Highlights
- Stunning Esprit Turbo
- Rare colour combination
- Official provenance letter
- Unmodified condition
- Lovingly maintained
The Appeal
As an example of distilled purpose, the Lotus Esprit is hard to beat. This mid-engine sports car was an early exponent of the straight-lined aerodynamic performance cars which became synonymous with the 1970s and 80s. Almost half a century since it debuted, an Esprit still has the power to slacken jaws, especially in a colour which fully shows off its beautiful Giugiaro-penned lines.
That’s certainly the case with this particular Esprit Turbo, of which a great deal is known about both its provenance and the rarity of its colour palette. It was the 79th car out of a production run of 106 manufactured in 1983. Originally supplied by Bell and Colvilll of West Horsley, the combination of Ice Blue metallic paint with blue half-leather/cloth interior made it one of only two manufactured that year in this colour combination.
An official letter from Lotus confirms all these details, forming the centrepiece of an extensive paperwork portfolio. And while many cars from this era require significant modification and restoration, this particular Esprit is ready to attend car shows or be hurled up and down country lanes. Each of this car’s previous owners have clearly cherished and preserved it to a very high extent. That’s especially obvious inside, with immaculate leather door cards preceding a luxurious leather dashboard and typical Lotus quirks like the handbrake located beside the driver’s right knee. The brown two-spoke steering wheel seems anomalous amid a sea of blue that sweeps from the centre console and gearlever gaiter to the seats, dashboard and carpets.
Settling into this car’s low-slung and heavily bolstered driver’s seat, with an instrument binnacle full of Smiths gauges wrapping around you, the temptation to plant the accelerator and pursue the horizon is irresistible. Forty years have passed, yet the thrill count hasn’t even begun to diminish.
The History and Paperwork
- Lotus Vehicle Provenance certificate
- Accompanying letter lists car’s specification
- Original handbook and Blaupunkt stereo tools
- Invoices dating back to 2000
- Two sets of keys supplied
The Condition
- Completely standard condition
- Period Blaupunkt audio system
- Underside of car is very clean
- Original manufacturer plaques under bonnet
- Reportedly “requires nothing to show and use”
- The Ice Blue paintwork appears to be in excellent order, especially considering the car’s vintage. ‘Styled by Giugiaro’ badges have been retained above the side indicators, while the iconic lowercase ‘turbo esprit’ lettering still sits ahead of the rear wheelarches. Other retained period details include the louvred rear window cover and the deeply embossed Lotus logo inset into the rear bumper.
- Inside, the half-leather seats have light bolster wear and the occasional crack but remain comfortable and supportive. The original fabrics have also worn exceptionally well.
The Mechanics
- 2.2-litre turbocharged engine
- Four-speed gearbox with overdrive fifth
- Engine believed to be original and in good condition
- Tailgate and engine cover appear immaculate
- Blaupunkt DAB/USB stereo retrofitted
From the fully functioning pop-up headlights to the immaculate BBS wheels, this car presents in excellent mechanical order. The engine bay appears clean from above and below, with no evidence of any historic leaks or fouling, and most parts appear seem to be original.
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