"Built between 1976 and 2004, the Lotus Esprit was unveiled in 1972 as a concept car and was a development of a stretched Lotus Europa chassis. It was among the first of designer Giorgetto Giugiaro's polygonal 'folded paper' designs. Originally, the name Kiwi was proposed but, in keeping with the Lotus tradition of having all car model names start with the letter 'E', the name became Esprit. Introduced in April 1981, the Turbo Esprit and Series III Esprit marked a necessary consolidation; both new models had a common chassis. The Series III continued to use the 2.2 litre, type 912 engine, whilst the Turbo Esprit reverted to a less complex wet-sump lubrication system, retaining the power and torque outputs of its dry-sump predecessor. The interior for both cars was revised and featured new trim; combined with changes to the body moulds this resulted in more headroom and an enlarged footwell. Externally, the Turbo Esprit retained the full aerodynamic body kit of the Essex cars and featured prominent 'Turbo Esprit' decals on the nose and sides.
This fabulous example presented in Calypso Red with light sand leather interior was purchased new from London Lotus Centre on May 19th 1989 and has remained in the same ownership since. This lovely sports car comes with air conditioning, a removable glass roof section, stereo, alarm/immobiliser and a full service history by Station Garage Taplow (Lotus dealership). Five litres of Waxoil was applied when new to the chassis and underside metal parts, hence no rust today according to the owner. It underwent an extended running-in period of 4,500 miles with oil and filter changes at 1500 mile intervals (Mobil 1 oil), the brake fluid and coolant have been replaced every two years from new and the car has also been kept in a garage since new. Other than filters, spark plugs, belts, gaskets and clutch slave cylinder, everything in the engine compartment is original from new, including turbo, clutch, exhaust, starter motor etc. The undamaged original leather interior and carpets are in outstanding condition and the engine bay is pristine. All body parts are original, including undamaged wheels; the only exception is the SE rear spoiler which was added by the owner. Time deteriorating parts have been replaced, including all six brake pipes, all brake calipers overhauled and the rear number plate lights etc. This car comes with its original driver's handbook, Lotus workshop manual and even its original tool kit in its case, which is in excellent condition. There is a detailed handwritten log of everything ever done to the car which would be transferred to typed text by the owner. The car has recently been serviced including a cambelt change. The car also comes with an MoT test certificate which is valid to 19th June 2019. This Lotus Esprit Turbo must surely be one of the finest examples available today."