1980 Lotus Esprit S2.2
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Highlights
- One of only 88 Series 2.2 Esprits made
- Galvanised Chassis
- Comprehensively restored with cosmetics needed to complete
- In current ownership for 19 years
The Appeal
The Giugiaro-penned Esprit was launched in 1975 and hosted the first complete Lotus-designed engine. It retained Colin Chapman's sporting philosophy, utilising a steel backbone chassis, inboard rear brakes and a lightweight fibreglass body.
In early 1980 Lotus introduced the Series 2.2 to replace the 2.0-litre S2, which has reached its natural engine evolution. The much-improved Type 912 2.2-litre engine, addressed previous criticisms that the original engine lacked urge. The results were notable, with improved performance, increased torque flexibility and an improvement in fuel economy. Just 88 examples of the Series 2.2 were believed to have been produced, serving as a stop-gap until the Series 3 model arrived in 1981.
The History and Paperwork
- Body-off restoration
- MOTs back to 1983
- First registered in September 1980
- Just 5 owners since new
- Spare parts include hard-to-find interior trim
- MOT and Tax exempt
- V5C present and correct
- Decent stack of invoices
- Project car brought up to a good standard
- In current ownership for 19 years
- Complete jack, wheel brace and factory space saver spare wheel
The Interior
- Interior professional reupholstered
- New headlining
- Central locking
- Cobra Alarm
The cabin is awash with soft-touch Grey Marcasite, having been subject to a professional reskin. The seats are clean with no signs of wear, and the texture of the material is akin to moleskin with the same propensity. The owner has pointed out that upholstery started to degrade from the sunlight, and would benefit from some further attention. The carpets in the cabin and boot are clean, with no signs of dampness. The footwells are fitted with a pair of after-market rubber mats. The front luggage area houses a factory space saver wheel under the bonnet, as well as its jack and wheel brace.
It has a well-finished custom walnut veneer dial facia, to replace the original worn items which also come as part of the sale. The dashboard and binnacle are in good shape which house the legible and clean Smiths dials. The owner has pointed out that the rev counter recently stopped working but he plans to investigate this before the car is sold. The switchgear is in good working condition, with only the aftermarket Nissan Blaupunkt tape player at fault.
The Raid steering wheel has a little wear noted on the mount but the leather padding is in good shape. The car has a functioning central locking and Cobra alarm. The headlining has also been subject to recent professional attention and is therefore free of any damage.
The Raid steering wheel has a little wear noted on the mount but the leather padding is in good shape. The car has a functioning central locking and Cobra alarm. The headlining has also been subject to recent professional attention and is therefore free of any damage.
The Exterior
- Good body presentation
- Very appealing in yellow
- Excellent Speedline alloys and tyres
- Needs a new windscreen
The Esprit S2.2 was built with a galvanised chassis, giving it a head start over the previous models. The chassis and suspension mounts appear to be solid with a little surface rust noted on the rear cross brace. The body has been rubbed down along with further repairs made to the gel coat and repainted from its original blue to the current yellow finish. The results are positive with a reasonably even panel fit and respectable shut-lines throughout. All the doors open and close without resistance. The body condition is good, with no significant blemishes noted, just minor crazing noted at the top of the tailgate and small imperfections on the rear valance and front edge of the car. There are minor signs of its previous colour noted on the wheel arch lips but overall the paint coverage is good with a matching hue throughout. The owner pointed out a series of minor paint touch-ups on the nose of the car.
The chrome trim is good, with minor wear in places. The bumpers and lighting are well-placed and free of any damage or wear. The electrically operated headlamps retract and raise without issues. The side trim is generally in good order, with some minor damage noted on the paint itself. The glass is in good shape, although the windscreen will need replacement, due to a large crack. The Speedline alloys are in very good shape, complemented by a set of Ovation tyres which are all fairly recent fittings.
The Mechanics
- Steering and suspension parts replaced
- Excellent mechanical condition
- 2.2-litre engine runs well
- Regularly maintained
The 2.2 litre Type 912 engine presentation is good, and shows evidence of regular maintenance, with the owner confirming that the valve clearances have been reset. It has also seen a cam belt change, a host of renewed hoses and belts as well as new serviceable items. There are no frivolous loud coloured leads or non-standard bolt-ons and retains its unique Type 912 cam covers. The car starts up after a few turns, and once fired up idled evenly, its throaty engine tone beating with no spluttering or hesitation. The exhaust is in good condition with no evidence of leaks.
For a car that has seen somewhat limited use in recent years, it runs very well. This is due to the owner ensuring that the car is turned over regularly and driven gently up and down the road. This means that the brakes are in good working order, with no issues reported with the gear change or steering, although the owner has pointed out that the clutch biting point is right at the top of the pedal and therefore will need attention at some point. The suspension and steering components are in good shape, having been renewed, resulting in no significant issues reported in regards to its ride. The car has a minor oil leak, but retains a good oil pressure and is said to maintain a healthy engine temperature. The fuel pump has been recently replaced and the original item has been retained. The oil cooler has also been renewed. The battery retains a good charge.
Summary
A labour of love and a determination to finish a dream car has been scuppered by the realities of life. The work carried out has been delivered to a high standard, and wouldn’t need a significant amount of effort to bring the car back to its former glory. The Series 2.2s rarity carries much of the desirability of the car, coupled with the fact it is one of the most striking designs ever to be created offering a genuinely rare opportunity to find your inner Bond.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Please take care when making a bid as once your bid is placed, it cannot be withdrawn and will not be cancelled. If you are unsure do not bid as no refunds will be given.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1980
- Make Lotus
- Model Esprit S2.2
- Colour Yellow
- Odometer 109,000 Miles
- Engine size 2174
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Biggleswade
- Location Bedfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
15
bids
from 4
bidders
- jo•••• £22,250 22/09/22
- Bu•••• £22,000 22/09/22
- jo•••• £21,750 22/09/22
- Bu•••• £21,500 22/09/22
- jo•••• £21,250 22/09/22
- Bu•••• £21,000 22/09/22
- jo•••• £20,750 22/09/22
- Bu•••• £20,500 22/09/22
- jo•••• £20,250 22/09/22
- Bu•••• £20,000 22/09/22
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