Highlights
- One of only 204 units built
- Only 49,408 miles from new
- In current ownership since 2011
- Advisory-free MOT valid until 15 January 2026
The Appeal
Perhaps one of the most legendary cars that Lotus ever built, the Esprit was eternally a very aspirational car. The retro-futurist styling ensured its presence postered up on every petrolheaded's bedroom wall, and its presence in 'The Spy Who Loved Me' not only captured the imagination of a generation but probably acted as a bit of a propaganda for the British secret services. After all, if they could afford to fuel it for Bond's leisure, they could probably take down any political enemy going!
While the likes of Italy offered refined sports cars that attempted to provide comfort and a relaxed stance, the Lotus was a brash, barrel-chested beast the moment it rolled out of the factory for the first time in 1976. This proved equally true with the V8 GT, which arrived in 1996 and was built in only 204 units. Performance-focused, lightweight, and packed with an utterly incredible twin-turbo V8, it's the sort of car that's not for the faint of heart: one that rewards confidence and charisma behind the wheel.
This fine example was overhauled in 2018, and is still burbling away confidently - ready and waiting for its lucky new owner. The current keeper has held the car since 2011, and in that time has spared no expense in keeping it running at its best. If you want a truly exhilarating, powerful sports car that's never quite been imitated successfully, this is an exceptional opportunity.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1998
- The DVLA records 6 previous keepers
- In current ownership since 2011
- Overhauled in 2018 by Kevin Robertshaw, Esprit specialist at Lotus
- MOT valid until 15 January 2026
- Comes with a folder containing some history
- Indicates 49,408 miles
The Condition
- Sleek, wedge-shaped styling with pop-up headlights, deep chin and rear spoiler
- No sign of any significant issues with the bodywork, which has good, tight shut lines
- Aubergine livery with a few age-related marks and blemishes
- Pop-ups are lifting correctly
- Original alloys
- Recently fitted with 2 new front tyres
- Underside looks very solid and clear of any corrosion
- Interior is clean and tidy with slight wear on the driver's seat
- No sign of any rips or tears
- All instruments are clear and legible
- Air conditioning will need to be recharged
The Mechanics
- 3.5-litre (3,506 cc) twin-turbo V8 powerplant
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Engine bay looks in excellent condition
- Engine and gearbox rebuilt in 2018 by Kevin Robertshaw, Esprit specialist at Lotus
- Cambelt replaced 7 years ago, with only 500 miles driven since
- Full stainless decat system from PNM Engineering
- We've no reports of any mechanical issues
- This is backed by the car's advisory-free MOT
- We understand that it's ready and waiting to be driven away
Other work in current ownership includes:
- Replacement of both turbocharges
- All suspension components cleaned, painted, and powder-coated with new bushes
- New clutch, air conditioning compressor, and condenser installed
- New brakes fitted all around
- Oil cooler hoses replaced
- New fuel pump installed
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..
