Lot 128: Lotus Esprit Turbo

Introduced in the early 1970's, production began in 1976 and concluded in 2004. A new version of the Esprit is set to be released in 2007. Based on the Lotus Europa, it was given the name Esprit in keeping with the traditional Lotus 'E' naming standard. The original power plant was a 2.0 Litre engine but quickly advanced to a 2.2 litre unit in 1980. A turbocharger system amplified the output with horsepower skyrocketing to over 300. In 1987 Peter Stevens redesigned the Esprit giving it a modernised shape but keeping the tradition of the Giorgetto Giugiaro's 'folded paper' designs of the original 1970's Esprit.Due to rising emission regulations, Lotus decided to abandon the four-cylinder Esprit, making 1999 the final year of its production and in 2000 an eight-cylinder was squeezed into the engine bay and the zero-to-sixty time sank to the mid four-seconds.Offered here is an Esprit Turbo, which is complete an with extensive history file in support of the indicated 71000 miles. The file includes 15 previous MoT certificates and the original service booklet, recording servicing up to 66000 miles.Finished in white with blue leather interior, the car is described as being an excellent example, has the 2.2 litre, four cylinder, Turbocharged engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.