Lotus 340R (2000/W)
SOLD
Launched at the Frankfurt Motorshow in September 1995, the Elise was a return by Lotus to Colin Chapman’s original philosophy of “Simplify, then add lightness”.
The Elise was a huge success. So much so that 3 years later from its initial launch in 1998, Lotus surprised the motoring world by launching an even more extreme design concept of the car, the 340R.
When it appeared at the Birmingham Motorshow in October 1998, its purpose was to showcase what the Elise could have been like if they took the Chapman philosophy a step further. The car had no doors, side windows or roof and with a host of composite body materials used, the goal was to achieve a very ambitious target of 340bhp per tonne.
Such was the reception given to the concept car that a year later at the Frankfurt motorshow, the production version of the 340R was reviled.
Manufactured by Hydro Automotive Structures, the chassis was based around a bonded extruded aluminium tube borrowed from the Elise and weighing in at just 68kg, was also able to provide huge torsional rigidity. A host of other bespoke components were also crafted for the 340R along with a list of parts borrowed directly from the Elise 190 Sport including the brilliant four-cylinder Rover K-series powerplant.
In the end, the 340R weighed in at 675kg and substantially lighter than a regular Elise and while the target power-to-weight ratio came in a little lower than the initial 340bhp/tonne goal, the car was just as bonkers to drive as it was to look at.
In the end, 340 units of the car were produced. A fascinating piece of modern-day motoring history and as the manufacturer ushers in a new age of alternative combustion, the 340R has become one of the last bastions for the original Chapman philosophy.
SPECIFICATION
Colour: Silver/Black
Interior: Black/Blue Alcantara
Year: 2000
Mileage: 2,400
Engine: 1.8 Litre 4 Cylinder
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Body Style: Roadster
Fuel: Petrol
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INVESTMENT THESIS
First registered in March 2000, this incredible Lotus 340R is one of the 120 UK supplied cars delivered out of the total production run of 340 units. Having covered just 2,400 miles from new, the car has resided with its second owner for the last 20 years. This truly is a time warp example of the brilliant lightweight special. The car has just returned to us from a full cambelt service at Bell & Colvill and presents in perfectly original condition. It even maintains its factory trickle charger, tooling kit and storage cover.
Not only does the car sit on its original Yokohama A038R tyres and unmolested Tecnomagnoesio wheels but being one of the early production cars, it also features the rare and very desirable carbon fibre front and rear wheel arches.
Examples as original as this are few and far between. The Chapman philosophy in a modern Lotus.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
4 Point Racing Harnesses
2 keys
Alarm & Immobiliser
Accompanying Paperwork & Manuals
TECHNICAL FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
Engine Size: 1796 cc
Top Speed: 132 mph
0-62mph: 4.5 sec
Power: 178 bhp
DIMENSIONS
Height: 1,123 mm
Length: 3,620 mm
Width: 1,655 mm
EMISSIONS & MPG
CO2: N/A
Combined: N/A