Description
1986 Lotus Esprit – A Beautifully Preserved 1980s British Icon
Offered by Signature Classics
Signature Classics are delighted to present this wonderfully preserved 1986 Lotus Esprit — an increasingly rare opportunity to own an iconic piece of British sports-car history. First registered on 22nd January 1986 and now with just four owners from new, this Esprit has covered a remarkably low 33, 500 miles and has been cherished, sympathetically maintained, and recommissioned to retain as much originality as possible.
A Highly Documented, Low-Mileage Example
This Esprit comes with an exceptional history file, including:
Original bill of sale from the London Lotus Centre
Copies of all logbooks and MOT certificates
Full service history from delivery
A comprehensive portfolio of garage and parts invoices
The extensive two-part Lotus workshop manual
This level of documentation is rarely seen and speaks to the care bestowed on the car throughout its life.
Mechanical Excellence & Recommissioning
Under the current owner’s 12-year stewardship, the car has been lightly restored and meticulously maintained. At 28, 413 miles, the engine received a complete overhaul by the respected Lakeside Engineering, with the cambelt changed again at 31, 926 miles. Upon purchase, the current owner also instructed Lakeside to perform a full mechanical overhaul to ensure everything was functioning at 100%.
Factory-Confirmed High-Compression Engine
The Esprit is fitted with a high compression engine, believed to have been installed by the second owner in 2008 after the car had been laid up since 1996. Although no direct invoice for supply of the engine exists, supporting service paperwork from Autofix Services (27/ 11/ 2008) strongly aligns with this period.
Importantly, correspondence with the Lotus Archivist confirms this engine is an original high-compression unit, manufactured in October 1987. This specification benefits from:
Stiffer engine block
Mahle racing pistons
High-compression setup
Twin 45 Dellorto carburettors
Distinctive red cam covers
This configuration was produced for just one year prior to the launch of the Esprit S4, making it a particularly desirable and collectible specification.
Interior & Presentation
Inside, the car has received new carpeting and a fresh headlining, lifting the cabin while maintaining the correct period appearance. Overall, the car presents as a highly usable and very honest example of a classic 1980s supercar — not concours, but absolutely charming, characterful, and mechanically excellent.
Ownership Provenance
Notably, the third owner purchased the car through Bell & Colvill, assisted by Scott Walker (now Sales Director at Lotus Cars in Hethel), with Lakeside Engineering performing a full inspection and service at the time.
The DVLA has confirmed that an engine-number update can be considered upon written request, even without supporting invoices — a helpful reassurance for the next custodian.
A True Drivers’ Esprit — Must Be Seen to Be Appreciated
This 1986 Lotus Esprit encapsulates everything enthusiasts love about the marque: purity, rarity, analogue performance, and unmistakable wedge-era style. A well-sorted, well-documented, and mechanically confident example that is ready to be driven and enjoyed.
Every vehicle purchased through us comes with:
3-month nationwide classic car warranty as standard (with the option to extend)
Classic car finance available on request
Nationwide delivery available on request
