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. Each Esprit generation was penned by a car-design great: the S1 was famously one of Giorgetto Giugaro's wedge-shaped wonders, while the S4 variation you see here was the work of Peter Stevens - later known for his work on the McLaren F1. Today the Esprit is more popular than ever, thanks to its Bond-car legacy and analogue qualities. The mid-engined configuration, distinctive styling and characteristic cockpit layout combine to deliver a driving experience quite unlike its contemporary rivals, while its smooth lines and pop-up headlights provide the ultimate 90s throwback.

This 1990 example is finished in attractive metallic blue, complemented by a grey leather interior with contrasting light grey dashboard and door trim. Both are in good order; the leather interior shows minor signs of wear commensurate with use, predominantly high traffic areas like the steering wheel and driver's side doorsill. The engine was rebuilt in 2013 by marque specialist South West Lotus Centre, the invoice for which is included within the comprehensive service history and we are advised that the car has covered fewer than 1,000 miles since. Much of the car's service history is with South West Lotus Centre, providing any interested parties with valuable reassurance that the car has been looked after by the right people. The alloy wheels were replaced with aftermarket examples in the early 1990s and have therefore been with the car most of its life; the car rides slightly higher as a result, giving its occupants valuable ground clearance. Having covered under 30,000 miles from new which is warranted by its MoT history, it presents as an appealing opportunity to acquire a low-mileage example of the Stevens-era Esprit Turbo. An increasingly collectable chapter in the history of the Norfolk marque. Consigned by Charlie McCreery

Lot details
Year: 1990
Make: Lotus
Model: Esprit Turbo
Registration: G729 OKP
Chassis No: SCC082910KHD13440
Odometer: 29,000

* Very low mileage example
* Comprehensive service history
* Engine rebuilt by South West Lotus Centre