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Winning bid
£14,800

1989 Lotus Esprit

Highlights

  • Striking red over black colour combination
  • Extensive specialist maintained history
  • Securely stored in a private garage
  • Recently fitted with a new fuel pump and battery
  • Valid MOT until August 2025


The Appeal

The Lotus Esprit represents one of the most iconic British sports cars of its era, combining exotic wedge-shaped styling with impressive handling capabilities. Even after almost fifty years on the road, this legendary car still looks fresh and original. Nothing else was ever quite like it. 

In the Peter Stevens rework, the lines softened, but the car remained just as sharp, responsive and timeless. Even if the Lotus four-cylinder (normally aspirated in this case) wasn't quite the performance best of its European counterparts, nobody could hold a candle to it for road-holding, poise and phenomenal feedback to the driver.

This 1989 example showcases the model's distinctive design in a head-turning red over black colour scheme. Having been purchased through Car & Classic in August 2023, this Esprit benefits from extensive specialist maintenance throughout its life, ensuring it remains in proper working order. For enthusiasts seeking an authentic British sports car experience with the security of proper care, this Lotus deserves serious consideration.

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History and Paperwork

  • First registered in 1989 
  • Purchased through Car & Classic in August 2023 
  • Extensive specialist maintained history 
  • Securely stored in a private garage 
  • No modifications
  • Valid MOT until August 2025

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The Condition

  • Striking Calyso Red livery
  • Paintwork in good order, having been subject to some touch-ups over the years
  • Some very small areas of light pitting above the rear haunches
  • No obvious signs of crazing or cracks in the plastic beneath 
  • A little delamination at the edges of the rear quarter-lights 
  • Rouched black/tan leather interior 
  • Leather shows a gentle patina, largely isolated to soft creasing
  • No obvious areas of fade or excessive wear
  • Black carpets were replaced in 2021 and are essentially new
  • Remote central locking with immobiliser

The Mechanics

  • 2.2-litre (2,174 cc) Type 912 straight-four engine
  • 5-speed manual transmission 
  • Engine bay in good order
  • Recently fitted with a new fuel pump and battery
  • Galvanised chassis 
  • The vendor states this vehicle provides a fantastic driving experience
  • We've no reports of any mechanical faults 
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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
£14,800
Sold
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Auction Details

  • Year1989
  • MakeLotus
  • ModelEsprit
  • ColourRed
  • Odometer85,443 Miles
  • Engine size2174cc
  • TransmissionManual, 5 speed
  • Steering positionRight Hand Drive
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownSt Albans
  • CountyHertfordshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

11 Bids from 5 bidders

mel••••
Bid
£14,800
09/07/25
Samp567••••
Bid
£14,502
08/07/25
Samp567••••
Bid
£14,002
08/07/25
Samp567••••
Bid
£13,500
06/07/25
emmacoo••••
Bid
£13,000
03/07/25
emmacoo••••
Bid
£12,000
03/07/25
emmacoo••••
Bid
£11,000
03/07/25
emmacoo••••
Bid
£10,000
03/07/25
emmacoo••••
Bid
£5,000
02/07/25
Chris19••••
Pre-bid
£3,000
29/06/25

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