The Lotus C-10 “JSP” is one of just 100 motorcycles to bear the Lotus name, and was originally styled by Daniel Simon – designer of the “light cycle” in the film Tron Legacy. It is now on sale without reserve by RM Sotheby’s with an estimate ranging between USD 100,000 and 150,000. This example, finished in the classic John Player Special livery, was acquired new by the Dare to Dream Collection and offered in as-new condition.
Until 2014, Lotus had never built a motorcycle, and therefore, took everyone by surprise when the British marque announced that it would build a motorcycle – the Lotus C-01. Critics and the general public largely dismissed the announcement as a buzz-generating concept that would never see production.
Lotus once again stunned the automotive world when they announced their commitment to a 100-unit production run of the hyper-futuristic motorcycle, with a sleek, carbon fibre fairing floating in the middle of an elongated wheelbase.
The Lotus Group, however, did not build the C-01 in-house. Instead, it licensed the name to Lotus Motorcycles, which in turn orchestrated a collaboration of experts for production. German racecar constructor Kodewa, who worked on the Lotus T128 Le Mans Prototype, headed the project. Kalex, the motorcycle engineering company involved in MotoGP and SBK events, offered their specialist input to the project.
The C-10’s sci-fi looks are largely credited to the initial styling done by Daniel Simon, the designer who gave us the iconic “light cycles” in the 2010 film Tron Legacy. Simon’s work made it to the final product with few major alterations, and buyers could opt to have its carbon fibre panels finished in a range of liveries that paid tribute to the great racing cars of the past.
In keeping with the Lotus tradition of focusing on lightness, the C-10 has a dry weight under 180 kilograms. The lack of rider aids such as ABS and traction control contributes to a pure riding experience. The bike’s power, as much as 200 horses, comes from a V-twin engine that has proven itself in the KTM RC8R. The power is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed sequential gearbox.
The C-01 being offered by RM Sotheby’s is one of the few to have reached North America. Ordered new by the Dare to Dream Collection, it cost nearly $140,000. Its John Player Special-inspired livery, with its timeless black and gold colour scheme, works well with the C-01’s carbon fibre componentry – making for a particularly stunning representative of a rare machine. Offered in as-new condition, it has accrued only delivery mileage.
Since the completion of C-01 production, Lotus Motorcycles have announced no future products. The C-01’s status as a shocking one-off – a project that defied the odds and expectations to become a reality – only enhances its mystique. Whether acquired as a futuristic yet fully rideable steed or as a stunning piece of functional mechanical sculpture, this “John Player Special” Lotus C-01 will be a fascination for years to come.
Note: All images of the Lotus C-10 “JSP” depicted on this page are courtesy of RM Sotheby’s and copyright holder Darin Schnabel
