1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo

Highlights 

• Iconic '80s British supercar

• Rare and highly desirable early carburettor turbo model

• 215bhp turbo four cylinder engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Incredibly low mileage

• Original example

• Recent documented mechanical works, including replacement timing belt

Overview

One of the most revered poster cars of the last century the Lotus Esprit has shared plenty of bedroom wall space with the likes of Ferrari's Testarossa, Lamborghini's Countach and the Porsche 911, to name but three. It fits  in right alongside all of them despite being more affordable, and representing good old Blighty in the process back in the '70s, '80s and '90s. Throw in a few silver screen starring roles, including not one, but two James Bond movies and you really do have a recipe for awesome sauce. 

Originally styled by Giorgetto Giugiario, the Esprit, with its iconic wedge silhouette, remained in production for a whopping 28 years between 1976 and 2004. The design did go through some major changes and four different generations during that time, with arguably the Peter Stevens-penned X180, like this one, being one of the best of the bunch.

With a more rounded aesthetic the X180, as it's known, debuted in 1988 and would last until '94 when it was replaced by the final Series 4 Esprit. Fitted with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine in either naturally aspirated or turbocharged form the X180 was a handsome, rapid offering from Lotus. Thanks to new production methods and Kevlar re-enforced resin-injected bodywork it was also much more rigid than its predecessor, making for superb handling characteristics. Not only that but it was quicker off the line than the aforementioned Testarossa, too. Technically more advanced than previous Esprit models, the X180, especially when equipped with the Garrett turbo, was a fully paid up member of the supercar club and remains an incredibly sought after and hugely capable '80s hero today.

This particular 1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo is an early, original example of Peter Stevens' iconic design that has the added bonus of possessing the incredibly rare dark silver lower valance, adding to the desirability factor, and is fresh from a whole host of mechanical work, including a recent timing belt replacement and service, complete with corresponding invoices.

With astonishingly low miles and presenting well throughout in its recently polished classic red exterior over cream leather interior colourway this is a top spec, highly original, low owner Lotus Esprit Turbo. It still has the innate ability to excite, turn heads and generally be a cracking modern classic for those in the market for such potentially lucrative investments. 

History and documentation

• 1988 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 15 Jan 1988

• In current ownership since 19 Mar 2021

• Three former registered keepers

• One set of keys

• Original owner's handbook and document wallet

• Original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: 1988 @ 5,875 miles (A service), 2013 @ 17,930 miles (A service, specialist), 2014 @ 17,960 miles (A service, sales, specialist 

• Letter of appraisal and recommissioning service by marque specialists Esprit Engineering 30 Sep 2020

• Invoice for high torque starter 04 May 2021

• Invoice for various works, including reconditioned radiator 29 Jul 2021

• Specialist invoices for various parts, work and servicing, including timing belt replacement and steering and suspension refresh in 2023

• Invoice for wheel alignment 12 May 2023

• HPI clear

• MOT until 07 Apr 2026

• 23,008 indicated miles

Interior

• In great condition throughout with general wear and tear commensurate with age and mileage

• Original seats and door cards remain in good shape

• No signs of any damage

• Some light marks here and there

• Carpets appear to be in good condition

• Dashboard remains intact

• Speedometer repair as part of other works 29 Jun 2021

• Pioneer stereo head unit (original supplied)

• No reports of any issues with the electrics, gauges or switchgear

• Boot space is clean and tidy

• Spare wheel and tyre included

• Engine bay presents well overall but the red paint finish is flaking in places

Exterior

• The exterior presents in good, clean condition overall

• All body panels look to be straight and free from any major damage

• Shut lines appear uniform

• Some light blemishes to the paintwork, mainly to the front end, commensurate with the car's age and originality

• Reported to be the original paint

• Early silver valance around the body presents well

• Pop-up headlights look to be fully functional

• No apparent issues with any of the glasswork, including the sunroof

• Factory Lotus 15” alloy wheels look to be in great shape with only some minor marks here and there to note

• BFGoodrich Radial T/A tyres all round reported as new by the vendor 

• Underneath looks to be in good condition with no signs of any major damage or repair work

Mechanical

• 215bhp, 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 5.4seconds

• 152mph top speed

• Recent mechanical works including a new timing belt plus steering, suspension and cooling system

• The vendor informs us that the car is in excellent condition throughout and very clean

Summary

Low mileage, original turbo cars have now made their way firmly into hen's teeth territory so this very early 1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo X180 is a bit of a find. With recent mechanical recommissioning work, as well as a fresh service and valid MOT it's reportedly on point and most definitely a highly prized example of a proper driver's car that certainly retains its '80s charm.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Oakham, Rutland.