2017 Lotus Evora 400

The Evora 400 was the car that turned Lotus's mid-engined 2+2 from a charming but underpowered sports car into a properly quick one. A supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota-derived V6 produces 400 bhp, and the chassis, with its bonded aluminium tub and hydraulically assisted steering, remains one of the most communicative of any road car from the last decade. This 2017 example is finished as a coupe with the automatic gearbox.

The automatic is a conventional torque-converter unit rather than a dual-clutch. It was added alongside the six-speed manual to broaden the car's appeal, and it suits the Evora 400's more grown-up character. With just 12,150 miles recorded, the car has covered very little distance for its age. Many Evoras of this era have been used regularly, so a low-mileage car is a useful find.

The Evora 400 was an important car for Lotus. It brought a redesigned interior, lighter weight and a sharper aerodynamic package than earlier Evoras. It also set the template for the Emira that followed. Prices have held up well, and £50,995 is in line with the market for a clean, low-mileage 400.