Lotus Exige 255 Cup

This Exige has an unusual history. It began as one of 18 factory-built 240 Cup cars, Lotus Motorsport's track and race-day version. It was then returned to Lotus for upgrade to 255 Cup specification after the factory learned that Adrian Newey was involved with it. The build plaque was changed, and the page describes it as the first chassis of all the 255 and later 260 Cup cars. The page says it was used by Newey and its then owner, racing driver Alastair Mackinnon, ahead of the Red Bull Exige GT3 project.

Its specification is far from a standard Exige. It has Öhlins dampers, a limited-slip differential, harnesses, an Accusump oil system and an uprated clutch. A later Lotus Motorsport 260 ECU is fitted, and the original 255 ECU stays with the car. A second set of forged 240R wheels is available by separate negotiation.

It was sold in 2007 and stayed with one keeper for about 19 years, stored indoors and retired from track use in 2014. It has covered 29,500 miles, has three recorded owners and an MOT to May 2027. The dealer reports minimal chips and marks. Lotus is said to have recorded it as one of only three 255 Cups delivered as road-registered cars.