New (to me) Sport 350

[Kananga]

About 10 days ago I went to test drive a few Lotus models, having only ever driven a friend’s S1 Elise previously.

I tried an Elise Cup 250, Exige Sport 350 + 380, and an Evora 410.

I was very impressed by each of the cars, particularly with the steering feel and handling for which Lotus ha developed such a reputation. The Exige very much stood out for me as the most impressive example of the bunch, and I was absolutely smitten.

Being a 10yr old at heart, I decided I really needed to have one, and out of sheer luck, stumbled into one of the nicest 350s (IMHO) around. The car wasn’t advertised, but the owner contacted me following an introductory post on the SELOC website.

The car is a 2018 model with just over 2k miles and the condition can only be described as being “as new” or even better. An exceptionally fastidious owner, who has cared for for the car and installed some nice upgrades.

Had some detailed discussions, videos, photos and ultimately decided to buy the car. I’ve followed the philosophy that you buy the owner as much as the car, and the seller is one of the most sincere and genuine people I’ve come across.

Couple of pics of the car below, don’t remember being as excited about a car purchase in a long time! Couple of sleepless nights ahead, all being well the car should be with me Saturday morning!

[Kananga]

Thanks! Can’t wait to get it home. I’m new to Lotus so no doubt will have lots of questions!

I actually fancied a 380 or 410, but realised that the 350 has more than enough power for me! I will be using it on roads (haven’t done track days, and no plans to) so figured it was a nice step up from the Elise Cup 250 but I’m definitely not a good enough driver to exploit the extra hp and features of the more powerful models.

[Kananga]

andy tims said:

Congrats - the car looks fantastic, but you really should do a track day or 2.

Thanks Andy! Never been on one and have wondered. I’m a fairly cautious individual but would be nice to be able to drive the car as it was intended, which is harder on public roads for obvious reasons!

[Kananga]

ecain63 said:

Looks cracking mate, well done.

Definitely get it on track. Let me know if you fancy it and we can meet up.

Thanks! Would love to meet and get your views, as well as to see hour 410!!

Rocket. said:

That is a lovely looking Exige, congratulations.

I keep looking at these wondering if I should be coming back to another Lotus, I dare not go and test drive one

Thank you!! Sadly I experienced your fears first hand. Test drive —> Purchase!

SELON said:

Great choice. Congratulations. Revs higher than a 380 from memory - to 7,200rpm, which is nice.
You’ll find that you can pretty much keep up with anything on the road with it. No need for more power - unless you want it, of course

Thanks! I definitely didn’t find the 350 to be slow, but the 380 did seem that bit quicker, so it’s all relative. I actually thought about buying an Elise 250 Cup but the Exige just felt so much more special to me. The combination of extra power, 6-cylinder noise, and aggressive looks was too much to pass up! Though most people find the current generation Elise is all you’d ever need on the road !

[Kananga]

andy tims said:

If you go with one of the "premium" track day organisers like Gold Track or RMA and book some instruction (not cheap, but worth it), I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you're up to speed.
Lotus On Track also well worth a look - obviously lots of Loti and instructors who know how to drive our cars.

Thanks. That sounds like a good plan, and would be great to get some instruction too!

[Kananga]

SELON said:

I ended up going to an Elise Cup after a year with my Exige. Nothing wrong with the Exige at all, just decided I could go fast enough with an Elise, which is a slightly different proposition. Tells you how fast the Exige was really! Never a bad choice with the modern Lotus, only great choices here, I think.

Yup. The Cup 250 I drove was absolutely lovely! Coming from an R8 V10 I wanted something with a little more shove, but let’s be honest I will be driving the Exige at around 5/10ths (max) of it’s capabilities!

Edited by Kananga on Friday 10th July 19:46

[Kananga]

Millomboy said:

Great to see the car yesterday. It is an absolute stunner.

Thanks!! Went out for the maiden voyage yesterday evening.

Incredible. Wish I’d bought one earlier!!!

[Kananga]

Thank you!

Much appreciated it’s a super model, and the one I bought feels like one of the best examples around.

[Kananga]

custardkid said:

Has it got BBS wheels?
They look different
Plenty of dish on the back

BC RZ05

Edited by Kananga on Sunday 12th July 21:06

[Kananga]

https://www.bcforged-na.com/monoblock/rz05/

[Kananga]

Kawasicki said:

I approve. You can rest easy.

[Kananga]

Flat6 said:

It's a stunner, I think Paul is already missing it! Enjoy, they're great cars and really get under your skin.

He was an absolute pleasure to deal with. Such a nice chap and meticulous with the car, it was better than new condition. I put it up on my lift Saturday morning. Could have eaten my breakfast from the underside.

I feel very lucky to have the car, and to have made Paul’s acquaintance.

[Kananga]

Hi! The BC wheels are currently wearing Cup 2s, and seem to be very grippy but I’ve only driven the car 4-5 miles since I got it.

The car has a non-valved 2bular exhaust at the moment. Sounds very good, just wondering if the valved system would be a better option.

Edited by Kananga on Tuesday 14th July 16:11

Edited by Kananga on Tuesday 14th July 18:20

[Kananga]

So these little puppies have arrived... just waiting for some other bits... watch this space!

[Kananga]

Thanks!!

Just changed the exhaust as I wanted something OEM. So fitted the downpipe and rear silencer from the 380/410.

Luckily I have a car lift at home so did it all myself, taking extra care over everything.



The previous owner had applied a ceramic coating to the underside of the car so was lovely but gave it a quick clean off whilst it was up in the car (undertray, diffuser, etc).

Love the car!

[Kananga]

Side by side of the old and new downpipe.





The 380/410 system sounds much much better IMHO!

[Kananga]

Yes. It does feel a bit more punchy but that could equally be the placebo effect caused by the extra noise. Love the fact that it’s all original Lotus parts that were straight-forward to fit.

The car did have an Alias23 intake installed which I’ve removed and replaced with the standard airbox. All in superb condition, but I think I’d prefer to either keep standard or have the Komotec upgrade which involves a replacement carbon airbox and remap. To be honest, I don’t think the car needs it, it’s plenty quick already!