Description
Finally selling my cherished Lotus Esprit Turbo after 15 years of ownership, only because I couldn’t resist another one! Has given me a steady 3k miles per year of road trips and shows. Up for occasional thrills - I’ve lapped Castle Combe, MIRA and recently La Sarthe circuits in this car.
- Calypso Red with Grey Connelly Leather and removable glass sunroof
- Later S4 wheels, front bumper, mirrors and wing
- PNM 310/ 300mm competition brakes, SJS sports exhaust, polybushed rear suspension, Magnecor HT leads, reinforced gear selector shaft, braided clutch line, HID dipped beams with matching LED front sidelights and clear indicators, alloy ventilation and gear controls
- 141k miles with nearly 30 years of receipts
- MOT until April 2027 (and exempt the year after?)
- CAT D salvage in 2010, a poor start by me resulting in front bodywork repair. Insurance report, receipts and Vehicle Identity Certificate all included
- Recently upholstered seats, centre console and headlining
- Recent clutch, recon gearbox, anti-roll bushes, rear wheel bearings and rear brake pads
- Boxes of extras including engine cover, sunroof bag and wind deflector, full workshop manual, owner’s manual, locking wheel nuts, original heater controls, carb and air filter service kits and 2 books
There are of course signs of age and mileage:
- Paint is vibrant but has imperfections. Bumpers are repainted, there’s a bubble on the passenger door and minor scratches, scrapes and chips. But it always gets complements and makes a great impression
- There’s an MOT advisory for the handbrake cables, which have a split in each sheath
- Heater temperature is stuck hot (can select cold air vents to negate)
- Temperature dial can wander (tap to fix!)
- After 45 mins the engine can stumble for a minute or two at certain speeds before resuming reliable operation. Always been the way, beyond my expertise to diagnose!This was the final fully-analogue year of manufacture, with twin Dellorto carburettors and unassisted steering providing the most feel and the least complexity to maintain. Sports exhaust and handling upgrades give it confidence and character - it's still a sports car, still happiest driven with spirit.
