1996 Lotus Esprit V8 GT Registration: N206 LAH Chassis Numb...

Hammer

£28,000

1996 Lotus Esprit V8 GT

Registration: N206 LAH
Chassis Number: SCC082918THA15153
Recorded Mileage: 63,000 miles

- In current ownership for 12+ years
- Subject of much specialist mechanical work

The silver Italdesign concept that eventually became the Esprit was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in 1972, 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 ''E...'' naming format of Lotus tradition, the name became Esprit.

For the S4 of 1993, Lotus designer Julian Thomson took another crack at keeping the Esprit relevant. The biggest changes were to the bumpers and the aero package, with a restyled rear spoiler. Engine output remained the same as the previous SE model at 264bhp, but in 1994 the Esprit S4 Sport arrived, with added engine modifications it topped a heady 300bhp from the 2.2-litre turbocharged four pot. The introduction of a V8-powered Esprit in 1996 was the biggest news in some time. The flat-plane-crank 3.5 litre engine was of Lotus design, fed by twin Garrett turbochargers, and driven through a modified Renault-sourced five-speed transaxle. The 0-60 sprint dropped once again, this time to the low four second range. A Sport 350 variant included bigger brakes, bigger aero bits, and stiffer suspension. A final facelift in 2002 by Russell Carr was the last major change for the Lotus Esprit, which ended production in 2004.

This later V8 was delivered to its first owner in July of 1996, specified in the classic Lotus shade of Norfolk Mustard with a charcoal interior. Our vendor, a performance car specialist, acquired the Esprit from a client of his over 12 years ago, at a mileage of around 54,000 miles. 

Shortly after acquiring the car the engine was meticulously rebuilt in 2011-2012 with the assistance of engineering firm F.J. Payne & Sons, working with our vendor and his own engine builder (a detailed description of the rebuild is available with the car). The engine was then carefully run in over 3,000 miles, with multiple oil changes, and has now covered 9,000 miles since the rebuild. Lotus specialist PNM Engineering recently issued a clean bill of health for the engine, stating, “Wow this is an outstanding example of a Lotus V8 engine, it’s very fast!”.

A standard specification car, the Lotus has been treated to minor upgrades as and when required; new Bosch injectors replace the outdated original Rochester type, also brand new turbo cores and stainless actuators have been fitted, as have PNM Engineering replacement stainless steel water and oil feed pipes, competition Magnecor HT leads and brand new coil units, and a stainless steel exhaust with 200cpsi sports catalysts. Further notable works include a replacement clutch, rebuilding of the turbos, air conditioning compressor and pipework, engine and gearbox bushes, an ECU repair by Esprit Engineering, also attention to the suspension, ignition, cooling and braking system, replacement headlamps (a full list of new parts fitted is available upon request). 

Unfortunately the previous owner mislaid the vehicle’s service book and some documentation during a house move, as such the history we have covers the last 12 years, which in itself is very detailed in invoices and engineers reports.

Now reading 63,000 miles from new, offered with a UK V5C, MOT to March 2025, and several invoices as outlined above, this genuine example of one the last incarnations of the Esprit really does merit closer inspection.