1976 LOTUS ESPRIT

Colorado Orange • Matching Numbers • Comprehensive £40,000+ Restoration

An exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire one of the earliest surviving Lotus Esprit S1s.

It is with mixed emotions that I am offering my cherished 1976 Lotus Esprit S1 for sale as I turn my attention to other projects.

This remarkable example is chassis number 175G and the 73rd of just 268 Esprit S1s built for the UK market. Produced at the Hethel factory in September 1976, it is one of only 16 finished in striking Colorado Orange, complete with its correct red tartan, green cloth and orange carpet interior.

Supplied with its Lotus Certificate of Provenance, confirming its factory specification and early history.

Comprehensive Nut & Bolt Restoration

Purchased in February 2024 in need of complete restoration, this Esprit has since undergone an uncompromising 15-month, no-expense-spared rebuild, with over £40,000 invested.

Highlights include:

• Complete chassis and mechanical restoration

• Spyder Sportscars GRP body correction and professional respray (£15,000)

• All components Powder-coated or vapour-blasted

• New wiring loom

• Stainless steel exhaust system

• Period correct Motorola stereo – bluetooth upgrade

• Interior retrimmed using materials sourced from the same mill as the original specification

• Over £15,000 in SJ Sportscars parts invoices

• Matching numbers engine fully rebuilt with:

o New pistons and liners

o Reground crankshaft

o Skimmed and reconditioned cylinder head

The result is an Award-Worthy Provenance Esprit restored to an exceptionally high standard while retaining its originality.

This is not just another restored Esprit. The car was one of only 50 Esprits selected to represent the marque at the 2025 Classic Team Lotus 50th Anniversary Garden Party held at Colin Chapman's ancestral home, East Carleton Manor.

Included with the car is the exclusive commemorative T-shirt, available only to participating owners and personally signed by legendary Esprit designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.

The car is also featured in the March edition of Absolute Lotus magazine, further cementing its significance.

Ready to Enjoy

Since completion, the car has covered approximately 2,000 faultless miles, attending numerous classic car shows and proms, where it consistently attracts admiration and attention.

It will be supplied with:

• 12 months MOT

• Lotus Certificate of Provenance

• Extensive restoration invoices and documentation

• Signed 50th Anniversary commemorative T-shirt

• Absolute Lotus magazine featuring the car

A Rare Investment-Grade Esprit

Finding an early, matching numbers, UK-market Esprit S1 is difficult, finding one restored to this standard, with documented provenance, magazine coverage, and selection for Lotus' own 50th Anniversary celebrations is exceptionally rare.

If you're looking for one of the best early Esprit S1s available, this car deserves your attention.

Serious enquiries are welcome. Additional photographs, restoration images and documentation are available on request.