Collin Chapman’s immortal engineering dictum—usually paraphrased as “simplify, then add lightness”—is as applicable to vehicles with two wheels as it is to those with four. Even so, Lotus had never built a motorcycle, and seemingly had no intention of doing so…until the surprise 2014 announcement of the Lotus C-01.

Even after images of the C-01 began to circulate, fans did not know quite what to think: Surely this hyper-futuristic motorcycle, with a sleek, carbon fiber fairing floating in the middle of an elongated wheelbase, was only a buzz-generating concept that would never see production. But Lotus stunned enthusiasts again by committing to a 100-unit production run and then, in yet another surprise, actually followed through with building them!

In truth, Group Lotus did not build the C-01: It licensed its name to Lotus Motorcycles, which in turn orchestrated a collaboration of experts for production. German racecar constructor Kodewa (which worked on the Lotus T128 Le Mans Prototype) headed the project, with input from motorcycle engineering company Kalex. Its sci-fi looks were no accident, as the initial styling was done by Daniel Simon—a designer whose credits included the “light cycles” from 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 fiber panels finished in a range of liveries that paid tribute to the great racing cars of the past.

Power—as much as 200 horses—came from a V-twin engine that had proven itself in the KTM RC8R, sent through the rear wheel via a six-speed sequential gearbox. A dry weight of under 400 pounds, and a lack of rider aids such as ABS and traction control, contributed a pure riding experience in keeping with Lotus tradition.

Motor Cycle New’s Andy Downes delivered a favorable ride review in August 2016: “With a wheelbase that could rival that of an oil tanker, this may look like a bike that shouldn’t work. But despite its unusual design and engineering layout, it gallops along roads at what seems like an unseemly pace. Add in the top-notch suspension and superb Brembo brakes up front, and the C-01 is also surprisingly easy to adapt to.”

Very few C-01s have reached North America, including this example. 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 color scheme, works well with the C-01’s carbon fiber componentry—making for a particularly stunning representative of a rare machine. Offered in as-new condition, it has accrued only delivery milage.

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 be born into 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 fascinate for years to come.