Needs a little tlc, but a very sound base for a top-notch example
Needs a little tlc, but a very sound base for a top-notch example
The Lotus Esprit was first shown at the October ‘75 Paris Motor Show and created something of a stir, given its striking, angular, wedge-shaped bodywork – from legendary designer, Giorgetto Giugiario – which looked like nothing else then available. The car entered production in June 1976, with its fibreglass body mounted on a steel backbone chassis and motive power provided by Lotus’ own 2.0-litre, 16-valve, all-aluminium 4-cylinder engine, mounted longitudinally behind the passengers, driving the rear wheels through a 5-speed transmission. The engine made a claimed 160bhp and road tests revealed a top speed of just over 130 mph and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 8 seconds. The car received international recognition -and almost legendary status - when featured in the 1977 James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me.
This first iteration became the Series 1 car in 1978, with the introduction of the revised Series 2 Esprit. Changes were limited – externally, intake and cooling ducts were added behind the rear quarter windows and a new integrated front spoiler was used. 14-inch Speedline alloy wheels were fitted and a door added to better access the engine cover. For the interior, wider seats were installed and the instrument cluster and switchgear revised or replaced. In 1980 the engine was enlarged to 2.2 litres – no more power but better torque – and the chassis galvanized.
A Series 3 Esprit appeared in 1982, retaining the wedge-shaped Giugiario design with limited changes but notably revising the motive force with the new Turbo Esprit, which considerably increased power output. This model ran on until 1988, when the bodywork was redesigned – so becoming the Series 4 and other mechanical changes followed, including the introduction of V8 engines. Production of the Esprit line ended in 2004 with more than 10,000 examples of the model built.
We know that this Series 2 Esprit was first registered new in the UK in April 1979. We believe it was initially finished in a gold paint scheme but have no detailed early history. At some point subsequently, the car moved to Jersey and then later to Guernsey – and its current owner - in September 1992. The current owner – a keen motor racing participant both locally and in the UK - has not actively used the Lotus for some time however and it has been long-term garaged.
Given the long-term lack of use, the Lotus is not currently roadworthy – although it will move under its own steam. We have driven the car and the gearbox functions. It will need some recommissioning e.g. clutch and brake hydraulics etc. to return it to a fully driveable position.
The current yellow finish with colour-matched bumpers was applied at some point before the car arrived in Guernsey. The fibreglass body is in a generally good condition – free from crazing – and the paintwork sound if a little dull in places. The backbone chassis looks solid and the Speedline alloy wheels are in good condition.
The interior of the car is complete but showing a few signs of wear. The beige leatherwork is appropriately patinated but fully intact, really only wanting a good clean and feed. The headlining requires some attention and the wrap-around dashboard (complete) is looking a little careworn in places.
With its supercar style, this is possibly the most exotic-looking Lotus model ever built, which will guarantee heads turn when out on the road. This particular example may be in need of a little tlc, but it would be a very sound base for a top-notch example.
A factory workshop manual and parts list are provided with the Lotus.
The car is currently Guernsey registered. We can assist with (international) shipping and importation processes if required.
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