1985 Lotus Esprit S3 For Sale (picture 1 of 158)
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Winning bid
£15,250

1985 Lotus Esprit S3

 

Highlights

  • In current ownership since 2022, previously owned by the seller's uncle since 1994
  • Recent engine-out service with approximately £12,000 in repair bills
  • Full beige leather interior with no tears or cracking
  • Distinctive black bodywork with gold stripes
When it comes to super-lightweight, super-nimble handling driver's cars, there's no name with more impact than Lotus. The Hethel enterprise has always been dedicated to pushing the limits, and the beautiful, Giugaro-penned wedge styling made for a futurist, head-turning car with performance and dynamics at its core.

This particular example, registered in 1985, has been in the current owner's family since 1994 when it was purchased by the seller's uncle, later passing to the current keeper in June 2022. Having undergone significant recent mechanical work, including an engine-out service by Clydesdale Classics, the car has benefited from approximately £12,000 in repairs and could easily be brought up to true show-winning snuff.

With its striking black bodywork complemented by gold stripes and beige leather interior, this Lotus is doubtless going to garner plenty of enthusiasm.
image.png 5.32 MB



History and Paperwork

  • First registered in the UK on 1st August 1985
  • Four former registered keepers
  • Current owner acquired the car in June 2022 from their uncle, who had owned it since 1994
  • Was dry stored for several years
  • Trailered to Clydesdale Classics East Kilbride for engine-out service and MOT
  • Owner has all bills for recent work plus some records from uncle's ownership
  • Approximately £12,000 in repair bills
  • Indicates 09,546 miles on a five-figure odometer 


  • 40-year-old bodywork requires some attention upon close inspection
  • Some cracks in the gel coat and crazing in the paint
  • Black bodywork with gold stripes
  • Two fuel filler caps (one on each side of car)
  • Driver's side fuel cap is locked with a broken key in it
  • Beige full-leather interior appears in smart condition for its age
  • Leather has been cleaned and treated
  • Driver's side seat cushion is a little flat
  • Some leather edges behind seats have lifted from the glue
  • No tears or cracking in the leather
  • All lights, electric windows, and stereo work
  • Passenger side window switch needs to be refitted



The Mechanics

  • 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine
  • Five-speed manual transmission
  • Engine had valve clearances reset to factory specifications
  • New belts fitted
  • Work performed by Clydesdale Classics East Kilbride
  • Recent work included steering rack, pumps, bushes, and more
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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.. 
Winning bid
£15,250
Sold
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Auction Details

  • Year1985
  • MakeLotus
  • ModelEsprit
  • ColourBlack
  • Odometer9,546 Miles
  • Engine size2200cc
  • TransmissionManual
  • Steering positionRight Hand Drive
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownDunfermline
  • CountyFife
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

13 Bids from 5 bidders

Antreou
Bid
£15,250
08/10/25
Antreou
Bid
£13,750
08/10/25
gray.to••••
Bid
£13,500
08/10/25
Antreou
Bid
£13,000
08/10/25
gray.to••••
Bid
£12,500
08/10/25
Antreou
Bid
£12,250
08/10/25
steve-s••••
Bid
£12,000
08/10/25
gray.to••••
Bid
£11,250
07/10/25
neil-be••••
Bid
£11,000
07/10/25
gray.to••••
Bid
£10,500
04/10/25

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