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1981 Lotus Esprit S3 Turbo
Highlights
- Rare and desirable dry-sumped engine
- Chassis #951 - the very first car built after the 'Essex' Turbo model and so retains full Essex specification
- The only example ever built in this colour combination: Silver over Tobacco
- Very original throughout and complete with tool kit and lift jack
- Rebuilt 2.2litre 210bhp Lotus engine
- Only five registered keepers from new
- Low mileage car in remarkable "time warp" condition
The Appeal
The '80s were the era of turbocharging and perhaps no car deserved forced induction quite like the Esprit. This wedgy, crisply-styled sports car was crying out for more power - bolting on a big turbo catapulted it into the supercar league.
This 1981 example is rather significant. Hethel buffs will be aware that Essex Turbo production stopped with chassis #950, but this is car number #951, making it the first of the non-Essex Turbos while retaining full Essex specification including a desirable dry-sumped engine.
As if that didn't make it rare and interesting enough, this car is also verified as the only one to sport this excellent Silver over Tobacco colour scheme.
Such a low mileage Esprit with known history in remarkable time warp condition is a very special find. The originality is surely a huge part of its appeal, right down to those distinctive graphics and even a factory tool kit.
As if that didn't make it rare and interesting enough, this car is also verified as the only one to sport this excellent Silver over Tobacco colour scheme.
Such a low mileage Esprit with known history in remarkable time warp condition is a very special find. The originality is surely a huge part of its appeal, right down to those distinctive graphics and even a factory tool kit.
It has been sparingly used but very well maintained by its handful of keepers. That work is carefully documented in the extensive file, which includes typed notes of work carried our. Most notably it has benefitted from an engine rebuild. It remained in the hands of one keeper from 1986 to 2011 when it travelled to the Netherlands. It was recently repatriated to the UK by the seller.
This well documented, historically significant Lotus would enhance any collection.
History and Paperwork
- Built in 1980
- First registered 29th January 1981
- Originally supplied by Bell & Colvill on 28th January 1981
- Chassis number 951, the first non-Essex Turbo built
- Shipped to the Netherlands in 2011
- Returned to the UK in January 2024
- Only 5 registered keepers (including current owner)
- Same keeper from 1986 until 2011
- Sparingly used since 2012 when it last carried a UK MOT
- Thick history file including typed maintenance notes
- These are shown in the photographs and worth investigating
- 2 keys
- Factory handbook and service book in good condition
- Typed service records from 1985 to 2011 and 1994 to 2012
- Last MOT expired on 19th May 2012 at 48,498 miles
- Registered as a Historic Vehicle so exempt from MOT, tax and ULEZ
The Condition
- Confirmed to be 1 of 1 in the world with this colour combination
- Very original and unrestored car in classic Silver metallic
- Retains its correct early Essex Turbo aesthetics including Giugiaro body kit
- Original unrestored alloy wheels which retain their original factory paintwork
- Attractive Tobacco leather interior in very good, unmodified and original order
- Very original car, complete with tool kit and lift jack
- Few signs of age and use across interior and exterior
- There are some minor marks to note which are shown in photographs
- The speedo and the miles meter are inoperative
- Well-kept interior fittings and switchgear
The Mechanics
- Very early ‘Essex’ 2,174cc 210bhp turbo
- Dry-sumped engine
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Full Essex specification (including Essex owner's manual)
- Complete engine rebuild
- Detailed history file as shown in photographs
- No reported running or driving issues
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
The Gallery
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To take the hassle out of the whole process and to prevent any unnecessary squabbling we'll automatically decline anything less than 70% of the asking price so only offers that are worth considering will be accepted.
Make an offer listings include a “Make an offer” button. Simply click on this and enter the amount you’d like to offer and the seller will either accept, decline or counter. Easy peasy.
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The service fee is a charge in addition to any accepted offer amount that varies depending on the cost of the vehicle. Starting from as little as £/€300, the exact fee is clearly displayed upfront before any offer is placed so you always know exactly how much you'll be charged. It covers the cost of our various auction and escrow services and allows us to continue to provide a secure and professional platform from which to transact safely.
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