LOTUS ESPRIT TURBO - DRY SUMP - 1 OF 1 - ESSEX BLUE - RESTOR

* Will be up for sale in the next couple of weeks*

For sale is my Lotus Esprit Dry Sump Turbo 1981 Restoration Project...

Finished in factory Essex Blue Metallic Paint along with champagne leather, champagne nylon carpets & beige polyester head lining. No overhead Panasonic radio was fitted however this was a factory optional extra at the time (not chosen by original owner). There was also a request not to fit any decals or stripes. Can only presume this refers to the Essex livery/ decals as the car does have Turbo decals and stripes present and these look to be original factory fitted along with what looks like the original factory paint.

This car was only 1 of 2 cars in Essex metallic blue with champagne leather and the only UK 1981 model year Turbo Esprit with the same colour/ trim/ options. Still has the correct rear louvre with the 1 centre support strut.

Car was purchased new October 1981 by a Mr. Hunt who owned the car until 2016. During Mr. Hunt's ownership the car was fastidiously maintained (large folder of history to back this up) and used as a daily driver for a number of years.

Car is currently showing over 125, 000 miles.

Logbook shows only 4 previous owners from new. Mr Hunt. 1981 until 2016. Followed by a Lotus car dealer and 2 owners who are well known in the Lotus Esprit Forum/ Group.

As mentioned the car is a complete restoration project (99% of parts present). Engine was rebuilt about 1000 miles ago with new liners, pistons & rings by the previous owner however purchased by myself with a blown engine. I have removed and stripped the engine. Pistons/ rings & liners are fine but there was damage to the valves and head. Cylinder head was sent to Knight Engineering who have just finished a complete refurb with new inlet & exhaust valves.

Engine is now in the process of being rebuilt and car will be sold with the engine and gearbox back in situ.

Car is currently sat on 4 stud period correct compomotive alloys. The 2 rear alloys are replicas however I have do have 2 new rear original 4 stud compomotive alloys which are included in the sale.

Car comes with 2 folders full of history, spare key, certificate of vehicle provenance and letter from the official Lotus archivist regarding cars history. V5 Present & in my name. HPI clear (certificate included).

I believe this may be one of the last opportunities to purchase a 1 of 4 factory Essex Blue Dry Sump Turbo restoration project. Now becoming increasingly rare. Latest dry sump to sell was priced at £80, 000 and there is currently a completely restored one for sale at £110, 000.

Very reluctant sale. I purchased the car roughly 3 years ago with every intention to restore the car back to its former glory or even Essex Spec however other Esprit's in various stages of restoration were purchased before/ after and have since taken priority and completed. Currently have another 4 Esprit Turbos along with other classics/ modern classics. Unfortunately this car will not be completed by myself for another 2+ years and lack of space forces sale. I'm not in a rush to sell and if no interest will send to storage until I have the time & space to restore the car myself.

Car will need to be trailered away & winched as it does not run or drive.

Viewings are welcome. More photos will be added over the next couple of weeks.

Many thanks