Not so long ago, it was very hard to keep track of all the Lotus special editions. From Cup this to Essex that and then 10 more horsepower here and some new suspension there, it often felt that the rarest ones available were actually the standard models. But even if it was hard to keep up with, some great sports cars resulted from the strategy, because they were all Lotuses under whichever colour scheme, wheel option or engine output they were getting that month. So they were all brilliant. Recent personal highlights included the Evora GT410 (basically the USA-spec car sold here), the Exige Sport 410 (as fast as the Cup car, not quite so mad) and the Elise Sport 220 (ditto).

The old Series 2 Exige wasn’t short of a special or two, either, from the British GT Edition to the Scura and Matte Black Final Edition to the Espionage. (They’re all Exiges, promise.) All fantastic, too, but even by the exalted standards of the second Exige, a few specials really stand out. The RGB is one of them.

Named in honour of legendary test driver – or Director of Vehicle Engineering, to give him his proper title – Roger Becker, the RGB was launched just after the great man’s retirement in 2010. It represented more than just one farewell, too, as the derivative came at the end of the S2 Exige’s life, and was therefore also one of the last Lotuses to use the Toyota 2ZZ engine, the fizzy four-cylinder that was the perfect match for Elise and Exige. The RGB was a real end-of-an-era car then, with Becker departing and the Exige moving to a larger, heavier, V6 layout – and its spec reflected that.

Not only did it have the most powerful version of the 1.8-litre engine available, using the 260hp supercharged derivative from the Cup 260, the RGB also borrowed other useful upgrades from that circuit special, including a stiffer rear subframe. That was in addition to a Performance Pack and a Sports Pack, upgrading things like brakes and seats. But the Becker Exige was also more liveable – all things being relative – than the hardcore Cup with a Touring Pack that brought electric windows, carpets and a cupholder. It was the traditional run-out special, with all the equipment thrown in, only for a Lotus that meant AP Racing calipers, an adjustable anti-roll bar and a roof scoop…

Naturally, everybody loved the RGB, bringing together all the best bits of the S2 package into one greatest-hits compilation. Many still look back very fondly on the 2ZZ era for Elise and Exige as a high point for both, so it stands to reason that the best of the bunch is still revered over a decade later. Especially given how rare they are, with just 55 believed to have been made

This RGB looks especially good, completely standard and as Hethel intended as well as boasting fewer than 50,000 miles. It benefits from a very recent service, four Toyo R888s and an extensive history. The condition really is remarkable; browse the classifieds for S2s and it isn’t long before a well-worn track car emerges, which makes this one look concours by comparison. Even those cars kept for road use are seldom this nice.

As a result, and because of the RGB’s hallowed status, the asking price is higher than most other S2s, at £39,750. An impressive display of residual strength after all this time. Such is the fondness around this particular Exige, however, that its desirability isn’t going to wane as the years pass; there wasn’t another Lotus like the RGB after this car, and there’s certainly not going to be now. As perhaps the best version of perhaps the best Exige, it’s always going to hold considerable appeal. So don’t wait too long on this one, basically.

Engine: 1,796cc, four-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 260@8,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 174@6,000rpm
MPG: 33
CO2: 199g/km
First registered: 2010
Recorded mileage: 46,000
Price new: c. £45k (2010)
Yours for: £39,750