1996 Lotus Esprit S4S

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

● Very rare S4S in current ownership since 2001

● Maintained at huge expense

● Just serviced with fresh cambelt

● New rear springs and dampers

● Upgraded brake system

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

It’s now been almost 20 years since production of Lotus’s wedgy supercar ended and, despite frequent rumours, as yet it’s never been directly replaced.

The Esprit was first introduced in 1975 but was updated several times over its lifetime, the revisions culminating in the slightly softened (but no less arresting) shape of the S4. Having turned up the wick of the 2.2 litre four-cylinder engine for the Sport 300, a lightweight relation of the X180R race car, Lotus decided to offer a more civilised and road-focused version with the same powerplant. Thus the S4 Sport or S4S was born. Fewer than 400 were built, with just 65 remaining in the UK, according to the usual sources.

This example has been in the hands of its current owner for over 20 years and, during that time has seen a huge amount spent on mechanical maintenance with the most recent service carried out in November 2023, including a fresh cambelt and new rear shocks and springs.

It’s therefore ready to be enjoyed by its next owner and, although there are some opportunities to improve the cosmetics, as a driver’s car it should continue to reward for years to come.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

● Registered new 19 January 1996

● Service book stamped for the following services: 1996 (1,451 and 6,433 miles), 1997 (10,324 and 11,868 miles), 1999 (15,508 miles), 2000 (17,955 and 24,531 miles), 2002 (29,333 miles), 2003 (35,900 and 41,009 miles), 2004 (46,236 miles), 2005 (51,053 miles), 2012 (60,500 miles)

● Acquired by the current owner in 2001

● MOT records indicate that it was off the road 2009 - 2012 and 2020 - 2023

● Fewer than 4,000 miles covered in the last 10 years

● Large folder of invoices indicates that it’s been fastidiously mechanically maintained by the current owner

● The original book pack is present

● MOT valid until 13 May 2024

● V5 present in the owner’s name

● This car has had four previous owners

● HPI clear

● Please note the private plate is not included and this has been reverted back to the original plate, N685 LEX.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● The cosy cockpit is trimmed in blue-piped cream leather which shows wear commensurate with the car’s age and mileage

● A large, removable glass sunroof, combined with the light hue of the leather, makes for a light and airy environment and air conditioning is installed

● Cassette enthusiasts will appreciate the radio/cassette player and the central storage bin that looks to be the perfect size in which to store your media

● The tidy front boot contains a space saver spare and access to top up various fluids

● Behind the engine is a carpeted boot area which also contains a CD changer

● The original toolkit is provided

● While it would benefit from a thorough valet, the cabin is in very usable condition and looks a good basis for some restoration, if desired

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● Time has done little to dent the impact of the Giugiaro-penned wedge, even with the later softening of the edges of the S4S

● Finished in azure blue, it looks stunning, especially with the S4S rear wing

● The bodywork shows no signs of cracking but on closer inspection the paintwork does show some chips, marks, and lacquer peel

● If your focus is on the driving experience then it should be very liveable but it may benefit from a respray to bring it back to its best

● Likewise, the wheels, which are shod with very serviceable Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, look good from a distance but close up show signs of age which a new owner may wish to address

● Bonus points are awarded for fully functional pop-up headlights

● In all, it’s a cracking looking car with some areas that the next owner may look to improve

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

● 2,174cc, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine rated at 305hp

● Five speed manual gearbox

● Rear wheel drive

● Still no slouch, even by modern standards, with a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds clocked in-period

● The collection of invoices in the file show that the current owner has made sure that it’s been mechanically very well looked after

● Recent work includes a new cambelt and tensioner and fresh rear shocks and springs

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

Many Lotus fans remain misty-eyed about the Esprit and it’s easy to see why. Gorgeous to look at and a reported hoot to drive, the S4S is a modern classic supercar. This example has been extensively maintained and is ready to be enjoyed as a pure driver’s car and/or treated to a touch of restoration to its appearance. Either way, the next owner should have a ball.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.