Lotus has yet to redesign any of its aging models, but it keeps coming up with exciting special-edition versions. The latest on the list are the Exige Type 49 and Type 79, which were introduced at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed to mark two of the company's most important Formula One milestones.

Brought to Goodwood to drive up the famous Hillclimb course, both the Type 49 and Type 79 were created by Lotus Exclusive, the brand's recently established bespoke division. Fans of classic Formula One will probably recognize the Type 49 and Type 79 names, which were used on two of Lotus' iconic F1 cars.

If you're not that familiar with old-school motorsports, you should know that the Exige Type 49 marks 50 years since Graham Hill won both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championship in the Lotus Type 49. The Exige Type 79 celebrates 40 years since Mario Andretti won his World Championship, and Lotus the Constructors’ Championship, with the Type 79. Arguably some of the most iconic F1 cars, these two single-seaters helped Lotus become a legend on the race track with 79 victories and seven World Championships in almost 500 starts.

So what are these two special-edition models all about?

Well, they're far from new, both being based on the track-ready Exige Cup 430. The most radical road-legal incarnation of the Exige, the Cup 430 tips the scales at only 1,056 kg in its lightest configuration, generates up to 220 kg of downforce thanks to its aero upgrades and cranks out 430 horsepower and 325 pound-feet from its supercharged V-6 engine. The sprint to 60 mph takes only 3.2 seconds, before topping out at an impressive 180 mph.

Design-wise, they do stand out next to the standard model. The Type 49 is finished in red, just like the original F1 car, and sports Championship Gold accents on the splitter, front hood, side skirts, roof, and wings. The Type 79 has the same gold stripes, but it's painted black, just like Andretti's race car. Both have gold, lightweight, diamond-cut wheels, and red brake calipers.

Inside the cabin, you'll find carbon-fiber race seats trimmed in black Alcantara and double stitching in either red and gold or black and gold. Similar stitching was applied to the door panels, center console, and dash, while the door sills and instrument cluster cover have anodized aluminum and carbon-fiber trim. A wooden gear knob rounds off the bespoke interior.

Pricing information is not yet available, but you better hurry if you want one of these rare models. Or you can simply contact Lotus Exclusive directly and build your very own unique sports car.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Lotus Exige Sport 410.

Read our full review on the 2017 Lotus Exige Cup 430.

Read our full review on the 2017 Lotus Exige.

Read our full review on the 2016 Lotus Exige Sport 350.

Read more Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Read more Lotus news.