2001 Lotus Exige S1 under 5,000 miles

Highlights 

• Rare and desirable early model

• Incredibly low mileage

• Beautifully preserved

• Comprehensive service history

• Larini sports exhaust

Overview

Following up a car as influential and revered as the Elise was no mean feat but Lotus managed to not only produce a car capable of filling those rather large shoes but arguably went harder, faster, better and stronger with the Exige, at least as far as track performance was concerned.

But that was always the plan. While the Elise was designed first and foremost as a sports car, the Exige was developed from the outset as a road-going track weapon, aimed directly at the weekend racer set. And it delivered.

Yes it could get a little noisy in the cabin at speed and the vertically gifted amongst us need not apply but when getting your braking point bang on and clipping an apex at Oulton Park, or dancing on the edge of the limits of grip on a twisty B-Road, the Exige is about as good as it gets.

The first Exige went on sale in 2000 and with future classic written all over it it's still seriously sought-after today, but good used examples are getting pretty thin on the ground and although the car remained in production until 2021 and spanned three generations, the Series 1, like this example here, only lasted a year with just over 600 ever being made. 

Powered by a 177bhp, 1.8-litre Rover K-series engine and weighing about the same as a small dog, the Exige took everything that was good about the Elise and added gobs of attitude. As well as a non-removable hard top. The result was an incredibly focussed car that could hit 60mph from standstill in less than five seconds, but it's in the handling department where the car truly shines.

This particular example comes to market in exceptional condition inside and out with the vendor (a Lotus Owner's Club member of 25 years) stating that it has never been on track. With full service history, accompanied by a folder full of documentation, it has clearly been prudently maintained and with just four-and-a-half thousand miles on the clock from new it's hardly been used at all.

Beautifully preserved and ready for its next owner, the only dilemma you face is whether to continue that preservation or drive the wheels off of it, both on and off the track. Whichever you decide though, this Exige is a cracking representation of a rare, exclusive and supremely capable little sports car.

History and documentation

• 2000 model year

• V5C present and correct

• In current ownership for six years

• Only for sale as the seller tells us that he’s had recent surgery

• Kept by collectors since new

• First registered 03 Sep 2001

• Two keys

• Original book pack and presentation box

• Lotus certificate of vehicle provenance confirming the car as the 9th of 10 Series 1 UK examples in the same colour/trim and 168 of 398 total UK cars

• Originally won in a Lotus factory raffle

• Featured in Absolute Lotus magazine issue 20

• Shown at the NEC motor show

• Comprehensive service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: after sales service at 1,197 miles (2002 – specialist), C service+belts replaced at 3,242 miles (2012 – specialist), A service at 3,525 miles (2015 – specialist), C service at 3,876 miles (2019), A service at 4,206 miles (2020), A service at 4,283 miles (2021), C service at 4,321 miles (2022), A service at 4,453 miles (2023), A service+brake fluid at 4,584 miles (2025 – specialist)

• Folder full of supporting documentation

• HPI clear

• ULEZ compliant

• Advisory-free MOT until 29 Jun 2026

• The private plate will be removed and the car will revert to an age appropriate registration number

• 4,768 miles from new

Interior

• The interior appears to be damage-free and, as you’d expect, shows little sign of wear

• The factory-fitted Alcantara sports seats remain in excellent condition

• Four point safety harnesses

• Factory alarm and immobiliser

• The vendor tells us that everything works as it should

• Door cards, headlining and dashboard are in superb shape

• Floor mats in fine fettle

• Steering wheel and gear knob appear unworn

• JVC stereo head unit

• The area under the bonnet is in good condition and the car comes with a can of Holt's tyre weld 

• The engine bay presents impeccably

Exterior

• The original factory-optioned New Aluminium metallic paint is in fantastic condition with no apparent marks or blemishes to speak of

• Full Armourfend body protection from new

• The car appears to be free from damage and corrosion

• All shut lines are straight

• All of the glass work appears undamaged

• The 16” black wheels are unmarked

• Tyres are all Toyo Proxes R888R models which the vendor states have been recently replaced and are in as new condition

• The underside appears to be in excellent condition and all panels and skid trays are present and correct

• Car cover included

Mechanical

• 177bhp, 1.8-litre K-Series inline four-cylinder engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 4.7seconds

• 136mph top speed

• 192 Track Pack

• Stainless steel Larini sports exhaust and cat (the original is included)

• Last service at 4,584 miles

• Original brake pads and tyres included (only 10% worn)

• Trickle charger

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car starts on the button, drives like new and sounds great with the Larini sports exhaust 

Summary

We’re all aware that Lotus knows a thing or two when it comes to sports cars and the Exige is testament to the depth of knowledge and expertise that its designers and engineers possess. 

A bona fide track car for the road, this particular example appears to be in as new condition, which is a given really when you take into account its impeccable service history and ridiculously low mileage. Rare, beautifully presented and meticulously maintained, if you're after a top-tier Series 1 Exige, then this is it.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Egham, Surrey.