Original all-leather interior, a rare optional feature
Fitted with BBS rims and a galvanised chassis
Equipped with a full Cosworth engine performance parts upgrade
Perfect road test
Expertise report
The Appeal
The Lotus Esprit is an icon of British automotive design, immortalised by the James Bond franchise, starring prominently in two films.
This 1985 S3 is rather special, having been purchased new by the vendorin 1985. It has been professionally maintained throughout its life and displays just 36,073 kilometres on the odometer. It remains in pristine condition, retaining much of its originaluty and all of its period charm. The all-leather interior, a rare optional feature looks great, and the installation of a Cosworth engine kit ensures there's ample performance to play with.
History and Paperwork
Purchased new by the current owner
Holds a standard Carte Grise
The vendor informs us that it is matching numbers
Passed the Contrôle Technique safety inspection - valid until June 2025
Professionally maintained with invoices available
The Condition
In original and pristine condition with no notable defects
Fabulous Giugiaro 'wedge' styling
Jupiter Burgundy paintwork
Straight and free from notable blemishes
Fitted with a galvanised chassis, to ensure it is protected from the elements
Original all-leather black interior, a rare optional feature
Light patination to the inside as befits such an original car of this vintage
Retains its OEM BBS rims and Lotus steering wheel
Includes air conditioning and an alarm system
The Mechanics
2.2-litre Lotus four-cylinder twin-cam
Stainless steel exhaust system
Five-speed manual transmission
Equipped with a Cosworth engine kit including uprated pistons, rings, liners, the ignition system and carburration
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
Please see our FAQs
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and our Terms & Conditions
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Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1985 Lotus Esprit S3
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
€0 to €9,999
€100.00
€10,000 to €49,999
€250.00
€50,000 to €99,999
€500.00
€100,000 +
€1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
