Lotus has unveiled two special edition Exige models at the Goodwood Festival of Speed intended to pay tribute to some of its classic racing cars. 

The Exige Type 49 and 79 cars have been put together by Lotus Exclusive for the British sports car maker’s 70th birthday. 

As well the brand’s birthday, the Exige Type 49 marks the 50 years since Graham Hill clinched both the drivers’ and constructors’ world championship in the Lotus Type 49. The Exige Type 79 salutes the 40 years since Mario Andretti won his world championship, and Lotus the constructors’ championship, in the Lotus Type 79.

The special edition cars are based on the Exige Cup 430 model, and Lotus says that they recently set the fastest lap time for a road car around the company’s test track at its Hethel test track, covering the circuit’s 2.2 miles in 1:24.8. 

Also check out:

The Exige Type 49 is taking to the hillclimb for the Festival weekend, with demonstration runs over all four days and a sprint against the clock in the timed supercar run on the Saturday afternoon.

Employing a supercharger and chargecooler designed specifically for the potent engine, both the Exige Type 49 and 79 produce 424 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque from 4,000 rpm. They manage the 0-62 mph run in 3.3 seconds and will motor on to a top speed of 180 mph. 

Lotus Exige Type 49, 79 special editions

Respectively finished in solid red and motorsport black, the 49 and 79 show off contrasting pinstripes on the front splitters, and feature bargeboards, roof panels and rear wings in Championship Gold. Both cars incorporate carbon fibre front splitters, air curtains, front access panels, side intakes, hardtop roof panels, lightweight full tailgate panels, straight rear wings and rear diffuser finishers into their design.

Ultra-lightweight gold painted wheels with diamond cut rims and red brake calipers add subtle finishing touches along with unique Type decals on each rear buttress.

Speaking of the unveiling, and the company’s 70th anniversary, Group Lotus CEO, Feng Qingfeng, said: ‘Lotus is an iconic British brand and its contribution to both the world of motorsport, and development of sports car as we know them today, is undeniable. 

‘To be able to unveil our celebration Exiges at the Goodwood Festival of Speed is truly historic, especially as the cars that inspired them are also here on display and in action. These celebration cars are a fitting tribute to our past, but they reflect our future and show that we’re still true to our principles in building the very best luxury sports cars.’

In 1948 Colin Chapman built his first competition car, in a small London lock-up garage, following his own theories for improved performance. He formed Lotus in 1952 and built the company up from there as a road and race car business. 

Gallery: Lotus Exige Type 49 and 79 special editions