Highlights
- Sought-after Turbo model
- A very well maintained example
- Condition belies its mileage and 36 years
- Expansive history file to accompany car
The Appeal
Any child with the slightest interest in cars growing up had a poster of the Lotus Esprit on their bedroom wall. The (some say) real star of the 1977 film ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’, the Esprit was chosen to give James Bond a glamorous car to drive. Two Turbo Esprits – one in white, the other in copper – appeared in another Bond film ‘For Your Eyes Only’ in 1981.
Due to its phenomenal popularity, the Esprit enjoyed a long production run from 1976 to 2004, with the Turbo Esprit arriving in April, 1981. Impressively, throughout the car’s entire production run, every single one remained hand-built.
The Esprit provided an alternative supercar that was just as exotic looking, just as good to drive, and a lot less expensive than its Stuttgart- and Maranello-based rivals. Oh, did we mention the Bond films?
History and Paperwork
- Dry-driven and garaged when not in use
- Light restoration, recommissioning and detailing in 2021
- Expansive history file of past maintenance work
- V5 certificate in current keeper’s name
This fabulous example was supplied new by Lotus dealers Bell & Colvill in Surrey on 19th September 1986, with a dealer-stamped owners hand book up to 53,000 miles. There is an expansive history file detailing previous works, old MoT test certificates, sundry invoices and the V5 registration document in the current keeper’s name.
Also present is a full set of workshop manuals to complement this exceptional Lotus Esprit. The engine was rebuilt at 50,000 miles, with the Monaco White paintwork refreshed in the early 2000s to exacting standards.
The car had been dry stored for 12 years from 2009 before undergoing a light restoration, re-commissioning and detailing during 2021.
The Interior
- Cockpit said to be re-upholstered (unverifiable)
- Smart Claret Red (Code 3086) and Black leather
- Tidy and unblemished interior
One of a myriad of colour combination choices, the striking interior of this Esprit is presented in smart Claret Red (Code 3086) and black leather. It was believed to have been re-upholstered in the 2000s but the current keeper is unable to verify this.
Beneath the tidy black carpets, the floorpan is said by the owner to be in very good condition. As with the Claret Red dashboard and centre console, the door cards, sun visors and other soft furnishings present in remarkably good condition. Furthermore, the custodian reports that all the instruments, gauges and switchgear work as originally intended.
It is quite evident that since its recommissioning in 2021, the car has been lovingly used but garaged away from the elements when not being enjoyed, such is the high quality of presentation by the car.
The Exterior
- Presented in original Monaco White (Code A21)
- Original and refurbished BBS alloys
- Panels are straight and true
Handsomely presented in the original colour of Monaco White (Code A21), this stunning Lotus Turbo Esprit is a truly fine example of the Series 3.
The set of original BBS alloys were recently refurbished and present in exemplary condition. They are shod with a pair of Nankang Econex NA1 summer tyres across the front axle and a pair of Nankang Toursport 611’s summers across the rear axle. All are in exceptionally good condition. The spare wheel resides in the front boot along with the prerequisite tools.
At the front, the headlight lenses are crystal clear and the plastic indicator/reflector lenses show no hint of sun-bleaching. The same may be said for the rear light clusters.
With a few minor exceptions around the door mirrors, the paintwork around the car is in exceptional condition and a cursory glance down each flank shows no evidence of collision damage. Even the front number plate and valance, for all their vulnerability, remain blemish free.
The Mechanics
- Engine rebuilt at 50,000 miles
- Runs and drives particularly well
- New shocks and springs fitted 2022
- Fully maintained, no expense spared
At the photo location, the 2.2-litre in-line four started first and every time and settled into an appreciative burble. The manual five-speed gearbox connected smoothly with the clutch engaging with no drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
Now fully operational since its recommissioning, both the engine and gearbox are smooth and strong with excellent engine oil pressure. All gauges operate and read correctly.
Some subtle modifications have been made and these include Hi-Spec four-pot front brakes and fully adjustable coil overs, fitted all round. The car now benefits from a new alarm system and central locking.
The custodian reports the car to be in healthy mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective engineers intended.
Like the cursory visible parts of this car, the underside and lower sills present in very good order with hardly any natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.
Summary
Any iteration of the Lotus Esprit is a truly exotic feeling car today and just as able to turn heads as a Ferrari or Porsche. The best news is that the Lotus should be less expensive to buy and run, although honest, well-fettled examples such as this rarely come to market.
This Esprit S3 Turbo has been well cared for and, should the new keeper continue to do so, it will stand the test of yet further time and provide immeasurable driving enjoyment in the process.
