Lotus Esprit Turbo

The Lotus Esprit is a sports car that was built by Lotus Cars at their Hethel factory in the United Kingdom between 1976 and 2004. It was among the first of designer Giorgetto Giugiaro’s polygonal “folded paper” designs. Giugiaro wanted to call the car “Kiwi”, but the Lotus tradition of having all car model names start with the letter “E” won out, and the name became Esprit.

Following the proposal of two new models by newly appointed Tony Rudd in 1970, Colin Chapman had his first meeting with Giugiaro. Work began on the new car in mid-1971 with production of a 1:4 scale model. Although Chapman was disappointed with the wind tunnel results, it was the feedback following the display of the prototype at the 1972 Turin Auto Show that convinced him to approve further development.

The Esprit was launched in October 1975 at the Paris Motor Show and entered production in June 1976. These first cars became known as “Series 1” (or S1) Esprits. The wedge-shaped fiberglass body was mounted on a steel backbone. Power was from the 1,973 cc Lotus 907 4-cylinder engine that produced 160 bhp. The Series 1 embodied Lotus’ performance through light weight mantra, weighing less than 1,000 kg (2,205 lb).

In 1987 the Esprit was restyled by designer Peter Stevens. Stevens, who went on to design the McLaren F1, produced a less angular, more rounded car. The exterior changes were accompanied by a redesign of the interior that gave more space to the occupants. The revised Esprit was not given a new “Series” number but is often called by its project code of X180.

The Lotus Esprit Turbo offered here at Autostorico is a 1990 “H” plate. Finished in Calypso Red with Raven leather interior, this stunning example has covered 78,458 miles from new. The car boasts a comprehensive service history having been serviced regardless of mileage and has benefited from regular cambelt changes, the last of which was fitted in May 2014. This beautiful example offers many Lotus owners club recommended upgrades including; Twin Larini stainless exhaust system, Alunox stainless manifold, Brembo 4 pot brake calipers, Adjustable dampers, Oz Futura Esprit wheels. Other specification highlights include, Air conditioning, Electric windows, CD player, Remote alarm and immobiliser and Sunroof.

Supplied with a large history file including its original book pack and service manual, this is a perfect opportunity to own such an iconic British sports car, which will only appreciate further over time.

Viewing strictly by appointment only.

Details