Lotus Evora 400

A 2017 Lotus Evora 400 in Metallic Black with the six-speed manual gearbox — the combination most enthusiasts would spec if given free choice. The 400 represented a significant step over the earlier Evora S, with Lotus extracting 400 horsepower from the supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota V6 while trimming weight through extensive use of carbon fibre and revised bodywork. The result was the most focused road-going Evora of its era, sharper and more aggressive than anything Hethel had produced since the Exige S.

This example has covered 37,200 miles, a reasonable figure for a car of this age that suggests genuine use rather than garage decoration. The manual transmission is the purist's choice here — while Lotus offered an automatic, the six-speed manual is lighter, more engaging, and increasingly sought after as the market trends toward dual-clutch alternatives. Black is a relatively understated colour for the Evora 400, letting the functional aerodynamic additions speak for themselves.

The Evora 400 sits in a compelling position in the current market: mid-engined, naturally communicative chassis, and genuinely usable thanks to its 2+2 layout and reasonable ground clearance. It offers a driving experience that rivals costing twice as much struggle to match, with Lotus's characteristic emphasis on feel over outright power.