2023 Lotus Emira V6 First Edition

The Emira V6 First Edition marks the start of Lotus's final chapter as a petrol-engined sports car maker, and this is one of the most desirable ways to have it: the six-speed manual rather than the automatic. Power comes from the supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota-derived V6, producing 400 bhp and sending it to the rear wheels through a mechanical, gated shift that suits the Emira's Elise-descended focus on feel over outright numbers.

This 2023 car has covered 8,900 miles, so it is lightly used and well within its life as a driver's car. The First Edition specification was the launch-run trim, typically bundled with larger 20-inch forged wheels, the more focused Lotus Drivers Pack-style tuning and a generous standard equipment list, which makes it a sensible entry point to the range for anyone wanting the full V6 experience.

Offered by Lotus Surrey at £65,000, it sits well below the original list price of the First Edition, which was north of £80,000 before options. For a manual, V6, mid-engined Lotus with the Hethel chassis tuning that the Emira is praised for, that represents a notable saving over buying new.