HIGHLIGHTS
- Legendary Lotus sports car styling and performance
- Immaculate Calypso Red body
- Original full hide interior
- Well maintained Low mileage 2.2-litre turbo
- Comprehensive history file
THE APPEAL
The revised and hugely successful Esprit X180 was launched in 1987 and retains the legendary Lotus poise and agility. The contemporary design has undeniably stood the test of time and out-stripped many of it’s rivals regarding performance and value for money.
Stunning from every angle, this enthusiast owned Esprit has certainly led a pampered life having only been driven on dry days and garaged under a soft-shell cover. It has also been fastidiously maintained, as the large history file confirms, and benefits from various upgrades, replacement parts and improvements by specialists. What’s not to like!.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Certificate of Provenance from Lotus
- Up to date V5
- Previous MOT’s
- MOT runs until 19th December 2023
- Tax valid until the 1st April 2023
- Original service book
- Extensive maintenance history file
- Lotus Parts and Workshop Manual
- Lotus books
Built for the domestic market, this Turbo X180 was signed-off the Lotus production line on the 25th April 1988. A copy of the Production Order lists the specification and a Certificate of Provenance from Lotus Cars Ltd, further confirms this Esprit’s credentials.
First registered on the 17th May 1988, in Bradford, the current owner acquired this lovely Lotus from Stocks Sports Cars, Essex, in April 2018.
The original service book contains stamps from Lotus specialists and a substantial file of invoices detail maintenance work carried out since the late 1990’s. The owner has also created a complete quick reference guide to all the work undertaken during his ownership (see photo).
THE INTERIOR
- Original full leather trim
- Excellent instrumentation and switchgear
- Momo steering wheel
The sumptuous Mink/Stone interior is in good condition and gives off that lovely evocative smell that only a classic leather interior can. It also has a light and airy feeling thanks to the optional factory fitted glass sunroof which is removable.
This later Esprit benefits from increased headroom and legroom, and generally, the cabin is very original, aside from a nice replacement Momo steering wheel and gear knob - the originals will be included. The dashboard, roof lining and carpeting is in great condition and a recent Sony sound system is neatly installed.
A Lotus turbo-boost gauge joins the standard VDO instrumentation, warning lights and switchgear, and all look spot on. Standard features include air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors.
Lifting the front access, we discover an exceptionally clean space containing the fuse box, brake master cylinder and servo’, etc. A good usable full-size spare and jack are in place and a shiny Vin plate is attached to the inner wing.
THE EXTERIOR
- Stunning paintwork and trim
- Later SE rear spoiler
- 16” Ruote OZ rear wheels
Presented in desirable Calypso Red, this well-proportioned Esprit looks simply gorgeous and includes exquisite design touches. The fibreglass shell is reinforced with kevlar and the standard of finish is far better on this generation of Lotus.
Upon first inspection, the immaculate paintwork appears scratch-free with just one or two stone chips at sill level. There are no signs of accident damage, and the owner tells us that the car has never been repainted.
The pop up headlights operate as intended and all the other light lenses appear fine. The window glass and mirrors are excellent and the finer details of trim and badges are in very good condition all round.
This X180 benefits from the later SE aerodynamic rear spoiler and 16” Ruote OZ rear alloys giving the whole car a more powerful stance. The factory wheels are in good order with no visible damage and are fitted with decent Toyo Proxes up front and Kumho Ecsta SPT tyres at the rear.
Encased in fibreglass, most of the steel backbone chassis is extremely well protected from the elements. Peering underneath reveals clean surfaces with minimal surface corrosion to steering, suspension and brake components.
To keep this car pristine, a quality indoor soft-shell cover is included.
THE MECHANICS
- Only 57,771 miles
- Fastidiously maintained
- Drives exceptionally well
Tucked away behind the carpeted luggage space, but still cannily accessible, the type 910 turbocharged 2.2-litre engine is clean and offers around 215 bhp, a 0-60 time of approximately 5.5 seconds with an impressive top speed in excess of 150 mph.
In addition to regular servicing, this four-cylinder, twin-cam was removed by Lotus Esprit Restorations in 2008 in order to replace a number of hoses, seals and other fitments (see photo). This should bode well for future reliability. There are no reported issues with overheating.
The previous owner (of 12 years) had the rear suspension and brakes overhauled and the front callipers and discs were replaced in June 2022 prior to a trip to Le Mans. The cam belt and tensioner were changed just a few thousand miles ago in 2018.
The owner assures us that this Esprit drives and handles exceptionally well. The 5-speed manual Renault 25/GTA transmission is precise and the independent suspension and brakes operate well.
SUMMARY
Completely up together, this beautiful example is sure to put a big smile on your face.
With sensational smooth wedge looks, searing performance, a great chassis and brakes, pound for pound, the Lotus Esprit Turbo is something of a bargain. It even offers civilised ride comfort and reasonable luggage space for a two-seater supercar. So jump in, and have some fun.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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