H&H Classic Auction  @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
24th of April, 2024 13:00

1989 Lotus Esprit Turbo
Just 37, 000 recorded miles
Estimate
£26, 000 - £30, 000

Registration No: F640 DNG
Chassis No: SCC082910KHD65159
MOT: November 2024

Just 37, 000 recorded miles
1 of just 1, 562 Lotus Esprit Turbo (X180) cars understood to have been made from 1987-1991
Benefitting from some £11, 000 worth of improvements since 2021
In current ownership since 2017
Desirable and collectible modern Lotus

The Esprit metamorphosed through several series over the next two decades before the model's ultimate expression - the V8 - arrived in 1996. Lotus had first employed turbocharged induction in 1980 on the Essex Turbo Esprit, a limited edition model featuring the Blue/ Red/ Chrome livery of the Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation, sponsor of Team Lotus from 1979 to 1981. The Essex paved the way for the series production Turbo Esprit, the arrival of which in April 1981 coincided with that of the S3 models. Despite having a wet sump, the Turbo's 2. 2-litre Garrett-blown engine produced the same power (210bhp) as the Essex's dry-sump unit. The Turbo Esprit retained the aerodynamic body kit of the Essex cars and featured prominent 'Turbo Esprit' decals on the nose and sides. The Turbo's top speed was 148mph, with 60mph attainable in 6. 1 seconds. In 1987, the Esprit was comprehensively restyled by Peter Stevens, who produced a less angular, more rounded and much more modern look. The turbocharged car's name was changed to 'Esprit Turbo', while the major mechanical updates were a Renault GTA gearbox and outboard rear brakes.

Manufactured new in 1989, chassis number 65159 is one of just 1, 562 Lotus Esprit Turbo (X180) supplied and was sold new to the home market, being first registered as ‘F640 DNG’ on the 25th of May that year. Finished in Calypso Red with Cream leather interior upholstery, the Lotus is understood to have only resided in the United Kingdom for around 12 months, the Esprit Turbo was exported to the car-friendly climate of Japan thereafter. Residing in Japan for the subsequent twenty-seven years, the Esprit was acquired by the vendor in 2017 and was subsequently repatriated. Retained by the vendor ever since, the Lotus has been substantially improved during this period, receiving over £11, 000 worth of enhancement, which included bodywork repairs and repainting, servicing with new spark plugs, new emissions and turbocharger control pipes, retrimmed boot compartment, a brake refresh, and alloy wheel refurbishment. Offered with just 37, 000 miles on the odometer, this is a low mileage desirable and collectible Lotus modern classic!