Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 20th May from 12pm
Auction: Wed 21st May from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
1989 Lotus Esprit Turbo '40th Anniversary'
Number 4 of just 40 examples
Estimate
£20, 000 - £30, 000
Registration No: F962NLE
Chassis No: SCC082910KHD13426
Mot: June 2025
No 4 out of only 40 produced
Significant recent maintenance including a new oil cooler, new drive shafts and engine refresh
Fitted with a stainless steel exhaust plus lift out and tilt glass sunroof
Owners handbook and comprehensive service history
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. in 1989, This Lotus is a special '40th Anniversary of Lotus' edition. All 40th Anniversary editions had unique Pearlescant paint with matching wheel colour, high bootlid spoiler and a Blue/ Grey leather interior. They also featured a metal plaque on the glovebox with 40th Anniversary information and a unique number, 'Number 4 of 40' in this case.
Commemorative Lotus Esprit Number 04 was acquired by the current vendor in 2018 who has since spent over £6, 000 on various mechanical refreshes including a complete top to bottom of the engine, along with a new camblet, radiator with fans and cowling, oil cooler, fuel pump and tank, battery, drive shaft oil seals and a stainless steel exhaust to ensure this retro classic goes and sounds as brilliant as it looks. To go with the substantial engine work, this Esprit is fitted with Protech rear suspension, and has recently had new brake discs and pads fitted so the car can handle the firepower from the Turbo's 2. 2-litre Garrett-blown engine. Today, the car presents extremely well with the pearlescent paintwork still in fantastic condition. The 40th Anniversary unique trim has stood the test of time remarkably well with a pleasing, mild patina showing the car has been used and enjoyed during the current owner's posession. It's not often you see a 40th Anniversary Esprit come to the market. This nicely presented example with a large history file showing receipts of the excellent maintenance history this car boasts is ready to enjoy as an on-the-button retro-classic. The car comes with the original Owner's handbook and current V5 along with a plethora of invoices and receipts from the detailed maintenance the vendor has carried out since he bought the car.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
