2018 LOTUS EXIGE CUP 430

This Lotus Exige Cup 430 is a rare, focused and exhilarating lightweight sports car, presented in remarkable condition and with very low mileage. It is powered by a 430bhp 3.5-litre supercharged V6, coupled to an open-gated six-speed manual transmission. With a quoted dry weight of just 1,056kg, it can sprint from 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds and go on to a top speed of 180mph. The odometer shows just 4,530 miles from new.

First unveiled in November 2017, the Cup 430 is the most powerful Exige ever made, thanks to the 430bhp engine found in the Evora GT430 and a number of upgrades and weight-saving measures, including a carbon-fibre roof panel, front clamshell, louvres over the front wheels, side scoops, tailgate and rear wing, as well as a titanium exhaust system. It is also equipped with three-way adjustable Nitron dampers and a lightweight flywheel.

First registered in May 2018, this is believed to be one of fewer than 30 examples of the Cup 430 registered in the UK, with a list price in excess of £105,000. It has two previous keepers listed in its log book, and was acquired by its current owner five months ago. As he spends long periods overseas, he has simply not had a chance to enjoy the car as intended, and has kept it safely stored since purchase, so is now offering it to another enthusiast who can get behind the wheel more regularly.

Today, the bodywork remains in excellent condition, with even panel gaps and no accident damage. The seller notes that the front radiator grille has been replaced with a new modified Lotus unit, which prevents the number plate from blocking the airflow to the radiator – but this is the only deviation from the original specification. The front clamshell, roof panel, rear diffuser surround, side scoops, tailgate and rear wing are all crafted in carbon-fibre and remain in superb order.

The Dark Grey Metallic paintwork presents very well across the entire body, with a smooth and glossy appearance, having been detailed prior to the car’s sale to its current owner. The only blemishes noted are some very minor stone chips to the front clamshell. The exterior components, including the light lenses, front lower splitter, and door mirrors are all in great shape.

Unprotected from the factory, the wheel arches have been finished with stone-guard protection paint, helping them to stand up against grit and gravel both on the road and the track. This Exige Cup 430 rides on a pristine set of ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels finished in satin black, with a 17-inch diameter at the front and 18-inch at the rear. There are contrasting red AP Racing brake calipers gripping J-hook discs behind.

Stepping into the cabin, form and function combine to great effect, with the usually bare Exige Cup interior being upgraded with the inclusion of the Leather Trim Pack, wrapping both the carbon-fibre seats and the inner door panels in rich perforated black hide with contrasting red and white stitching.

The leather upholstery is very smart overall, as is the black Alcantara which covers the dashboard, door cards and the surround for the gorgeous exposed-linkage aluminium gear lever. It is also fitted with carbon-fibre door sill covers and a carbon-fibre odometer binnacle.

Providing additional safety during track sessions, the car features factory-fitted four-point Schroth Racing harnesses and a half roll cage, but it isn’t without its creature comforts; coming equipped with the Carpet Pack, air-conditioning, a Clarion stereo with Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and rear parking sensors. All of the interior buttons, switches and controls work without fault.

Sparingly driven and routinely serviced, this Cup 430 is in great mechanical order. It was last serviced by PJS Lotus in Burton upon Trent in August 2019 at 3,468 miles. Work included a regular service, as well as replacement of the gearbox fluid and air filter, and the fitting of upgraded AP Racing brake pads and a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

Prior to this, in May 2019, PJS Lotus also carried out a full geometry setup. In September 2018, at 954 miles, it received the running-in oil change at Leven Lotus.

Due to the car’s recent build date, its first MOT is not due until May 2021; however the seller states that no warnings were issued during the car’s service and inspection in August 2019.

The wheels are shod with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, which were fitted approximately one year ago and are described by the current owner as being in nearly-new condition. The front items are in size 215/45 ZR17, while the rears measure 285/30 ZR18.

Accompanying the car are all of its original documents and accessories, plus service invoices, last purchase invoice and the radio remote control.

At launch, Autocar magazine called the Cup 430 “one of those most invigorating, immersive and outrageously exciting track cars for the money”, summing up the car by saying: “With a motorsport edge to an already superb sports car, the Cup 430 takes the Exige above and beyond where it has ever been before”.

Presented in outstanding condition and handsomely specified from the factory, this low-mileage example of the Lotus Exige Cup 430 will make the ideal companion for its next owner to drive to the track, relish an afternoon of closed-circuit sessions, and make the trip home again with surprising comfort and refinement.

Summary of service history:

• 11/09/2018 – 954 miles – Leven Lotus (running-in oil change)
• 09/08/2019 – 3,468 miles – PJS Lotus (standard service, gearbox oil, air filter, AP Racing brake pad upgrade, Michelin Cup 2 tyres)

Fitted options:

• Paint – Dark Grey Metallic
• Leather Trim Pack
• Red and white Contrast Stitching
• Carpet Pack
• Clarion Stereo
• Cruise Control
• Half Roll Cage
• Four-point Harnesses
• Wing uprights painted in Dark Grey Metallic
• Towing eye painted in Red

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the car is not included in the sale. It will be switched back to an age-related registration plate in the event of a successful auction.