Rare Lotus C-01 up for £300k

The Lotus C-01 is one of the most exclusive motorcycles in the world, with a run of only 100 bikes that sold out fairly rapidly. As such, getting your hands on one is a bit of a tricky business, unless you’re attending the Mecum auction in Monterey, California on the 18-20 August, where one of the rare beasts is up for sale. 

You’ll need deep pockets if you want to buy one though as its up for an estimated US$350,000-$450,000 (£270,000-£346,000) which is quite a hike up from the original £70,000 approximate purchase price.

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Its unique and beautifully finished aesthetic is the work of former Bugatti designer Daniel Simon, who was responsible for the equally distinctive Lightcycles features in the movie Tron Legacy.

The frame was crafted by MotoGP frame experts Kalex, who had to hand weld the chromoly steel frame in a jig before it was shot-peened, carbon-wrapped and mated to the engine.

Swathes of carbon help keep the kerb weight of the bike to 190kg and with a 1195cc V-twin engine lifted straight out of a KTM RC8R, it’s no slouch with a 175 horses on tap to play with. 

This one is believed to be the only model currently in North America and has never been ridden with only two miles on the odometer.

If you’re looking for a new two-wheeled companion but the Lotus is a bit out of your budget then why not visit the  MCN Bikes For Sale website or use MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.