Lot 114: Lotus Esprit Turbo

The Esprit was launched at the 1975 Paris and London motor shows and went into production in June 1976. These first Esprits eventually became known as S1 (or Series 1) Esprits. These lighweight, fiberglass bodied, cars were initially powered by the Lotus 907 4 cylinder engine previously used in the Jensen Healey. The engine displaced 2.0 L, produced 160 bhp (119 kW) in European trim (140 bhp in US/Federal trim), and was mounted longitudinally behind the passengers (similar to the Lotus Europa). The transaxle was a 5 speed unit previously used in the Citro�n SM and Maserati Merak; it also featured inboard rear brakes as was racing practice at the time. The car benefited from its appearance in the James Bond movie "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977) where it demonstrated some impressive handling and was capable of performing underwater (not a showroom option).In 1980 the first factory turbocharged Lotus, the Essex Esprit was built, and these special editions were superseded by a production turbo car. The new turbocharged engine was known as the 910 type, and produced 210 horsepower (157 kW), with an impressive 200 ft�lbf (270 N�m). of torque. 0-60 mph could be achieved in the low 5 second range, with a top speed of over 150 mph (240 km/h).These performance improvements were coupled to a revamping and strengthening of the rear suspension, where an upper link was added to alleviate strain on the half shafts, along with brake improvements (with the front suspension upgraded again in 1985). Turbo cars are recognised by an aerodynamic body kit with a ducktail spoiler and boxy bumpers, with more and larger ducts all around. Essex cars were delivered in a special livery and had a complex Panasonic FM radio system mounted in the centre of the roof panel. Essex cars (and early turbos) possessed 3 piece Compomotive wheels and dry sump oiling. This model also appeared in the Bond movie "For Your Eyes Only".In 1988 a new version of the Esprit was introduced, incorporating rounder styling cues given by designer Peter Stevens of McLaren F1 fame. This time the tail-lights were sourced from the Toyota Corolla Coup�. Giugiaro is said to have liked the restyling, claiming it was perhaps too close to his original design. The first Stevens styled cars were mechanically identical to their previous year counterparts. The Stevens styled Esprit is collectively known as the X180.Offered here is a 1989 Esprit Turbo, which has benefited from extensive works and updating by H R Owen and Bell & Colvill. The improvements extend to a new engine, which has now covered 72000 miles, later model High Line rear spoiler, GT Wheels and a recent "C" Service, which included cam belt and a new clutch, costing �1700.