1985 Lotus Esprit Turbo
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Highlights
- Incredibly rare specification, being the 1st of just 2 equally specced, UK examples
- Brilliantly preserved and presented today in fantastic, mostly original condition
- Benefits from a low mileage figure, with very impressive history & documentation
- Runs and drives beautifully, benefitting from a recent extensive mechanical overhaul, and plenty of regular maintenance over the years
The Appeal
Perhaps one of the most famous and iconic creations from Lotus, the Esprit sits atop the list of many a collector, enthusiast and British secret agent. Turbo variants, such as this 1985 example sit higher still, combining the handling charm of the earlier S1 and S2 models, with flamboyant styling, a tasty power increase, and a turbo-charged soundtrack.
Today, the Esprit Turbo continues to receive admiration from motorists across the globe and presents excellent collection potential, at rather attractive prices. If you’re in the market for one of these icons, this low-mileage example is a truly fine candidate for your collection, offering excellent history, plenty of originality, and superb mechanical health.
Being one of just two equally specced cars produced, this is an opportunity scarcely seen in today’s market and should certainly be capitalized upon while available.
Being one of just two equally specced cars produced, this is an opportunity scarcely seen in today’s market and should certainly be capitalized upon while available.
The History and Paperwork
- Incredibly rare in today’s market
- Just 6 former keepers, with only 45k on the clock
- Brilliantly preserved, proudly offering its original specification
- Currently stored and cared for as part of a high-end collection
- Benefits from extensive maintenance, and plenty of care
- Includes an impressive history file, with plenty of documents to show
- Comes ready to enjoy, with advisory-free MOT until July 2024
First registered on the 13th of March 1985, this Lotus Esprit Turbo boasts just 6 former recorded keepers and has covered a mere 45k throughout its lifetime. The vehicle still sports its original spec, as denoted by the included Lotus certificate of provenance, and is even believed to retain its original paintwork and interior upholstery.
Throughout the vehicle’s time on the road, this Lotus has certainly received plenty of care and maintenance, as supported by a truly impressive collection of paperwork. The history files date back to 1991, and include an array of invoices detailing repairs & parts, a selection of previous MOT certificates, the certificate of provenance, a series of photographs depicting previous mechanical work, and the current V5C document.
Now offered in fantastic overall condition, with an impressively low mileage figure, this well-documented example is more than ready to shine as the star of any collection.
Now offered in fantastic overall condition, with an impressively low mileage figure, this well-documented example is more than ready to shine as the star of any collection.
The Interior
- Impressively displays the original full red leather upholstery
- Specced from the factory with air-conditioning, and a sunroof
- Features a single DIN Alpine head unit, and Alpine speakers
- Presented in fantastic overall condition, with very few signs of wear or age
Not looking to be outshone by the car’s bold exterior styling, this Esprit boasts a delightful, full red leather interior, believed to be in its original state. Despite its age, the interior has held up beautifully over the years, and now reflects a mightly impressive condition befitting the low mileage, and excellent care shown to the car.
Both seats show only light signs of use, offering plenty of comfort, with little room for improvement. The centre console, tunnel trim and dashboard all follow suit, presenting a very tidy finish, with perhaps only the most minute of blemishes to show. All interior instruments and controls are believed to be in full working order, and happily present near wear-free contact points.
Both seats show only light signs of use, offering plenty of comfort, with little room for improvement. The centre console, tunnel trim and dashboard all follow suit, presenting a very tidy finish, with perhaps only the most minute of blemishes to show. All interior instruments and controls are believed to be in full working order, and happily present near wear-free contact points.
Equally impressive of course, is the carpeting throughout the cabin, which offers a clean finish, with very few signs of use. The impressive finish continues within the frunk and rear compartment, both of which reflect plenty of care, with no concerning wear.
In summary, the interior of this now 38-year-old Lotus leaves very little to be further desired and is a testament to the previous owners, and current keeper’s care.
The Exterior
- Showcases a truly iconic Giugiaro design, in spectacular fashion
- Believed to feature the original Pearlescent White paintwork
- Comes equipped with a stylish set of 15” BBS alloy wheels
- Offers a very impressive finish, with very few signs of age to show
- Ideal for collectors, and those on the search for a usable show car
This now 38-year-old Lotus Esprit is believed to sport its original Pearlescent White paintwork and does so in spectacular fashion for its age. The paintwork shimmers beautifully in the light and contrasts brilliantly against the red pinstriping and decals for a delightfully retro, yet sleek aesthetic.
As you would perhaps expect given the age of the vehicle, a small number of light blemishes are noticeable upon close inspection, including minor chips, and light spidering to the side skirts, and lower sections. That said, these defects hardly detract from what amounts to a very well-preserved finish.
Accompanying the impressive paintwork is a gorgeous set of 15” BBS wheels, offering tidy gold centres, and gleaming polished lips. Presented in excellent overall condition, the wheels come complete with Lotus centre caps, and a staggered set of Falken tyres, with plenty of tread left to enjoy.
Accompanying the impressive paintwork is a gorgeous set of 15” BBS wheels, offering tidy gold centres, and gleaming polished lips. Presented in excellent overall condition, the wheels come complete with Lotus centre caps, and a staggered set of Falken tyres, with plenty of tread left to enjoy.
Following suit with the rest of the vehicle’s exterior, all trim pieces and additional details also reflect excellent care and show very few signs of ageing. The iconic pop-up headlights operate without fault and offer clear lenses, as do the taillights and indicators. The rear louvres and rear bumper trim follow closely, showing tidy black finishes with no noteworthy makings to show.
Overall, this Lotus Espirt’s finish is very impressive for its age and sets the vehicle aside as a perfectly usable, yet equally show-worthy candidate. The vehicle never fails to turn heads wherever it ventures, and will no doubt continue to do so with the lucky new keeper.
The Mechanics
- Powered by a turbocharged 2.2L four-cylinder, paired with a manual gearbox
- Boasts fantastic mechanical health, with no known faults, and advisory-free MOT
- Benefits from excellent maintenance history, and a recent thorough mechanical overhaul
Lotus is of course renowned for its race-bred creations, offering incredible handling and thoroughly enjoyable power-to-weight ratios. Even in its base form, the Esprit was no exception to the known rule, and yet the revered Turbo variant sits much higher on the food chain. Powered by a turbo-charged 2.2L four-pot, the Esprit Turbo offers all the perks of a mid-engine setup, with plenty of fun across the rev range, and a truly grin-inducing turbo-charged soundtrack.
Buyers will be pleased to know that this particular example lives up to expectations, and currently offers superb mechanical health, with no known faults to mention. This can be attributed to a combination of low mileage, regular servicing, and key maintenance, including an incredibly thorough engine-out service in 2019.
This comprehensive process included removing the engine and transmission from the vehicle, conducting a very detailed inspection, and then proceeding to install an impressive array of new components. As part of the process, the vehicle received a new 3-piece clutch kit, all new gaskets & seals, a rebuilt cambelt tensioner, a new cambelt, new auxiliary belts, new heatshields, a new reconditioned turbo, a new clutch master & slave cylinder, a new stainless steel exhaust, and plenty more.
This Esprit also received a carburettor rebuild and tune-up, along with amended valve clearances, inspected and refreshed brake components, new stainless braided lines, and fresh finishes as far as the eye can see. The full details can be found within the included paperwork, which includes an itemized list of work undertaken, invoices for parts & repairs, and a series of photographs throughout the process.
This Esprit also received a carburettor rebuild and tune-up, along with amended valve clearances, inspected and refreshed brake components, new stainless braided lines, and fresh finishes as far as the eye can see. The full details can be found within the included paperwork, which includes an itemized list of work undertaken, invoices for parts & repairs, and a series of photographs throughout the process.
Having covered very few miles since the aforementioned mechanical overhaul, the vehicle has required very little since and continues to stand in superb order. With an impressive maintenance record, no known faults and advisory-free MOT until the 31st of July 2024, this 80’s hero is more than ready to impress on the roads.
Summary
The Lotus Esprit Turbo remains a dream vehicle for motorists, and collectors across the globe. You’re treated to signature Lotus performance, gorgeous Giugiaro styling, near-unrivalled road presence, and excellent collection potential.
This 1985 example may very well be one of the finer to choose from in today’s market, thanks to its rare specification, brilliantly preserved original finish, excellent mechanical health, and thorough history.
If you’re looking for the next star of your collection, this 1985 Lotus Esprit Turbo should be your first choice.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1985
- Make Lotus
- Model Esprit Turbo
- Colour White
- Odometer 45,223 Miles
- Engine size 2174
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Cleckheaton
- Location Yorkshire
- Country United Kingdom
77
bids
- cl•••• £41,750 07/09/23
- St•••• £41,500 07/09/23
- cl•••• £41,257 07/09/23
- St•••• £41,007 07/09/23
- cl•••• £40,757 07/09/23
- St•••• £40,507 07/09/23
- St•••• £40,257 07/09/23
- cl•••• £40,007 07/09/23
- St•••• £39,780 07/09/23
- cl•••• £39,757 07/09/23
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