2004 Lotus Exige S2 Premium Race Edition

Highlights

Very rare Premium Race Edition with Exige Cup modifications
Only 35,300 miles from new
Four registered keepers from new
Comprehensive service history with a large folder of receipts
Enthusiast long term keeper
Includes private number plate [S20 OHH]
MOT to September 2025 with no advisories

The Appeal

If you’re after a modern sports car then nothing - literally, nothing - is quite like a Lotus Exige. Light, nimble and agile in exactly the manner Colin ‘add lightness’ Chapman envisaged for his cars, the Exige is for those who take the business of driving very seriously.

Lotus offered a range of options to enable buyers to carefully bespoke their Exige to their exact requirements. So the trick when buying one is to find one with a good specification. Like this one.

Finished in stand-out Chrome Orange with a black and orange leather and suede interior, it is one of the exceptionally rare Premium Race models with additional Exige Cup modifications. Beyond the spec, the appeal continues - it has covered just 35,000 miles from new in the hands of only four keepers. The current keeper has kept hold of it since 2014 and is only selling due to the arrival of twins.

The history file and photographs attest to a well-cared-for car, a point underlined by the long MOT to September 2025 with no advisories. This is a very well-specified example of a hugely tempting sports car.

History and Paperwork

First registered 7th October 2004 (54 Reg)
Four registered keepers from new
Will be sold with the displayed private plate included
Comprehensive service history with a large folder of receipts
Last dealership service by Lotus Silverstone in 2015
Subsequently oil and filter regular changes
Air conditioning condenser replaced and recharged
Brake pads replaced
Factory handbooks and wallet
Spare key
Old tax discs
Cobra car alarm
Radio guide and manual
MOT to 5th September 2025 with no advisories and 35,261 miles showing on test

Specification summary:

2004 Series-2 Lotus Exige Premium Race Edition
Exige Cup modifications/ upgrades from the factory below
Naturally Aspirated 2ZZ Engine (189BHP)
4-Point Schroth Racing Harnesses
Exige Cup: Öhlins 2-Way Adjustable Dampers
Exige Cup: Stage-2 Exhaust
Exige Cup: Uprated Oil Coolers
Exige Cup: Accusump Oil Accumulator in boot
Armourfend paint protection
Toyo Proxes R888-R tyres
Soft-top included
Private number plate included [S20 OHH]

The Condition

Popular stand-out Chrome Orange paintwork with black exterior highlights
Well kept paintwork with only minor signs of use such as stone chips to note in photos
Small stone chip on the front clam near the badge
Tiny chip on the driver's door near the lock
Bodywork in very good order with few signs of age or use
Vendor advises minor localised crack on the front right lower wheel arch
He also tells us there is a knock to the front splitter
Black multispoke alloys in good order with few signs of age or use
Fitted with quality Toyo Proxes all round
Black and orange leather and suede interior presents well
Grey suede elements to seats, dashboard and wheel
Equipped with 4-point Schroth racing harnesses
Armourfend paint protection
Underside presents well with no structural advisories on current MOT test
Blaupunkt stereo fitted

The Mechanics

1,796cc 2ZZ engine 189bhp engine
6-speed manual transmission
Öhlins 2-way adjustable dampers
Stage-2 exhaust system
Uprated oil coolers
Accusump oil accumulator in the boot
Thick history file with regular servicing advised by seller
Brake pads and a/c condenser recently attended to
No reported running or driving issues
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT

The vendor tells us:

“This has been my beloved toy for the past 10-years This car brings such a joy to your day whether driving it or just looking at her. It is a real head turner and delivers such an immersive, visceral driving experience.

“The ethos behind the Exige's engineering is something to behold, the lack of weight makes this car come alive. The acceleration, braking, and ability to change direction is incredible. With the Exige chassis, quick steering rack and 2-way Ohlins dampers you become totally connected to the road surface, you can sense even if you run over a penny - The ride quality is not jarring or uncomfortable though - you become man-and-machine.

“The driving position is engaging, shifting gear is like loading a crisp bolt action rifle, the stage-2 exhaust roars, and the punchy engine with aggressive 2nd-Cam torque curve is electrifying. I don't think any other car comes close to the raw-connectedness you get from this.

“Whilst it is with a heavy heart to sell this car, I have many fond memories and I know that it will bring just as many for the next owner. My favorite are of driving over to Mugello to watch the MotoGP, via Switzerland and the Alpine Passes, and coming back through Monaco.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

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