Chassis No.: SCCGA1117YHC69684

Engine No.: 18K4FM16308018

Registration: M111 YOB

Sold £48,160 | Sold

Given the success of its long-running Seven, still manufactured by Caterham and much copied by others, perhaps the most surprising thing is not that Lotus had another stab at building a stripped-down, back-to-basics sportscar, but that it took them so long. First shown as a concept car at the 1998 British International Motor Show, the 340R uses the Elise's bonded aluminium mid-engined chassis, basic running gear and 1.8-litre Rover K-Series engine in its 177bhp form. Originally the target bhp/ton power-to-weight ratio, the '340' ended up being the maximum production figure for this exclusive and exciting car.

Even more Spartan than the Elise, the 340R lacks roof, doors, windows and heater, all omitted in the cause of weight reduction, while the narrowed body makes do with carbon-fibre cycle wings instead of the real thing. The end result is a fantastic car looking like no other in current production and one that, according to EVO magazine, enables its driver to 'bask in the quizzical wonderment that every other road user expresses when you pull up alongside.' Despite looking like a track-day special, a role, incidentally, at which it excels, the 340R possesses full European type approval and delivers a level of ride comfort totally unexpected in such a performance-focussed car.

This fabulous example presented in grey with blue interior is car number 66 of 340 built. It is in original factory specification fitted with the more powerful 190bhp factory upgraded 1800 engine and comes with original Tecnomagnesio four stud wheels, five point harness fitted to both seats and has a Meta alarm system with intrusion sensor. A few dealer extras were fitted such as a quick release Alcantara steering wheel (original included) short shift gear change (original parts included) fire extinguisher, Decat pipe (original catalyst fitted currently) and is shod with Yokohama tyres.

There is a full service history with the car with all but one Lotus dealership stamps in the book (16 altogether). The last C graded service was carried out in 2018 at 10,550 miles and it was then that the cambelts were changed and an A service was carried out by the owner in 2020 at 10,776 miles. It comes with an original toolkit and all factory books, two sets of keys and an outdoor cover. With performance figures matching many Supercars 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and 0-100mph in 10.1 seconds, this is an adrenalin rush on wheels weighing as little as 700kg! Superbly impractical but supremely outrageous!

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=5722&au=45