Recent work to gearbox, exhaust, starter motor and radiator
Serviced and new with few miles since
Long MOT to April 2026
The Appeal
Peter Stevens’ makeover of the wedgy Esprit original must be one of the best motoring reworkings. It cleverly retains what made the first car great, whilst catapulting it into the modern era and the supercar league.
This 1988 X180 is one of the very first built. You can tell that from the dark silver valance running around the car. It isn’t a later addition or a bodyshop error - the first 10 or so cars left the factory like this, and this car is one of that handful. It is also a highly original, exceptionally low mileage Turbo that has passed through a mere four keepers in its time.
In that sense it ticks virtually every X180 buyer’s box: right spec, unmodified, highly original and sparingly used. That it also comes to market fresh from a raft of work, merely dials up the appeal.
The vendor bought the car in 2021 from specialist Car Iconics. In 2023 he commissioned specialists to run through the car and sort anything that needed doing. That has included a full paint polish, new exhaust back box, new starter motor, replacement radiator, interior revamp and attention to the gearbox and synchros. It has also been serviced and the belts replaced. All invoices for the work are included and also shown in the photos. The MOT runs to April 2026 for added reassurance.
With all that work done, the buyer gets a thoroughly sorted and highly original car.
The vendor says:
“As a child I met Ayrton Senna when he raced for Lotus and I promised myself I’d always own one. This car fulfills my dream.
“I’ve always wanted one. Most are high mileage, non turbos. This one is a really nice, very original low mileage car. I’ve spent a lot of time sorting whatever needs sorted so that now I think it is probably the best X180 Turbo available.”
Highly original car that has not been repainted in order to preserve this
Red paintwork is very presentable with some light lacquer lift below paint as shown
Bodywork in very good order with straight panels and well kept fibreglass
Features dark silver valance in good order and correct for such an early car
Factory standard car including multi-spoke Lotus alloys
Alloy wheels present very well with few indications of age
Supplied with steel spacesaver spare wheel as shown
Matching quality BF Goodrich tyres in good condition with plenty of tread
Underside presents well with no structural advisories on current MOT
Two-tone cream and beige leather interior with recent light refresh
Interior shows some light age to components due to originality
Fitted with modern Bluetooth Pioneer stereo with original unit included
Classically finished in red with that ultra rare dark silver valance, this Turbo is every inch the bedroom wall icon of yesteryear. The enthusiast current keeper has wisely resisted the temptation to restore the paintwork, instead favouring originality and the very light patina that entails.
Whether inside or out, none of that originality reduces the car’s appeal. Instead it adds a touch of character that is wholly in keeping with this low owner, low mileage early X180. The only deviation from standard is the Pioneer stereo, but the original unit is included with the car.
Serviced in 2023 as part of general overhaul as above
Vendor says that car ‘drives great’ with no issues
Extensive recent work detailed above including new starter motor and radiator
Some advisories to note on current MOT
You could buy one of the many naturally aspirated Esprits out there, but if you’re like us - and the vendor - then only the Turbo will do. That blower is the difference between potential and fulfillment when it comes to the ultra-nimble, hugely engaging Esprit.
The trick when buying an Esprit Turbo is to make sure it has been maintained properly. This car has covered just 23,000 miles from new and comes fresh from a 2023 makeover. That work covered gearbox overhaul, exhaust, starter motor, belts, servicing and new radiator. With few miles since completion, the buyer gets the benefit of all that investment.
The MOT runs to April 2026. There are some advisories to note on the test, but none that the tester suggests require immediate attention.
image.png3.62 MB 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 fee. 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..
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