Just caught this video a long time after production. What a insightful and intuitive owner Joe is - hes hooked me deeper into the brand now ! - about to get my Toyota engined S2 111R Supercharged (at Hanger 111) for the spring
Great watch! The comment about lighting up other people's day when out in a Lotus, rings true for me as well. A car that puts a smile on your face as a driver and general public's is always going to be a winner!
I´ve never seen kids around 10 years point and yell at a Tesla or Porsche they way they do when the Elise drives by :) Love seeing their faces light up - reminds me of myself as a boy catching a glimpse of some exotic car :D
My love of Lotus started with the original Elise. The Exige is my absolute favourite and at the top of my dream car list. I'll never be able to afford one, but maybe one day I'll be fortunate enough to get a ride in one.
If you see one, and it's owner, just ask. Lotus owners are a brilliant bunch, and I'm sure if they have time, they'd be delighted to take you for a spin.
I have a 350, everything in here is 100% spot ok. I’ve had it for over 3 years now and even when I can’t drive it, I just go in the garage and stare at it… the best thing is they drive even better than they look. Great video… 👍
Enjoyed watching this 2 yrs post filming, lovely car and great owner. I get the same reactions and feelings in my Alpine A110S but like the owner I have an A110R itch but so far I've ignored it :)
They are amazing cars, i drive them as an advanced motorsport coach, the 2ZZ Exige, then a 410 Sport that won Targa Tasmania, then the new Targa 410 car, now we have a Lotus Emira and all for work/training cars. Since working so much with them i do appreciate them more than most other cars, so many high end cars are very overrated by comparison, bar a GT3RS IMO. Lambo's ?? Yuk, def not a goodf value machine, terribly expensive maintenance and not really a driver's car all, very much a bling machine. I don't even like them on track. I still have my full on LMP3 Race car for racing and an NBSE MX5 wich I love too (Very same feels as other good balanced chassis), but the Lotus with the V6 is def something else, especially with a Nitron suspension setup, it is damn near perfect and for road racing, gee not much comes close.
I came across this video and, wow, life is quite bizarre: I had a rather similar story....BMW M, Porsche (including a 911 turbo), and others.. One day I came across a V6 Exige ...and now it is in my garage (actually mine is an LF1). Greetings from Milano!
Totally agree on the lighting my day up and bringing pleasure to others (it's like a labradoodle on wheels). Ended up with mine in a similar way. Went to look at a Motorsport Green Exige 410 and in the showroom they had an Exige 420 FE in Solid Yellow. Said to dealer "that is my dream car but obviously its sold?", she replied "we bought it for stock so that we had one, it's not sold". No brainer for me as it cost hardly anymore than the 410 and was even available on 50/50 finance (no other way I could afford it !). I've owned several Elise's and Exige Mk2's before but wanted an Exige S3 since they came out. Finally the dream has been realised and it is one phenominal drivers car :-) Hopefully we will drive together some day. X25 UFO
If you have not driven an exige.... You can't understand..... It's a real driven experience.... Fast... Ferocious.... Exhausting..... But a real dream !!!!! Great vid !!! À french lotus exige owner !!!!
Hey! @@OneElevenCars You were nicer in real life! ;-) -- I did 'of course' mean for a Lotus Exige... And yet as I ruminate on it, I bet Russet Brown would look good on an Elise or an Esprit or the new Emira with a Crema Leather Interior and Bronze lightly-tinted windows.
Great story. I drove the Sport 350 and loved it, then a Sport 220 and loved it more. I’m eagerly awaiting a Sport 240 FE. Like your guest says, it’s about how it makes you feel.
Good old Stratton Motors! Ive had a few goes round Hethel, fantastic place. I Live in Wymondham so see Lotus's all the time, inc the new Emira. But a chap from lotus came to my work the other day in a 410S..... WHAT A CAR! You cant ever let that go!
Love the video Jim. I share your passion, I’m on my third Lotus. Two Elises and now an Exige 350 Sport, all black, yellow detailing, first owner only had it for a short period……….i think you might be familiar with it😁 Still shining as much as the day it left the showroom
Brilliant video, made me subscribe. I had a passenger drive in a 410 exige, most amazing car I’ve been in. Budget won’t get there yet but it’s definitely on a (long) list of wants after my enjoyable 987 base C.
My Exige Roadster in military grey is amazing. 350bhp seems more than enough but can understand the temptation to better model since was very happy with my Elise (still am) but after test driving an Exige just made me keep comparing it the Exige. Must sell the Elise this spring.
Joe - So well said about driver experience!! Nothing you’ve said sounds weird. I’ve had 4 Porsches. I still love my modified 964. But as you say, when I had the opportunity to drive and negotiate a deal on a 914 with an ‘85 3.2 Carrera engine, updated suspension & brakes, 915 gearbox and WEVO shift linkage, I was blown away! I couldn’t walk away from that car! I totally understand where you’re coming from.
Really enjoyed your Video and story, great watch. Like you I’ve just had a track day at Hethel and now I’m waiting just a little longer to take delivery of an Elise 250 FE. Happy motoring ahead in 2022.
Great story Joe, no need to be embarrassed, I would say it took a big guy to admit it to yourself that you'd bought the wrong car. Obviously at a cost, but like you said, the sooner you bit the bullet the less pain...and its only money! Some testament that you make of the car against what is a to be fair quite an impressive garage - do you work for Lotus?
Thanks so much Michael. I don't work for Lotus, or for any other car firm. I do however write a bi-monthly column about my Lotus life in 'Absolute Lotus Magazine'. And before lotus I worte a similar column for 'Total 911 Magazine' for 3.5 years. -- All contributions are just for fun, sharing my experiences and passion with like and enquiring minds.
@@jcxmig ya that too. Its pretty cool. Because you can have a lengthy convo with other car enthusiasts, especially the ones that dont know anything about this Lotus.
I have an Exige 350 Sport which I got new two and a half years ago. I absolutely love it but I am interested in trying a 410. Is there really that much difference. I don't do tracks.
Go and drive a 410 and see what you think. If you can find a 420 or 430 try them too and see if they offer an even bigger upgrade. For me the change was dramatic. For you? - pls let us know 👍
@@jcxmig I will get a drive in one when I can. 60 bhp and all of the other goodies are hard to resist. The 430 Cup is obviously the one to have but its another £35k on top of mine. I will let you know how it goes. Cheers.
@@jcxmig it's all about the chase, as they say. I'm looking to replace the daily driver and a possible modern classic for some extra interest. Happy days.
Thanks for the insightful video. But is there really that much difference between a 350 and 410? My guess is you would've been happy with the 350 had the 410 not existed.
Listen? not a hater, I owned a lotus s2 111s and planning to buy a v6 exige because I love these cars but 3.3 and all those sub 4 second times.............NO, just NO, if it had a dct or sequential yes easy but with the manual I wanna see people do this because it's just not possible.
Just caught this video a long time after production. What a insightful and intuitive owner Joe is - hes hooked me deeper into the brand now ! - about to get my Toyota engined S2 111R Supercharged (at Hanger 111) for the spring
Great watch! The comment about lighting up other people's day when out in a Lotus, rings true for me as well. A car that puts a smile on your face as a driver and general public's is always going to be a winner!
Thanks Tony, really appreciate it. Agreed - driving a Lotus always seems to make someone smile!
Its a good feeling isn't it. Enjoy your Lotus.
Yes, it‘s fun to drive a Lotus around town. No jealousy just lots of thumbs up and wide smiles.
I´ve never seen kids around 10 years point and yell at a Tesla or Porsche they way they do when the Elise drives by :) Love seeing their faces light up - reminds me of myself as a boy catching a glimpse of some exotic car :D
My love of Lotus started with the original Elise. The Exige is my absolute favourite and at the top of my dream car list.
I'll never be able to afford one, but maybe one day I'll be fortunate enough to get a ride in one.
If you see one, and it's owner, just ask. Lotus owners are a brilliant bunch, and I'm sure if they have time, they'd be delighted to take you for a spin.
I have a 350, everything in here is 100% spot ok. I’ve had it for over 3 years now and even when I can’t drive it, I just go in the garage and stare at it… the best thing is they drive even better than they look. Great video… 👍
Thanks Neil, great to hear. They look fast even when they’re standing still don’t they?!
@@OneElevenCars absolutely 😂👍
Neil i totally agree, gazing at it is a poor but acceptable second best when driving is not an option. :-)
Enjoyed watching this 2 yrs post filming, lovely car and great owner. I get the same reactions and feelings in my Alpine A110S but like the owner I have an A110R itch but so far I've ignored it :)
They are amazing cars, i drive them as an advanced motorsport coach, the 2ZZ Exige, then a 410 Sport that won Targa Tasmania, then the new Targa 410 car, now we have a Lotus Emira and all for work/training cars.
Since working so much with them i do appreciate them more than most other cars, so many high end cars are very overrated by comparison, bar a GT3RS IMO. Lambo's ?? Yuk, def not a goodf value machine, terribly expensive maintenance and not really a driver's car all, very much a bling machine. I don't even like them on track.
I still have my full on LMP3 Race car for racing and an NBSE MX5 wich I love too (Very same feels as other good balanced chassis), but the Lotus with the V6 is def something else, especially with a Nitron suspension setup, it is damn near perfect and for road racing, gee not much comes close.
I came across this video and, wow, life is quite bizarre: I had a rather similar story....BMW M, Porsche (including a 911 turbo), and others.. One day I came across a V6 Exige ...and now it is in my garage (actually mine is an LF1). Greetings from Milano!
Totally agree on the lighting my day up and bringing pleasure to others (it's like a labradoodle on wheels). Ended up with mine in a similar way. Went to look at a Motorsport Green Exige 410 and in the showroom they had an Exige 420 FE in Solid Yellow. Said to dealer "that is my dream car but obviously its sold?", she replied "we bought it for stock so that we had one, it's not sold". No brainer for me as it cost hardly anymore than the 410 and was even available on 50/50 finance (no other way I could afford it !). I've owned several Elise's and Exige Mk2's before but wanted an Exige S3 since they came out. Finally the dream has been realised and it is one phenominal drivers car :-)
Hopefully we will drive together some day. X25 UFO
Thanks Alan and congrats on the 420 FE… what a car! I’m sure our paths will cross at some point, the Lotus world is pretty small! 👍
Alan I LOVE your "labradoodle on wheels" comment. :-) -- Congrats on your 420. They look so good in yellow! I'll look out for you on the road.
J’en ai une en 20th anniversaire!
6 mois et 2000km a son volant…C’est le top!
Plus rien d’autre ne m’attirera autant à présent!
If you have not driven an exige.... You can't understand.....
It's a real driven experience....
Fast... Ferocious.... Exhausting.....
But a real dream !!!!!
Great vid !!!
À french lotus exige owner !!!!
Well said!
Very interesting story and the car looks epic as well! Definitely stands out more than the black on black spec.
Thanks! Roll-on spring
Great video, thank you all.
The military grey really suits the Exige. That said I am about to pick up a Pearl Yellow 420 FE. I agonised over the two colours.
Both fantastic colours. Pearl yellow is perfect on the Exige 👌
There isn't a bad colour choice. My daughter wanted me to get Yellow so you are in very good company!
I mean… russet brown would be a bad choice 😜
Hey! @@OneElevenCars You were nicer in real life! ;-) -- I did 'of course' mean for a Lotus Exige... And yet as I ruminate on it, I bet Russet Brown would look good on an Elise or an Esprit or the new Emira with a Crema Leather Interior and Bronze lightly-tinted windows.
Haha, I’m sure a russet brown Mini in 1987 was 100% on-trend. No doubt it’ll make a comeback one day…
Great story. I drove the Sport 350 and loved it, then a Sport 220 and loved it more. I’m eagerly awaiting a Sport 240 FE. Like your guest says, it’s about how it makes you feel.
Absolutely. All brilliant cars which evoke such unique emotions. Enjoy the 240 FE!
Exciting times waiting for a new car. I must admit I find the wait unbearable.
@@jcxmig Agreed!
Great Lotus Exige 410 story🤩👌. One of the most desirable sportscar ever
All the roads drive to Hethel 🧡
Thanks Michael, glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Michael! Glad you enjoyed it.
Such a shame we couldn’t get the v6 Exige for the street in the states. Your car is absolutely stunning
Good old Stratton Motors! Ive had a few goes round Hethel, fantastic place. I Live in Wymondham so see Lotus's all the time, inc the new Emira. But a chap from lotus came to my work the other day in a 410S..... WHAT A CAR! You cant ever let that go!
Cheers Robbie. Yeah, don’t think we’ll see the likes of the Exige 410 ever again… a very special car
Congrats to you, Sir, total dream car.
Still my favorite. Her curves, her power, her cornering, hot mess dream car.
same as me, never give up man, you will get your car one day, I believe in you
Gorgeous example and from what I've heard the 410 is worth it over the 350, quite the difference in driving character.
Thx Noah. I love mine.
Love the video Jim. I share your passion, I’m on my third Lotus. Two Elises and now an Exige 350 Sport, all black, yellow detailing, first owner only had it for a short period……….i think you might be familiar with it😁 Still shining as much as the day it left the showroom
Brilliant video, made me subscribe. I had a passenger drive in a 410 exige, most amazing car I’ve been in. Budget won’t get there yet but it’s definitely on a (long) list of wants after my enjoyable 987 base C.
Thanks for subscribing! Glad you enjoyed the video. Hopefully you’ll be in your own 410 sooner than you think!
My Exige Roadster in military grey is amazing. 350bhp seems more than enough but can understand the temptation to better model since was very happy with my Elise (still am) but after test driving an Exige just made me keep comparing it the Exige. Must sell the Elise this spring.
Got to love the Military Grey James.
Very nice car and great video.
Great and nice video! Congratulations for your work with the channel. As an Absolute Lotus suscriber I'm so happy putting voice to Joe's face 😊
Thank you! 🙏
Joe - So well said about driver experience!! Nothing you’ve said sounds weird. I’ve had 4 Porsches. I still love my modified 964. But as you say, when I had the opportunity to drive and negotiate a deal on a 914 with an ‘85 3.2 Carrera engine, updated suspension & brakes, 915 gearbox and WEVO shift linkage, I was blown away! I couldn’t walk away from that car! I totally understand where you’re coming from.
Oh you have fine fine taste. A pal is doing up a 914 right now and it is stunning!
Very well made video and story!! Thank you!!
Thanks Scott! Much appreciated 🙏
I once had an MX5 too, great fun. My next car is electric.
Can it be? An MX5 and a Morris Oxford? Hope you are well!
Great story love these cars, the Exige S3 could very well be one of the best Lotus ever built IMO
Thanks Gregg. It’s a masterpiece isn’t it?
@@OneElevenCars Indeed, I think a great combo of engine and lightweight stiff chassis
8:00 perfect description❤
Best drivers car period
Excluding the Elise of course 😜
Joe, looks awesome mate! Need to catch up for a Lotus meet :)
Really enjoyed your Video and story, great watch. Like you I’ve just had a track day at Hethel and now I’m waiting just a little longer to take delivery of an Elise 250 FE. Happy motoring ahead in 2022.
Thanks Roy, enjoy the 250 - it won’t disappoint!
Good stuff Roy. Enjoy your Elise 250 FE - They sound great too BTW!
@@jcxmig cheers - owned a series 3 elise S for several years - so really excited now to be owning this CUP250.
Fantastic specs your exige, i love that!! You never concider gt4 our gt3??
Congrats
Oh yes. I did look at both GT4 and GT3. Also great cars but neither are as raw as the exige.
Great story Joe, no need to be embarrassed, I would say it took a big guy to admit it to yourself that you'd bought the wrong car. Obviously at a cost, but like you said, the sooner you bit the bullet the less pain...and its only money! Some testament that you make of the car against what is a to be fair quite an impressive garage - do you work for Lotus?
Thanks so much Michael. I don't work for Lotus, or for any other car firm. I do however write a bi-monthly column about my Lotus life in 'Absolute Lotus Magazine'. And before lotus I worte a similar column for 'Total 911 Magazine' for 3.5 years. -- All contributions are just for fun, sharing my experiences and passion with like and enquiring minds.
Wicked car and your amazing story which i can relate to as myself had a similar experience.
Great video. Thanks👍🏻
Thanks Steffen!
Nice work guys
Thank you 🙏
Very cheesy ending but I do agree. They bring joy
I wish we would’ve got this in the US but can’t bc “safety regulations”. So much for a “free country”
Nice one Joe.
Thanks Peter! Much appreciated.
Man maths = dealer rubbing his hands with glee.
Best part of this car is the reliable V6 Toyota engine.
The fantastic Toyota V6 with the powerful charge cooled supercharger is a great feature but I’d say the handling and feel is even more remarkable. IMO
@@jcxmig ya that too. Its pretty cool. Because you can have a lengthy convo with other car enthusiasts, especially the ones that dont know anything about this Lotus.
I have an Exige 350 Sport which I got new two and a half years ago. I absolutely love it but I am interested in trying a 410. Is there really that much difference. I don't do tracks.
Go and drive a 410 and see what you think. If you can find a 420 or 430 try them too and see if they offer an even bigger upgrade. For me the change was dramatic. For you? - pls let us know 👍
@@jcxmig I will get a drive in one when I can. 60 bhp and all of the other goodies are hard to resist. The 430 Cup is obviously the one to have but its another £35k on top of mine. I will let you know how it goes. Cheers.
@@davewheeler7679 excellent. Good luck. Exciting times for you. I do love plotting a new car.
@@jcxmig it's all about the chase, as they say. I'm looking to replace the daily driver and a possible modern classic for some extra interest. Happy days.
@davewheeler7679 Did you end up buying the 410? I am looking to buy a 350 and wondering whether I should stretch (a long way) for a 410
Thanks for the insightful video.
But is there really that much difference between a 350 and 410?
My guess is you would've been happy with the 350 had the 410 not existed.
Does this guy work for Lotus? because now i want to buy an Exige 410 sport
joe, I think I was at that car meet where you saw the 3-11. Colmworth?
Yes! It was Colmworth. Was it your 3-11?
Amazing
Pure car guy lust Eh😂😂😂😂😅😅😅
Black cars for funerals.
Listen? not a hater, I owned a lotus s2 111s and planning to buy a v6 exige because I love these cars but 3.3 and all those sub 4 second times.............NO, just NO, if it had a dct or sequential yes easy but with the manual I wanna see people do this because it's just not possible.