"The 1987 Lotus Esprit benefitted from a far reaching restyle by Peter Stevens. Out went many of the sharp lines, to be replaced by a more organic aero look. It worked, too - the Esprit certainly looked like a contemporary product when launched, and still looks timeless today. Originally, the name Kiwi was proposed for the Esprit but, in keeping with the Lotus tradition of having all car model names start with the letter 'E', the name became Esprit. There was a little more power and a little more weight, but overall the Esprit experience was uncorrupted by the update. The Citroën SM gearbox was replaced by a Renault GTA unit, along with outboard rear brakes. 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.
Originally registered on 31st October 1988 as a Mann Egerton dealership demonstrator, this Lotus was sold to its second owner after a few months. The current vendor then purchased the car in 1992 and has enjoyed owning this Esprit immensely. Throughout his 29 years of ownership, he has covered just 17,000 miles and has always stored the car in the correct manner when not in use. Understanding the importance of regular maintenance, he has always had the car well serviced, the majority of the service work being carried out by SEB Auto Service and latterly by marque specialists. Not that this cossetted Lotus has required anything other than routine regular servicing. The warranted mileage of 39,414 miles is confirmed by a collection of invoices and MoT’s and it is supplied with a V5C registration document, a current MoT test certificate with no advisories valid until 29th November 2021, the original service books, jack, toolkit, roof panel deflector and roof panel storage bag. Even the original Blaupunkt stereo system is present. Finished in black with magnolia leather trim, this very desirable Lotus Esprit is offered for sale for the first time in nearly 30 years."