1989 Lotus Esprit 'X180' 2.2 Litre
Entered from the Cambrian Collection

Registration No: LIL 9747
Chassis No: SCC085912JHD13308
MOT: T.B.A.

• Just two former keepers and 31,000 recorded miles
• 1 of just 290 normally aspirated Lotus Esprit (X180) cars understood to have been made from October 1987- September 1990
• Repainted Imperial Blue and re-trimmed with Cream leather since joining the Cambrian Collection
• Due to be freshly MOT tested ahead of the auction
• Desirable and collectable modern Lotus

Revamped for 1987, the Esprit was restyled by Peter Stevens (later of McLaren F1 fame) who gave the model a more rounded, softer look, coincident with which Lotus introduced a new, more automated body manufacture process called VARI (Vacuum Assisted Resin Injection). Complete with Kevlar reinforcement to the roof and sides, this made the new model (codenamed X180) twenty-two percent stiffer than its predecessor. Underneath little had changed, the two-seater being based on a galvanised steel backbone chassis powered by the company's four-cylinder 2174cc engine that offered 172bhp in normally aspirated form. The unit was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Suspension was fully independent by wishbones and coil springs at the front and unequal length transverse links, radius arms and coil springs at the rear. Braking was by discs all round and steering by rack and pinion. The normally aspirated cars could be readily distinguished from the Turbo examples by the lack of a glass shield between the flying buttresses. The manufacturer's quoted performance figures were in line with expectations, 0-60mph coming up in 6.5 seconds and 138mph being achievable flat out.

Acquired by its second keeper, D.E. Martin Esq, from marque specialist White Dove Garages on March 14^th 1990, chassis 13308 was to remain in his possession until joining the Cambrian Collection last year. Taken off the road shortly after passing a MOT test on November 9^th 2010 at an indicated 30,851 miles, the Lotus has recently been subject to various recommissioning works. Repainted and retrimmed in the striking combination of Imperial Blue Metallic with Cream leather upholstery, it is hoped but not guaranteed that the mid-engined two-seater will possess a fresh MOT certificate by the time of sale. Understood to be one of only 290 normally aspirated ‘X180’ Esprits made, ‘LIL 9747’ is accompanied by an original owner’s handbook and sundry bills.

PLEASE NOTE: This lot failed a MOT Test on October 9^th 2025 due to the condition of its tyres, excessive carbon monoxide / hydrocarbon exhaust emissions, deteriorated or missing suspension ball joint dust covers and an inoperative horn etc. A copy of the failure sheet can be viewed in the Documents Office.

The Cambrian Collection

An engineer by profession, the owner of the Cambrian Collection counts Classic Car and Classic Boat restoration companies among his commercial interests. Keen to demonstrate the breadth of his team’s skills, many of the vehicles within the collection were used as mobile showcases and refurbished over a protracted period. Some have yet to be fully run-in / debugged but all are indicative of a love of motorised transport. No prizes for guessing that Blue and open-top motoring are decided preferences! A desire to reprofile and slim down the Cambrian Collection is the reason for sale.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737