Highlights

• Complete restoration of virtually every aspect of the vehicle
• Carefully restored to original specification, including engine
• Number 26 of 27 Rest of World models sold
• One of only 5 sold in France
• Complete restoration with €28,000 worth of parts and upholstery invoices
• Original JPS upholstery fabric direct from England
• Registered in France since new
• MOT valid until March 2027

What makes this car unique

Hard to believe, but 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Lotus Esprit, a car that always seems to be ahead of its time. What better way to celebrate than with this remarkable special edition 'JPS'? It has recently been restored to virtually its original condition by its current owner, a professional classic car restorer. The parts alone cost €28,000.

It's a superb example, made all the more impressive by the level of detail that has gone into its original specification. The seller even travelled to the UK to examine another JPS in order to faithfully reproduce the interior. The only difference is the modern glue used for installation.

The chassis, suspension, brakes, engine and gearbox have all been checked, refreshed or replaced. The distinctive black paintwork with gold piping has been given a walnut shell sandblast and epoxy treatment. The 14-inch Speedline wheels were completely restored and repainted. The engine was completely rebuilt and fitted with forged pistons. A new clutch and flywheel were also fitted.

These iconic models were built to celebrate the Lotus team's seventh constructors' title in 1978. Known at the factory as 'Commemorative' models, but designated elsewhere as JPS in reference to their iconic livery, they are now very rare. Lotus planned to build 300 of them, but only 141 were produced, 27 of which were for the Rest of the World market. This one is number 26 and one of only five sold new in France.

With a verified mileage of 75,500 km since new, it is undoubtedly one of the finest examples in existence, if not one of the best variants of the Esprit. The JPS certainly remains one of the most memorable cars of its era. With an MOT valid until March 2027, this superb classic is ready to join your collection.

History and Documents 

• French model first registered in 1981
• Always remained in France since leaving the factory
• In the hands of the current owner since 2019
• The seller states that the previous owner acquired it in 1984
• The engine is not original but comes from an Esprit of the same year
• Rare JPS numbered edition, no. 26 of 27 produced for the world market
• 141 produced in total: 90 for the UK, 24 for the USA and 27 for the rest of the world
• Only 5 sold in France
• Owner has €28,000 of invoices for parts and upholstery
• Complete restoration carried out by owner with 14 years' experience
• Restoration covered engine, transmission, brakes, fuel, cooling, suspension, upholstery and paintwork
• Seller travelled to UK to verify accuracy of details on another JPS
• Standard registration document
• MOT valid until 24 March 2027
• Technical inspection showed slight misalignment (since rectified)
• Front and rear alignment carried out since inspection

Vehicle Condition

• JPS car restored to strict original specification, with a very large amount of work carried out.
• All work carried out by the vendor, a specialist in this field
• Fibreglass bodywork sandblasted with walnut shells and epoxy-treated
• Paintwork completely sanded, applied in gloss black, sanded with water, then varnished
• Original windows with a few small scratches
• Doors not perfectly aligned due to limited adjustability, but function correctly
• Professionally refurbished upholstery in gold velour and black leather
• The seller points out that the modern neoprene glue does not adhere as well as the 1978 glue, which causes minor defects on the dashboard
• Brand new carpets, in original black
• The 5 gold Speedline wheels, restored by a specialist
• Dunlop and Maxxis mixed tyres fitted
• Rear defroster not working
• Sandblasted and powder-coated chassis and several other components
• Original wiring harness fully inspected and restored
• Doors and doors open and lock normally
• Very neat vehicle, with well-preserved original stickers, stripes and 'crowned' badges

For enthusiasts of a certain generation, this car can be an emotional moment. When it was launched in 1975, the Lotus Esprit was striking; the arrival of the JPS model in 1978 made its impact even greater.

The 'Commemorative' version features the black and gold livery of the Lotus Formula 1 cars. One of the most beautiful decorations in the history of motor sport, it is equally at home on a road car.

It is clear that this restoration has been a real work of passion for the current owner, who acquired the car in 2019 from its previous long-time owner. A professional restorer of classic cars, he has completely renovated and upgraded the car to a high standard. The work was carried out sensitively and to a high standard: everything that could be retained was, and what had to be replaced was replaced to the original specification. He even travelled to the UK to examine another JPS model to check every detail.

Today, the car is presented in 'unrestored' condition. A rare opportunity for the discerning collector.

Powertrain 

• 4-cylinder 1,973 cm³ Type 907 engine with double overhead camshafts
• 5-speed manual gearbox
• Total weight of just 900 kg
• Engine rebuilt with new forged pistons, bearings and valves
• New flywheel and clutch
• Cylinder head tested and resurfaced
• Original Dellorto carburettors ultrasonically cleaned
• Gearbox opened and inspected
• Brand new braking system
  • Calipers, master cylinder, brake servo, discs, pads, hoses and rigid pipes replaced
• New suspension with 4 competition-type gas-charged shock absorbers, new silent blocks and ball joints
• Steering rack restored
• The seller states that the car starts easily and runs very well
• The engine is not the original one, but conforms to the model

Weighing just 900kg, the Esprit Série 2 makes the most of its 2-litre, 160bhp Type 907 engine. Mated to a Citroën 5-speed gearbox, this mid-engined car may lack the displacement of its rivals, but it is just as, if not more, exciting to drive.

This car is offered for sale after a major mechanical overhaul, as detailed above. The seller states that the posted mileage of 75,500 km is correct. Although the engine is not original, it is true to the model and has been completely rebuilt with new parts: forged pistons, bearings, valves, flywheel and clutch. The gearbox was inspected and did not require rebuilding.

The carburettors were ultrasonically cleaned, the braking system was rebuilt and the suspension completely refurbished. The car is now fitted with four competition-style gas-charged shock absorbers. To improve roadholding, the steering rack was rebuilt.

Unsurprisingly, the seller claims that the car starts from a standing start, runs perfectly and drives remarkably well. It is sold with a roadworthiness certificate valid until March 2027. A misalignment was noted at the time of inspection, but this has since been corrected.

BEFORE YOU BUY