Lot 210: 2000 Lotus 340R Roadster

‘Lotus has stripped away everything that doesn’t add to the thrill of driving to build possibly the wildest road car ever, the outrageous 340R.’ – Evo magazine.
First shown as a concept car at the 1998 British International Motor Show, the 340R generated too much interest to remain merely a publicity generating one-off. Intended mainly for track use, 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, ‘340’ ended up being the maximum production figure for this exclusive and exciting sports 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 that looks like nothing 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 its track-focussed specification, the 340R possesses full European type approval and delivers a level of ride comfort totally unexpected in such a high-performance vehicle. According to Car magazine, ‘the 340R has enough wheel travel and uncanny matching of spring suppleness to damping control that lets the car glide serenely along the course you’ve directed, while the wheels follow the road surface exactly. That translates as steady grip, secure traction and indomitable control when more track-bent sportscars simply hop from crest to crest.’
Presented in 1st class condition throughout, this 340R has enjoyed two former keepers and was acquired by the current owner in August 2003. The car incorporates the factory’s desirable 190bhp upgrade, limited-slip differential, lightened flywheel, ultra-close-ratio gearbox, quick shifter, race battery and kill/jump ports. Offered with current MoT/road fund licence and Swansea V5, ‘M13 AOR’ represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of these highly desirable, limited edition Lotus sports cars that can only become increasingly collectible.