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 Esprits marked a necessary consolidation; both new models had a common chassis. The SIII 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 handsome Lotus Esprit was the Earls Court Motor Show car in 1989 and still looks resplendent with its silver coachwork and blue leather trim. The fastidious previous owner had H6 TSE for twelve years and lovingly looked after it until selling the car through Historics in November 2016 with a mileage reading 72,343 miles. The current owner has covered less than 1,000 miles in the car but has kept it maintained to the highest of standards. The work he has carried out includes replacing the gearbox and fitting a new clutch, fitting new front and back crankshaft seals, replacing the fuel tanks with custom aluminium tanks and fuel crossover pipes, fitted with the larger V8 Brembo brakes with larger vented brake discs and a new water pump. A significant history folder accompanies this Lotus. With a sports exhaust and ample power available, this is a car that offers pleasure and fun in abundance. Presented in virtually unmarked condition, this Lotus Esprit Turbo SE is supplied with a V5C registration document and a current MoT test certificate. A real head turner offering supercar performance at a fraction of the cost. Consigned by John Tomlin

Lot details
Year: 1990
Make: Lotus
Model: Esprit Turbo SE
Registration: H6 TSE
Chassis No: SCC082910LHA65347
Engine No: LP910890826493
Odometer: 73,163

* 1989 Earls Court Motor Show car
* Meticulously maintained over last 20 years
* Supplied with a large history folder