1988 LOTUS ESPRIT TURBO                               Regis...

Hammer

£18,000

1988 LOTUS ESPRIT TURBO                              

Registration Number: C5 PRT            
Chassis Number: SCC.082910.JHD.13085
Recorded Mileage: 57,000 miles (please see description)

Unveiled in 1987, the Peter Stevens redesign of the venerable Lotus Esprit saw the mid-engined rocketship's sharp edges softened, the interior revamped and the mechanical specification improved. Indeed, the Esprit was now a genuine supercar contender, with over 160mph available from the Special Equipment model of 1989, largely thanks to the adoption of a water to air intercooler on the 2.2-litre four. In 1993, Lotus further updated the Esprit with exterior styling by Julian Thompson. Relatively minor changes to the front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a new wheel design were nicely resolved and the Esprit's dramatic styling was suitably updated for a new decade.

This early facelifted Esprit Turbo was registered to its first owner on 21st April 1988, finished in Calypso Red with a tan leather interior. During the 1990s the Lotus was cared for by main dealer JCT600, later being maintained by marque specialists. Notably the Esprit benefitted from an engine rebuild in 2008 at 48,000 miles, and more recently has been serviced with replacement gearbox mountings, rebuilt carburettors, a stainless steel exhaust, and replacement suspension wishbones. The Lotus is fitted with later S4 five-spoke wheels and SE spoiler, both of which can be removed if required. The paintwork is in good order, bar minor stone chips to the front spoiler and side skirts, and the interior shows light signs of use which are commensurate with age. The current recorded mileage is 13,000 miles however due to a speedo-change in 2018 the correct mileage is c.57,000 miles from new (this is recorded in the history file).

Supplied with a thick file of bills, period service and parts manuals, a UK V5C, current and older MoT certificates, and retaining the cherished registration C5 PRT, this is a sensibly-priced example of an ever-popular modern supercar.