I’ve not had my S1 Exige long and have not really driven it in anger at great length.
But I can say they are one of the greats. Not Lotus greats but one of the motoring greats.
This sort of machine is unlikely be made again. You can argue that a Caterham has the same sort of race DNA but it’s no Exige S1. I love the brutal rawness of the thing. I love the lumpy cammy grumpy VHPD. The styling is fantastic. The minimalist build exquisite. Add lightness! The handing is pure race car and the brakes un-servoed.
I’m not big on the standard Rimstock’s but I can live with them! The gear shift was a bit crappy but I fitted a EP shortshift and bush kit and it’s done wonders for the gear action. Almost rifle bolt now!
There are none for sale in the UK and I can see why. There is no substitute for this car!
It is two fingers up at the over refined, auto/servo lardy/computer managed boring computer game junk so celebrated today!
This Italian dude nails it.
Lotus Exige S1 - Davide Cironi Drive Experience (ENG.SUBS) - YouTube
I’m glad I’ve boxed off a good’n as I think values are going to continue to climb and brutally at that…
Heard it all before and all very true 
Agree with the Rimstocks, they’re like concrete boots, some TMR’s are a great modification and look much better 
Gear shift should be OK, certainly better than an S2. Check the bushes at the gearbox end and the adjustments at both ends. I found the quick shifters made things worse and returned mine to standard very quickly. The short stick travel amplifies any notches.
Verniers and making sure your lambda probe works removes most of the grumpiness. Mine wanted to kill me at junctions bogging down until that was fixed.
Back on message, yes they are special, not for everyone though…
My car has 12k miles and has very little wear. It was like new under there when I dropped the rear diffuser to get to the linkage. I didn’t like the factory rubbery feel. The two rubber bung bushes that join the cables to the 'box are OK for say an MGF that needs “refinement” or even a standard S1 Elise but not for an Exige IMPHO.
The pivot bushes were in good condition as was the bell crank. I’m pleased with the quick shift. It gives a more old school “deliberate” feel and a touch rifle bolt. I’ll be keeping mine.
My car seems to run fine. I think I will at some point fit an Emerald and pulleys and get it mapped on a RR.
The wheels mentioned are stunning but would appear to be around 5 grand for a set with tyres!! Are they the same size as stock rims?
Finally I agree the Exige is not for a everyone. Most people like a korma or a bhuna. Keeping it safe! I prefer a vindaloo! or even an occasional phal if I’m feeling sadistic!
They really are ridiculously heavy Rimstocks. Stepping from an S2 in an S1 I totally agree.
I think they are indeed the only aftermarket rim that works on an S1.
Maybe I’ll invest in the future… I don’t much like the Rimstock style. They’re not grotesque but I much prefer the TMR’s. Bit of a PITA that they need to be shipped from Japan etc. I suspect I’d get stung for import tax and couldn’t get the rims less Japan VAT out of TMR.
Where are you from, what’s you name if you don’t mind me asking? Great to have you posting on here 
A few of us bought TMR’s in a group by on SELOC last year for around £1.5k.
Hi,
I’ve been poring over the postings over the last 17 odd years on here. It seems to have got less active as the cars are not being used as they were new and are now invariably in dry storage being kept as “investments”
I have found much information on here. If it’s gone wrong on an S1 then it’ll be posted on here somewhere!
I’m based in West London Central and the speed-bumps are a total PITA! An Exige here is like a Tiger in a cage!
I aim to take it to the French Riviera this year and come back via the Italian Riviera. I did Northern France in a Caterham 7 on webers last year and it was a bit of a faff. I think the Exige will be like a Merc S class in comparison!
I wonder if anyone has a set of TMR’s they bought last year but didn’t fit (or are no longer racing so no longer need?) If you’re out there please PM me!
I’m Perry
Lovely to meet you Perry. Now I can’t sell you my TMR’s but a few of us also own Caterham’s…
The Exige S1 is awesome. Keep posting…
Really enjoyed reading that little appraisal of the Exige S1. It is something very unique. Like no other car I have ever experienced. It feels a bit naughty like it shouldn’t really be allowed on the road with that raucous race tuned engine and lumpy offbeat idle.
I’m planning on doing the NC500 this year with my brother but as much as I would love to experience it in the Exige I’m torn with adding so many miles yet I do plan to use the mad machine for any shorter trips. It’s on 16k so is kinda low too. Previously owned by the MD of Lotus too which is nice to know.