About this Collectable

"Simplify, then add lightness". Not our words, but those originating from a certain Colin Chapman. With his sports car brand Lotus he built icons such as the Seven and the Elan and, possibly the most famous model, the Elise. The British know best how to build a purist driver's car. An Elise is already special, but it's hardcore sister, the Exige, is really a all-out sports car. Lotus gave the S2 for a tiny bit more usability, because the Exige S1 was a bit too extreme for some.

This is the Exige (S2) S, which means: they added a supercharger. This example has been consequently given an update by renowned Lotus tuner Komo-Tec. On the dyno, this Lotus therefore delivers no less than 270 hp, a healthy 50 hp more than a standard Exige S. And that at a weight of only 910 kg.

This Exige is an original left-hand drive car. The exterior is in Alpen White with 44,500 km on the clock. Originally delivered in Belgium and fitted with a KT280 kit by the second (Belgian) owner at Komo-Tec. The current owner imported the Lotus to the Netherlands two years ago. In addition, this Exige comes with an optional soft top, so on sunny days the hard roof can be removed or replaced with an easy-to-open version (and turns your Exige into a hardcore Elise).

To start at the beginning, we have to go back to 1996. This was the year Lotus introduced the Elise, which had to save the company from bankruptcy. However, the lightweight sports car was so well received that there was soon room for a somewhat more hardcore model. The nice thing about the Elise is that it is so light and has a sleek chassis, which gives the small Briton a brilliant road holding. But what was still missing in this entertaining recipe, you could experience with the Exige from 2000 onwards. More power, a sharper gearbox and a fixed roof made this car the version you had to have if things could be a bit rougher or if you liked to visit a circuit every now and then.

Fast forward to 2006. Both the Elise and the Exige have now received a successor. The Exige even gets the 'S' addition. The car still has a 1.8 liter four-cylinder, but the block now listens to the name 2ZZ-GE and the infamous Rover block was exchanged for a reliable Toyota engine. A supercharger ensures that the engine is good for 220 hp and 215 Nm. Whilst 220 hp in itself might not be that much, but thanks to the low weight, this is a car which allows you to scare yourself in. From 0 to 100 is done in just 4.1 seconds, the top speed is (if you dare) 238 km/h. However, this example is even faster thanks to that Komo-Tec KT28 kit. More than enough to go a lot faster on the better B-road than you actually dare.

Despite the fact that this is really a fast car, these figures of the Exige S only tell part of the story. To make the story more complete we need another number: 933. This is the weight of the Exige S in kilograms. That makes it particularly agile, because you don't have to slow down or move what you don't drag along. A Lotus steers super tight, but at the same time dances over the asphalt. The howl of the supercharger is fantastic and every turn will put a big smile on your face. The car may be seriously sporty, Lotus itself claims that 'it is suitable for daily use'. In practice, assume that this is a race car with a yellow number plate.

Less than 2,000 kilometers ago, this Exige was serviced by Van der Kooi in Houten. All booklets are included with the car and the invoices of the maintenance history are also largely present.

Equipment

This Lotus Exige (S2) S is factory equipped with, among other things:

Air conditioning
Soft top
Electric windows
Radio
Alarm system

Modifications

The Lotus was equipped with a Komo-Tec KT280 kit by the previous owner with which the car delivers around 280 hp. In addition, the Exige has a Momo sports steering wheel. Except for these modifications, the car is completely original. The original parts have been kept and are included in the sale.

Remarks

Because the Lotus has been well cared for, it is in good condition. Of course, the car has minor signs of wear that you can expect from a 14-year-old sports car, as can be seen in the photos:

Entry marks on the sills.
Stone chips on the front.

Service history

This Exige S was serviced at Van der Kooi Sportscars in Houten on 26-05-2021 with a mileage of 43,992. A service has been carried out during which the oil has been replaced. The brake fluid and clutch fluid have also been replaced and the muffler is secured.

On 16-03-2018, the Lotus was at Komo-Tec at 31,210 kilometers, where the KT280 kit was installed. An invoice is of course available for this. Furthermore, Komo-Tec has replaced the airbox, brake fluid and electric water pump and a sports catalytic converter and Stahlflex brake lines have been installed.

On 20-06-2017, with a mileage of 28,857, the car was at Frédéric Koninckx Motors bvba (B), a Lotus dealer in Antwerp. The engine oil, brake fluid, air filter and heat sheild was replaced plus the A/C topped up.

Included with sale

Two keys
Soft top
Original steering wheel
Original supercharger

For over 150 photos and the complete description, please visit www.thecollectables.nl