One to Buy: 7500 mile Ruby Red 1997 Lotus Esprit V8
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Other than Porsche’s 911, few cars can rival the Lotus Esprit for the longevity of its styling.
Originally penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro and subsequently updated by the Ital Design chief for the Turbo / S3, the Esprit was then further evolved by Peter Steven during the late 1980s and thereafter intermittently tweaked in order to remain fresh. Amazingly, despite having been born during the wedge era, the Esprit was still a great looking car by the time production ended during 2004.
In addition to its cosmetic transition, the Esprit also received many mechanical updates during its life. Most significantly, Lotus introduced a turbocharged version of the four cylinder engine in 1980 while 16 years later a twin turbocharged V8 power unit came on stream (in 1996).
A superb example of one of these late model V8-powered Esprits is currently on the market with Classic Throttle Shop in Sydney.
Completed in 1997 and supplied via the Haydon Cars dealership in Salisbury, Wiltshire, it was retained by the first owner until 2008 and has subsequently resided in the hands of just two further keepers, both of whom have evidently cherished it as a potentially best of breed example.
Configured in Ruby Red with cream leather upholstery, burgundy carpet and the optional sunroof, this exceptional Esprit V8 has covered a little over 7500 miles from new and remains in magnificent unrestored condition throughout.
