Description
For Sale: 1984 Lotus Esprit S3 Non-Turbo in Silver.
Lotus Esprit S3 2. 2 non-turbo, 5 speed manual, finished in silver with a matching silver/ grey half Connolly leather hide interior. Reluctant sale of this British icon which were available between 1981 and 1987 with approximately only 767 S3s manufactured in total. This example was originally signed off the production line in September 1983 and delivered to 'Motorway Sports Cars' of Faversham, Kent in early 1984. Now qualifying for historic vehicle status, this car enjoys tax and MOT exemption.
According to the Lotus Cars Limited archive records, this car was originally designated as a support vehicle for the Earls Court Motor Show. Whilst it is understood to have remained a backup choice, this particular car is the only S3 Esprit finished in silver with silver/ grey trim and the 4th out of only 5 silver Esprit n/ a’s made in 1983. Show cars often come highly equipped with extras, and this car benefits from fully functioning and rare factory air conditioning which effortlessly blows icy air into the car’s interior creating a comfortable environment for short and long distance cruises. The Esprit S3 n/ a cars benefitted from many of the Turbo car upgrades including; a stronger and stiffer chassis design which is also fully galvanised, improved braking performance, upgraded suspension components, a more refined interior and other updates whilst retaining much of the same iconic design features.
Condition and Care: This Esprit is in excellent condition, both inside and out. The bodywork and interior have been meticulously maintained and the car presents very well with only some minor stone chips and age-related marks. The vehicle comes with an extensive history file including all the original paper MoT certificates documenting its current mileage at 71, 500. The file also includes numerous invoices and bills for both previous, and recent work that all suggest this Lotus has been meticulously cared for by enthusiasts who truly value and appreciate this unique car.
Mechanical / Service Work:
Some examples of the mechanical works include;
• Full stainless steel exhaust upgrade (SJ Sports Cars supplied).
• New clutch along with a new release and spigot bearings (SJ Sports Cars supplied). New clutch slave cylinder, rebuilt master and new steel braided clutch hose replacing the original plastic type.
• Recent cambelt with rebuilt tensioner and new bearing.
• New shock absorbers and coil springs in all four corners matching the original factory specifications (SJ Sports Cars supplied). Many new suspension bushes have also been replaced.
• Reconditioned water pump (PNM rebuild service).
• Fully reconditioned steering rack (Lotus Bits supplied) including new column universal joints (UJ’s). This work was done along with new tie rods, trunnions and a full wheel alignment.
• New SU fuel pump with solid state-electronic control replacing the previous points controlled pump. Replaced with insulated fuel hose and clamps.
• Overhauled braking system including; a brand new master cylinder along with fully reconditioned front callipers that were dismantled, sandblasted, painted, fitted with new pistons and all rubber seals. Rear callipers have been upgraded to a brand new set (PNM supplied). Further work includes new flexi hoses, fittings and hand brake cables.
• New air conditioning compressor with system pressure tested (SJ Sports Cars supplied).
• New Lucas alternator.
• Engine ignition system refresh including; new Lucas ignition amplifier unit, HT performance leads, spark plugs, rotor arm, distributor cap and ignition coil (PNM & SJ supplied).
• New wheel bearings (SJ supplied).
• Recent oil and filter using factory specified Valvoline Racing 20w 50 and oil filter with anti-drain back valve.
• All cooling hoses replaced with new using genuine stainless Jubilee clamps
• Recently re-cored radiator with two new cooling fans, thermostat and otter switch.
• New gearbox linkage bushes.
• Rebuilt and tuned carburettors.
• All new V belts.
• New tailgate and boot seals.
• Four recent Toyo tyres with almost full tread remaining.
Final points to note is that the Lotus comes with two keys, the original sales brochure, paperback workshop manuals, the original owner's manual, and a Certificate of Provenance from the Lotus Archives. Questions are welcomed.