Lot details Registration No: A392XFM Chassis No: SCC082910DHD11538 Mot Expiry: Nov 2011
Penned by none other than Giorgetto Giugiaro, the super sleek Esprit was prefaced by the 'Silver' concept car of the 1972 Turin Motor Show. The theme was duly developed into the Esprit prototype displayed at the Geneva Salon the following year. However it wasn't until 1976 that the first customer cars were delivered. Though only 714 S1 Esprits were produced, the model was immortalised in the Bond film 'The Spy Who Loved Me'. Though still badged Esprit, the Turbo model unveiled in 1980 was effectively a new car based on a completely fresh zinc galvanised backbone chassis of increased torsional stiffness. The front suspension was borrowed from the Elite, increasing the track by an inch, while the rear setup was revised with unequal length transverse links, radius arms and coil springs. Changes to the glassfibre bodyshell included: large wrap-around front and rear bumpers, a full width front spoiler for improved airflow to the larger radiator and oil cooler, a redesigned tailgate area, and NACA ducts moulded into the sills to provide cooling for the engine compartment. Cockpit changes included: a turbo boost gauge and new 170mph speedometer. The air-conditioning controls were now sited in a centre console. The seats were reshaped and equipped with head restraints. The 16-valve all-alloy four-cylinder engine was increased in capacity to 2174cc. Together with a Garrett T3 turbocharger mounted downstream of twin Dellorto Carburettors, this resulted in an output of 210bhp - sufficient to endow the slippery-shaped Lotus with a 0-60mph time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of over 150mph.
The Turbo Esprit offered is a 1983 example finished in Metallic Blue with a Beige leather interior. It is said to have had just three keepers from new and the service records appear to confirm the indicated mileage of 36,100 is genuine. There is apparently an invoice at 36,042 miles for a full service and cam belt change on 24/11/02, shortly after which we understand the Lotus was stored until being recommissioned and treated to a new MOT in November last year. The vendor regards this extremely clean-looking Esprit as having "very good" bodywork, paintwork, engine, transmission and interior.
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