching Top Gear in my younger days (Clarkson vs the Apache helicopter). I've got my eye on the next adventure, and unfortunately I can't afford to keep this as well!

If you're reading this you already know what an S2 Exige S is, so I'll skip the poetry and tell you what makes this one different from the others you're looking at.

It's a triple-pack car with air conditioning, in cost-option Graphite Grey on the optional forged wheels.

Last year, on only my second trackday in the car it suffered from oil starvation incident, a common issue on the 2ZZ engine without a good baffled sump! I took it to Hangar111 for a full rebuild with a new bottom end, with an eye watering bill at the end.

Both clams were off, so everything that could sensibly be done while access allowed was done - all new ancillaries, Moroso baffled sump (to prevent a repeat), Exedy sports clutch, brand new twin oil coolers as a precaution, and of course new fluids & belts. It's now done over 1,000 miles since then and is fully run in, and it's currently in for a service at Hangar111 again, so it'll be handed over freshly serviced with the invoices to show for all of it.

If you've read the S2 buying guides, you'll recognise the checklist - and this car has already worked through it. Pro Alloy radiator in place of the original with its splitting plastic end tanks, with the upgraded fans relocated on top of the core out of the way of road debris, plus a Pro Alloy intercooler and A/C condenser, Radium coolant tank and catch cans (addressing another known issue of the standard aging and splitting), dedicated oil pressure and temperature sensors (standard car doesn't tell you oil temperature), and a lightweight battery with cut-off and voltage monitoring.

Suspension is Nitron NTR46 three-way adjustables (£4k+ of damper). ITG Maxogen induction, upgraded exhaust (full system including manifold - but isn't loud and passes noise tests easily), BOE fresh air scoops (additional air into the intercooler), GARW IC7 digital cluster with carbon surround, Reverie carbon side scoops, Hangar 111 five-element diffuser, carbon spoiler, and upgraded speakers with a footwell sub.

It's also had the soft-top conversion (fabric roof and support bars available at extra cost), and unlike the hard top the soft top stows in the car — so you can actually take the roof off in summer and bring it with you.

Four former keepers. Comprehensive history - Lotus main dealer in the early years, well-known specialists since. MOT to March 2027 with a clean recent history you can check online. Located in Essex, viewings very welcome. More photos to follow once it's back from servicing.