1990 Lotus Esprit

Wed, 27th Jul 2022 13:00
Pavilion Gardens, Buxton

Original owner's handbooks and service book
Large collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
Subject to a belt change and service in April of this year

In 1987, the Esprit was restyled by British designer Peter Stevens. Stevens, who would later go on to design the McLaren F1, produced a less angular, more rounded Esprit. Giugiaro is said to have liked the new shape, claiming it was perhaps too close to his original design. The exterior changes were accompanied by a redesign of the interior that gave more space to the occupants. The revised Esprit was not given a new "Series" number but is often called by its project code of X180. Panels for the body were produced using a new process called VARI (Vacuum Assisted Resin Injection). This method, which was patented by Lotus, offered advantages over the previous hand lay-up process. Kevlar reinforcement was added to the roof and sides for roll-over protection. This also increased the Esprit's torsional rigidity by 22%.

Few shapes are as iconic in White. This 1990 Series 3 Esprit is offered following a recent respray in its original Monaco White colour, complemented by the Blue leather interior. Offering 2174cc, employed by a 5 speed gearbox, this right-hand-drive Series 3 offers the Lotus experience in a car evoking the glamour of the 'Bond' movie cars. Displaying c.71,993 miles, the vendor informs us the speedo/odometer stopped working in c.2019 however the Lotus has covered only minimal mileage since.

With a part service history, the Esprit does have many receipts and invoices from previous owners and the current vendor. Previous work carried out includes a front brake overhaul. In April 2022 the Esprit was treated to a timing belt and oil change, plugs, brake pads and a rear brake caliper. It is accompanied by the owner's handbook with service book, a collection of old MOTs; the most recent MOT takes the car up to April 6th, 2023.