1989 | Lotus Esprit Turbo HC

Built between 1976 and 2004, the Lotus Esprit was unveiled in 1972 as a concept car and was a development of a stretched Lotus Europa chassis. It was among the first of designer Giorgetto Giugiaro's polygonal 'folded paper' designs. Originally, the name Kiwi was proposed but, in keeping with the Lotus tradition of having all car model names start with the letter 'E', the name became Esprit. Introduced in April 1981, the Turbo Esprit and Series III Esprit marked a necessary consolidation; both new models had a common chassis. The Series III continued to use the 2.2 litre, type 912 engine, whilst the Turbo Esprit reverted to a less complex wet-sump lubrication system, retaining the power and torque outputs of its dry-sump predecessor. The interior for both cars was revised and featured new trim; combined with changes to the body moulds this resulted in more headroom and an enlarged footwell. Externally, the Turbo Esprit retained the full aerodynamic body kit of the Essex cars and featured prominent 'Turbo Esprit' decals on the nose and sides.

This fabulous example, presented in Calypso Red with light Sand leather interior, was purchased new from London Lotus Centre on May 19th 1989 and remained in the same ownership until 2018. The first owner covered virtually all the miles in the car, as our vendor has always kept the car in professional storage and has never driven it. This lovely sportscar comes with air conditioning, a removable glass roof section, stereo, alarm/immobiliser and a comprehensive service history by Station Garage Taplow (Lotus dealership). When new five litres of Waxoil was applied to the chassis and underside metal parts, protecting the underside from day one. It underwent an extended running-in period of 4,500 miles with oil and filter changes at 1,500-mile intervals using Mobil 1 oil, the brake fluid and coolant were replaced every two years from new and the car has also been kept in a garage or professional storage since new. Other than filters, spark plugs, belts, gaskets and clutch slave cylinder, everything in the engine compartment is original, including turbo, clutch, exhaust, starter motor etc. The original leather interior and carpets are in outstanding condition, and the engine bay is pristine. All body parts are said to be original, including undamaged wheels; the only exception is the SE rear spoiler which was added by the previous owner. Time deteriorating parts have previously been replaced, including all six brake pipes, all brake calipers overhauled and the rear number plate lights etc. This car comes with its original driver's handbook, Lotus workshop manual and even its original toolkit in its case, which is in excellent condition. The car was recently serviced including a cambelt change prior to our vendors purchase. The car also comes with an MoT test certificate valid until September 2026. This Lotus Esprit Turbo must surely be one of the finest examples available today and is excitingly offered without reserve. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1989
Make: Lotus
Model: Esprit Turbo
Registration: 667 MPC
Chassis No: SCC082910KHD13458
Odometer: 33,635


* Just two owners from new, the second only keeping the car in storage

* Comprehensive Lotus service history

* Exceptionally low mileage example