Lotus Exige

The story

Lotus ran a race series for Elise-based coupés, and customers asked for one they could drive to the circuit. The Exige added a fixed roof, a wing, a roof scoop and a highly tuned engine to the Elise's featherweight chassis.

Inside

Even barer than an Elise, with thin bucket seats and a view of the roof scoop in the mirror instead of the road behind.

In period colours

Tap a colour to respray the drawing.

Meanwhile, in 2000

The Millennium Dome opened, fuel protests emptied the petrol stations and BMW sold Rover for ten pounds.

Best-selling single of 2000: Can We Fix It? by Bob the Builder

Before you buy a 2000s car

• Check the service history, especially for timing belts, clutches and cambelts where fitted.
• Electronics, air conditioning and suspension repairs can be expensive.
• Many parts are still made, but some low-volume models rely on specialists.

General notes, not specific to this model. Check the model's own history before buying.

Rivals of its day

Picked automatically: cars on sale at the same time with similar size, speed and price.

See the real thing

These open in a new tab: the car on Wikimedia Commons, the interior and the badge as Google image searches.