A wire rope is provided which has an independent wire rope core (IWRC) covered by a plastic jacket. Outer strands are laid on this plastic jacket and wormings or spacers extend from the plastic jacket in between the outer strands to form gaps between the outer strands. Another jacket is provided over the outer strands which also fills the gaps between the outer strands. Both the IWRC and the outer strands are preferably lubricated. A method is also disclosed for manufacturing such wire rope.