Description
Model History: Lotus derived the Esprit from an Italdesign concept car presented in Turin in 1972, with a rear engine, steel beam chassis and polyester laminate body. Lotus assembled all the Esprit by hand, taking around 560 hours to do so. Over 80% of the parts were sourced from Lotus production. The S1 is powered by Lotus' 2-litre, 16-valve, 160bhp Type 907 engine, the first engine designed entirely by Lotus in 1972. For the S2, Lotus upgraded the engine by increasing its displacement to 2, 174cc, thus improving torque. In 1978, Team Lotus won the Formula 1 Constructors' World Championship and Drivers' World Championship with the Type 79 Formula 1 car driven by Mario Andretti. To celebrate this victory, a special edition of the Esprit S2 was produced. Using the black and gold colours of Lotus sponsor John Player Special, each model was numbered and Lotus had planned to produce one hundred for the UK market and a further one hundred for the rest of the world. In the end, 147 examples were produced: 94 reserved for the UK, 26 sold in the USA and 27 in the rest of the world. History of this Lotus Esprit Commemorative: Sold new in the UK in 1979, it was number 65, and remained there until 2013, when it was repatriated by its last owner in France. He then decided to fully restore it, respecting all the original codes and materials. The bodywork: The original polyester bodywork is very sound, with no corrosion or accidents, and in excellent condition. The door and bonnet days are excellent. The specific "John Player Special" colours are black and gold, a reminder of the F1 cars that won in 1978. It also has all its original gold lettering. Upholstery: Original new upholstery, with the same materials as the original. Leather dashboard. It has its original "Commemorative Model" plaque as well as its Mario Andretti 3-spoke steering wheel and ashtrays in each door. Engine: The 2L engine runs perfectly. Fully restored and tuned in 2020, it has covered only 100km since then. Matching number. Gearbox: Original 5-speed gearbox in excellent working order, gears shift well. Running gear: Fully restored in 2015, all parts epoxied. The rear axle is stable and handles very well. The chassis behaves perfectly. There is no play or noise. The suspension is perfect. Braking behaviour: Braking is perfect and in a straight line thanks to its disc brakes. Fully restored in 2015. Selling price: €80, 000
