Highlights
- Striking red over black colour combination
- Rouched black/tan leather interior
- Extensive specialist-maintained history
- Galvanized chassis
The Appeal
Even after almost fifty years on the road, the Lotus Esprit still looks fresh and original. Nothing else was ever quite like it. In the Peter Stevens rework, the lines softened but the handling remained just as sharp. Even if the Lotus four-cylinder (normally aspirated in this case) lost something in ultimate performance to the V8 and V12 Italians, the car more than made up for it with its road-holding, poise and phenomenal feed-back to the driver. Still one of the finest touring sports cars ever designed.
The History and Paperwork
- Maintained by marque specialists
- Extensive history file from present and previous owners
- Thorough fettling in 2018
- New timing belt in 2021
- Consistent ongoing maintenance
- Remote central locking with an immobiliser
Over the past 20 years or so, the Lotus has benefited from extensive (though never major) work to keep the car running smooth and in fine fettle. Over time this has included an extensive brake and suspension refresh as well as general engine ‘sorting’ and carburetors rebuilt. In 2021, as well as more carburetor tweaking, the Esprit had some new hoses in the engine and a new timing belt. The present owner has been keen to catalogue the work done on the car over time, as well as keep on top of any mechanical or cosmetic jobs that have arisen.
The Interior
- Full two-tone black/tan soft leather-trimmed interior
- Contoured high-backed sports seats
- Contrasting red stitching on steering wheel
- New carpets in 2021
The chic GT interior of the later Esprits was finished in quite soft rouched leather, which, in this case, has obviously been carefully looked after by successive owners. The hides display a gentle patina, showing only gentle creasing with no visible cracks or tears. Their colour is consistent across the car with no areas of fade or excessive wear. The big door handles and segmented panels are also good – none are loose – and all switch gear is firmly mounted.
This goes for switches and instruments across the car – the big instrument binnacle too – by no means aways the case with Esprits. A nice touch is the contrasting red stitching on the steering wheel and gear stick gaiter. It remains tight and brightly coloured. Both these areas (and the gear knob itself) remain in excellent condition, without significant handling wear.
This goes for switches and instruments across the car – the big instrument binnacle too – by no means aways the case with Esprits. A nice touch is the contrasting red stitching on the steering wheel and gear stick gaiter. It remains tight and brightly coloured. Both these areas (and the gear knob itself) remain in excellent condition, without significant handling wear.
Finishing off the ambience, the black carpets were replaced in 2021 and are essentially new.
Altogether, this is a very well-cared for cabin.
The Exterior
- Calypso Red paintwork retains an excellent gloss
- Glass sunroof with attachable wind deflector
- All panels straight
- Tidy contrasting black trim and window surrounds
The Lotus looks fabulous in Calypso Red. There have been paint corrections in the car’s history, and there are some very small areas of light pitting above the rear haunches (as often happens on glassfibre bodies), but the overall impression remains excellent. The paintwork retains a good gloss all over the car, and there are no signs of crazing or cracks in the plastic beneath. Panel fit is very good with all lids and doors maintaining narrow and even panel gaps. The doors open smoothly (as do the lights), and the sun roof detaches without resistance. The Lotus even retains its (body-coloured) wind deflector for when the roof is out – not so often seen.
The powder-coated window frames maintain a deep shade of black and show no signs of discolouration or corrosion, though there is a little delamination at the edges of the rear quarter-lights. Rubber door seals are healthy. Other black trim – the engine cowling and the mirror edges also remain a deep black, though the edge of the near-side mirror trim is slightly damaged.
The Mechanics
- Galvanised (X180) chassis
- Solid and clean underneath
- Workmanlike engine bay with no signs of leaks
- New coilovers
- New wheel centers in 2019
The Esprit’s engine bay is tidy and workmanlike. Everything is clean and in the right place and there are no signs of leaks nor corrosion. Hoses and leads appear very healthy, and don’t forget that some of these – and the timing belt – are new. The detachable engine cover itself is in good shape; no sighs of warping and no evidence of heat damage.
What can be seen of the Esprit’s underside and suspension appears solid and clean. Panels are straight, showing no signs of impact damage or corrosion, and the underside of that deep front spoiler is good. Again, no cracks. All pretty confidence inspiring.
Summary
This is a clean, well-cared for example of an X180 series Esprit, offering the better build quality – and more durable galvanized chassis – that this edition brought. Some might yearn for the excitement of the Turbo, but it’s drama can work both ways. The normally aspirated version offers all the looks and handling of the blown car without the attendant expenses of the added plumbing.
A close inspection of an Esprit’s cabin can tell you a lot about the car – and this one has a great ambience…
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