2000 LOTUS 340R - 5,856 MILES

This 2000 Lotus 340R is a very rare performance car, based on the Elise, which has been well maintained and has very low mileage. It is equipped with the 1.8-litre Rover K-Series inline-four, producing 177bhp and 127lb-ft of torque, coupled with a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 5,856 miles from new.

The 340R was initially introduced as a concept car at the 1998 Birmingham Motor Show, before being turned into a limited production run of 340 cars, all of which had sold before they were built. It featured a stripped-back shell with no roof or doors, and came with black and grey paintwork. This example has also been fitted with a 2bular exhaust. The original Janspeed exhaust is included in the sale. First registered in March 2000, this 340R has been with its current keeper for ten years, and there are just two previous keepers on the V5C.

The bodywork of this Lotus 340R is in excellent shape, and the condition of its grey paintwork has been described as excellent. It has benefited from a comprehensive PPF application and, commensurate with the car’s low mileage, it presents with a few very light blemishes around the front end. One or two light scratches can be seen on the black mirror caps, though only under close inspection. The car rides on a set of OEM Lotus Technomagnesium alloy wheels – 15-inch and the front and 16-inch at the rear – which are in great shape. A spare set of Lotus Rimstock wheels with AD08RS Yokohama tyres is also included in the sale.

Inside, the car is equipped with two-tone blue bucket seats with Safety Devices harnesses, and with suede centre panels and the Lotus emblem stitched into the back panel. The exposed door cards feature blue suede inserts, which also adorn the centre of the three-spoke steering wheel. The exposed metal gear knob and stripped-down centre console are both in excellent shape, and there are no known electrical issues.

The last routine maintenance was undertaken in July 2020 at 5,848 miles, where technicians at Hangar 111 Lotus Performance in Woodbridge changed the engine oil and filter, before re-balancing the wheels, and repairing a split in the steering gaiter. Prior to this, in September 2017 at 5,846 miles, technicians at Hangar 111 carried out similar routine servicing, and replaced the cam belt, water pump and radiator. The car was serviced again by Hangar 111 in July 2015 at 5,832 miles.

The most recent MOT test was on 29 July 2020 at 5,854 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects. The wheels come wrapped with the original specially-designed A038R Yokohama tyres.

Accompanying the vehicle are the original handbooks and service book, original tool kit, along with a folder of maintenance invoices and the original bill of sale.

This Lotus 340R is a rare limited-edition version of the Elise, with a custom body shell and a stripped-out interior. One of only 340 examples produced, and still with very low mileage, this 340R would make an excellent weekend toy or track day companion.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.