Black Sport 350

[technoprisoner]

Any of you guys know anything about the history of the elusive black sport350 owned by Lotus's MD?

[Captain Muppet]

I've heard that it was black, had about 350 bhp and was owned my Lotus's MD...

...it's also rumoured to be quite elusive.

[NLJdH]

As far as I have found out, there were three UK ones in black.

1 in Met Black and 2 in Solid Black.

Met black one had gold wheels and black perforated leather interior.

First solid one had black wheels and interior. Second one had graphite wheels and black interior.

The gold wheel one was an Ex-director's company car and was sold by JM Group Murray Motor Co. in Scotland last year.

I think the Lotus MD had the black wheeled one that had a track accident and he was to be given a new one (the graphite wheeled) but left before taking it. I think it made an appearance at Donnington 02 on sale.

Hope that helps.

Regards,
Nicholas

[technoprisoner]

Thanks Nicholas.
The one I am going to look at apparently has black wheels. So according to your info has been in a track smack! Don't suppose you know how bad it was?
The dealer has told me that it was the ex MD's car, he even named the chap but I can't remember it.


>> Edited by technoprisoner on Monday 10th March 18:43

[NLJdH]

In the shunt, if I recall correctly, he took it in the rear end, the owner was not driving at the time though. It was then repaired and passed on to a dealer or something. I think the repair may have been done by the Lotus Service Centre , you could check with them to be sure. I can't be 100% on the facts though since I read about it on a board ages ago.

Regards,
Nicholas

[hedgerley]

I had a good look at the Murray Motors car. Graeme Robertson, their Lotus specialist, described it as the only black one built at the time, a one off for 'one of the Directors'. I had a sit it in it and had a long chat with Graeme - a real enthusiast.

He then started it up (in gear - he nearly launched it into the back of a DB7) and gave the engine and sports exhaust a good work out. We were actually in the showroom at the time with the doors closed. If only it could have been my own garage...

>> Edited by hedgerley on Tuesday 11th March 12:04

[technoprisoner]

Thanks Hedgerley
There seems to be a bit of confusion as to whether there were 1 or 3 black cars.
If you read Nicholas's comments above seems there were 3.
I am just gonna have to take a look at this one and see what happens!

[NLJdH]

Lotus people themselves stated there were 3 black UK ones

Regards
Nicholas

[technoprisoner]

Thanks guys for all the replies (Kato as well for the email) I have been in touch with Lotus and they have confirmed that the black wheeled Sport 350 was in a track accident @ Snetterton. It suffered minimal damage and was repaired by the Lotus Service Centre along with their approved bodyshop.
If anyone does a good job I guess it's gonna be them.
i'll keep you all posted if and when I get it.

[lotusespritworld]

from Lotus Esprit World's Factory source:

"I will have a dig and see what I can find out on the Black Sport 350. I think I can recall one being about and something happening - I think Chris Knight had a 350 for a time."

more to follow, hopefully.

kato
Lotus Esprit World

[technoprisoner]

Cheers Kato. I think Chris Knight was the bloke that the dealer referred to when mentioning the previous owner. Was he the old MD then?
BTW, when I get round to seeing this car I am gonna set aside a little donation for your shiny new Mac with wings

[onedsla]

Hi - I own a baby Lotus but have started looking at the real thing - I'm very interested in the Sport 350. I've just noticed the black one on www.arbsportscars.co.uk and was wondering if anybody knew it's history?
Thanks,
Dave

[rob.e]

onedsla said:

Hi - I own a baby Lotus but have started looking at the real thing - I'm very interested in the Sport 350. I've just noticed the black one on www.arbsportscars.co.uk and was wondering if anybody knew it's history? Thanks, Dave

Dave - i believe the car referred to in this thread (the one that had an 'off') has black wheels rather than the usual graphite colour. The car that arb are selling has graphite colour wheels (the normal sport350 colour in other words) so its not the same car.

Looks like a nice car, very rare. Cambelt is due at 24k if it hasn't already been done.

[rob.e]

I like this car.. hmm



maybe i should enter the Puk lottery



>> Edited by rob.e on Wednesday 13th August 16:10