Highlights

Very tidy S4 in Norfolk Mustard with black leather
Good history file dating back to the 1990s
Over £6,700 spent on mechanical work in 2024
Regularly maintained by respected Lotus specialists
Current collector keeper since 2018
Featured in Classics World Esprit Buyers Guide November 2022

The Appeal

Julian Thompson’s clever reworking of Giugiaro’s wedgy original pushed the Esprit further into the supercar league, helped by revisions to the turbocharged 2.2L Type 910 16V engine that pushed performance yet further towards Maranello territory. These cars sit neatly in the lineage, offering the mechanical originality of the first cars with a more comfortable, better-built, and generally more usable setup.

This Esprit S4 shows under 72,000 miles and comes with a reassuring depth of documentation. MOT certificates stretch back to 1998, while an A4 binder of service records and invoices covers work from 2002 onwards. From 2018, Chris Foulds Motors in Huddersfield, a respected Lotus specialist, has serviced and MOT'd the car. In 2024, the car received a substantial mechanical refresh costing over £6,700, including service and new cambelts. Earlier notable work includes a clutch upgrade and a belt service with steering, brake, and suspension overhaul.

The enthusiast vendor bought the car in 2018 and describes it as being in great condition with only minimal, age-appropriate touch-ups — a well-sorted Esprit that is ready to be enjoyed.

Key Information

Mileage: 71,778 miles (supported by MOT history)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: not specified in the information provided
Technical specs: 264bhp 16V 2,174cc turbocharged Type 910 4cyl petrol with chargecooler, 5spd manual gearbox
Paperwork: MOT certificates dating back to 1998, A4 binder of service records and invoices from 2002
Registration: private plate J5YVK is included in sale

Summary of recent work notified by seller:

2024: Major mechanical refresh including:

Drive shaft seals and ABS accumulator replacement
Cambelt, alternator, power steering and A/C belts replaced
Full engine service and Waxoyl rust protection
Brake system overhaul
Over £6,700 spent on recent mechanical work

2018–2024:

Windscreen and catalytic converter replaced
New driver’s door mirror
Servicing and MOTs by Lotus specialists Chris Foulds Motors (Huddersfield)

On purchase in 2018:

New water pump
Cam belt replacement
Full engine service
New steel brake pipes and rear hoses
All bulbs replaced, new wiper blade, and brake reservoir cover

2016:

Complete belt service, steering/brake/suspension overhaul by BML

2015:

Clutch upgraded to GT3 specification by PNM Engineering

The Detail

Over £6,700 spent on mechanical work in 2024 detailed above
Clutch upgraded to GT3 specification by PNM Engineering in 2015
Stand-out Norfolk Mustard yellow paintwork in very good order as shown
Due to age and mileage some light exterior marks to be expected
Five-spoke factory alloys fitted, showing only very light marking
Fitted with matching Toyo Proxes dated 2014
Black leather interior in good order with light wear to usual high traffic areas
Features modern Pioneer stereo
Described as well maintained, serviced and improved during current ownership

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