Repainted and overhauled in 2016/17 (Images can be seen in the gallery)
Many costly maintenance items in recent years
Genuinely one of a kind colour combination
The Appeal
The 1998 Lotus Esprit SE V8 Turbo holds a unique appeal that captures the imagination of car enthusiasts. Firstly, its striking and aerodynamic design is undeniably eye-catching. With its low-slung stance, sculpted lines, and distinctive rear spoiler, the Esprit SE V8 Turbo exudes a sense of timeless elegance combined with a hint of aggression. The iconic pop-up headlights add a touch of nostalgia, while the wide rear end, large Brembo brakes and twin exhausts convey power and performance.
Secondly, the heart of this Lotus Esprit lies in its impressive performance capabilities. Equipped with a potent 3.5-litre Type 918 V8 engine with twin turbochargers, it produces exhilarating power and torque. The acceleration is thrilling, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds.
The precise and responsive handling, thanks to its mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive, further enhances the driving experience. The Esprit SE V8 Turbo offers a harmonious blend of power, agility, and a spine-tingling exhaust note, making it a highly appealing choice for those seeking a thrilling driving experience.
A truly unique example, this fabulous Lotus has been repainted from the ground up in a spectacular metallic burnt orange and has seen a plethora of maintenance in recent years ensuring regular use is not a worry, preserving this fine British supercar.
The History and Paperwork
Significant rebuild and overhaul of many components and of the bodywork over 2016/17
Recent clean MOT test
Owned since 2019
Having seen a full body respray from Azure Blue to this exquisite, deep burnt orange that it is today and a full suspension and brake overhaul in 2016/17 this example will put many minds at ease despite a lack of service history that has only been logged since the vendor has owned the vehicle.
Seeing 3 services in the last three years and only a handful of miles along with an extensive array of work and parts bestowed upon the car, we are assured of the car’s reliability.
Other work that has been done includes:
2011 New fuel tank
2017 Clutch assembly
2016 All suspension refurbished, painted, polybushed
2016 Full body repaint
2019 Turbo wastegate actuators and fuel pump
2019 O2 sensors and clutch plates
2020 A/C compressor
2021 Alternator replaced
2023 New starter motor and P/Steering pipes
The Interior
Recoloured leather seats present well and have minimal wear
The full-body repaint colour extends throughout the cabin
Premium audio system
The interior of the 1998 Lotus Esprit V8 Turbo exudes a sense of sportiness and luxury. As you step inside, you are greeted by supportive and comfortable black leather bucket seats that provide excellent lateral support during spirited driving. The driver-focused cockpit layout puts all the essential controls within easy reach along with clear and legible dials, ensuring a seamless and engaging driving experience.
The dashboard features a clean and minimalist design, with a combination of analog and digital gauges providing essential information to the driver. The centre console houses the Blaupunkt audio system and climate controls, and the overall layout is uncluttered and driver-centric with a set of Alpine speakers to entertain….as if the sound of the engine wasn’t enough!
Despite being a sports car, the Esprit V8 Turbo offers a surprising amount of interior space. There is ample headroom and legroom for both the driver and passenger, ensuring a comfortable ride even during long journeys along with an ample boot space that would be ideal even for more day-to-day use.
All the leather, although original, has been recoloured from cream to black to best suit the snazzy orange exterior and we think it looks awesome. The wear is minimal and the colour is good, looking well for its age.
All the carpets and mats show typical wear, commensurate with the age and there is wear on the door seal which would benefit from replacement.
All the dashboard presents extremely well with just the odd mark in places and some light wear to the MOMO steering wheel and gear knob leather. With colour matching mats and the vivid orange running through the interior, this is likely the only one like this making this Lotus a rather special one.
The Exterior
Repainted in 2016 to a superb standard
Stunning anthracite O.Z wheels
Nice straight coachwork with little evidence of imperfections
The exterior of a 1998 Lotus Esprit V8 Turbo in orange is a sight to behold. The vibrant and attention-grabbing colour immediately sets it apart from the crowd. The sleek and aerodynamic design of the Esprit V8 Turbo is accentuated by the bold orange hue, enhancing its sporty and aggressive appearance.
From the awesome and appealing pop-up lights, the massive rear wing and the wide stance this is not a car you will forget in a hurry and for many is a real legend.
Painted in a one of a kind burnt orange with an unbelievably deep yellow flake, the bodywork of this Lotus is very good indeed with just some minor blemishes to find.
The dark anthracite painted wheels are also hard to fault and retain a superb shine, nice metallic flake and generally all round nice condition with no notable marks. The tail light clusters present well and are clear with no moisture ingress and the rear Lotus and V8 badges are in great order. The front headlamps are slightly yellowed but are in otherwise fine order and work as they should, the fog lamps and indicators are in good order and the front Lotus badge shows some fading.
All round the car is stunning and truly one of a kind, wearing some minor marks but absolutely nothing that really detracts from the car's special appeal.
The Mechanics
Thoroughly maintained by the vendor over the last 4 years
Reported to run and drive very well
Good quality tyres fitted
As we have been assured by the vendor, the car drives very well with no reported need of work to do imminently. The A/C does need to be re-gassed, but that’s about it, which is good. Also the car underwent a thorough overhaul of the suspension, steering and braking system about 8 years ago, all of which is fully recorded with photographic evidence.
Yet even more importantly, the clutch has been replaced by the previous owner in 2017 and in the vendor's ownership vital items such as an alternator, power steering pipes and a good few oil changes. Highly strung machines like this do need careful maintenance and regular checks and the vendor having owned an Esprit before was well aware of this and has ensured of all the correct items being done.
A look underneath and around the engine bay back up photos too, and a nice tidy underside with just the usual surface corrosion on the components is about all there is to report with everything appearing fairly fresh and the evidence of new/recent components is clear too. As far as reliability goes, it’s fair to say this one has not lived up to the commonly used Lotus anagram and the vendor has used the car on a regular basis being now ready to be further enjoyed.
Summary
When you think of supercars, Lotus isn’t always the name that comes to mind is it? Thankfully though the Esprit V8 SE is just that, boasting all the figures the big boys do without the eye watering price tag, using the twin turbo power to the full along with Lotus’ famously nimble handling and power to weight credentials.
This one of a kind example has not just seen plenty of recent maintenance though, and with a custom paint job and a now black leather interior, you won't find another like it, which is nice and if history is anything to go by, this will not just be one wicked drive but a fine investment too.
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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