Lotus Exige CUP 430 Final Edition
Description
As the UK’s leading expert in Lotus body repairs, we handle everything from accident and crash damage to age-related defect repairs. The requirement on this striking and near-new Lotus Exige 430 CUP Final Edition was slightly unusual, as it required restoration following vandalism.
The process began, as always, with a detailed inspection to assess the extent of the damage and prepare accurate estimates for the customer’s approval. Given the level of repair required, it was agreed that a comprehensive respray in the car’s original colour, Racing Green C203 (a rare metallic shade exclusive to Final Edition models), was the most appropriate and uncompromising solution. Whether accident-related or vandalism damage, we can complete repairs for both private clients and through insurance.
With over 40 years’ experience working with fibreglass, our team are specialists in the correct repair methodology. Following the right steps is vital to ensure the damage does not resurface in the months or years ahead. As this was a very new vehicle, it required only a limited number of replacement parts, all of which, down to the smallest decals on the front clam, were carefully sourced directly from Lotus, using genuine OEM parts wherever possible.
Unusually, this Exige had not been garaged during its early years. While this did not compromise its drivability or mechanical condition, Lotus models of this era often suffer visually when exposed to the elements for long periods.
With a design focused on maximum cooling, stationary water ingress into the front radiator cowlings and rear engine bay is unavoidable. On Elise and Exige models of all ages, this frequently leads to corrosion on bare aluminium, lightly coated brackets, and steel fixings. While disassembled, the owner commissioned a visual refresh, which included zinc-coating the suspension uprights, hubs and fixings; renewing or re-coating corroded components beneath the car; ice-blasting the engine and gearbox assemblies, and vapour-blasting and treating aluminium parts.
The result is a beautifully restored Exige CUP 430 that now presents as well as the day it left the factory, but with enhanced protection thanks to modern coatings and finishes. The car now resides with us in our secure vehicle storage facility, preserved for future enjoyment.
