2023 Lotus Emira First Edition

This Emira First Edition pairs Lotus's supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota-derived V6 with the six-speed manual gearbox, the combination most enthusiasts consider the purest expression of Lotus's last petrol-engined sports car. It is specified with the Touring chassis, the softer and more road-biased of the two suspension setups, which suits the car's character as a usable everyday proposition rather than a track-focused tool.

This 2023 example has covered 10,500 miles and is finished in Lotus's First Edition specification, the launch-run trim that brought larger 20-inch forged alloys, upgraded interior materials and a generous standard equipment list. The supercharged V6 produces 400 bhp and is paired with a rear-wheel-drive layout, with a manual gearbox that is increasingly valued as the industry moves towards electrification.

The Emira sits at a pivotal point in Lotus history, being the final combustion-engined model before the brand's electric transition. First Edition cars with the V6 and manual transmission are likely to be sought after in the years ahead, and a car with modest mileage offers an accessible route into one.