Lotus Esprit Development car & James Bond Colour Swatch

We have here a true piece of Lotus history, this Lotus Esprit was a test/development car for the Turbo version and it also appeared in the launch of Colin Chapman's 'New Lotus Esprit Turbo' in the Albert Hall, in attendance was Dame Shirley Bassey among others. It is also believed that this car was used in the development of the planned Type 909 V8 Engine as well as being the first Esprit to wear the Lotus name embossed in the rear bumper.

If this was not enough provenance it was also the car which was used by Pinewood studio's as the Colour Swatch (Copper Metallic) for the James Bond film 'For Your Eyes Only' . This Lotus Esprit is pictured in both its original Essex Petroleum livery and its 'Bond' attire outside the Hethal Factory.