Lotus Essex Turbo Esprit | Spotted

Proving chrome liveries and dodgy sponsors aren't exclusive to modern day F1...

The early 1980s weren’t a stellar period for Team Lotus. Coming off what would turn out to be its final driver’s and constructor’s championship in 1978, the once-dominant outfit would enter a period of reliability woes and poor pace. Of course, it didn’t help that the revolutionary twin-chassis 88 was banned for the ’81 season, but this was the beginning of the end for one of F1’s all-time greats.

However, there are some positives to take from this turbulent period. Firstly, we got one of the most underrated Team Lotus liveries of all time, when the F1 squad was sponsored by the now-defunct Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation. Granted, it’s not nearly as iconic as the JPS colours (perhaps due to the lack of success), but the design proved just how cool F1 cars can look in chrome way before the Vodafone McLaren era. And secondly, Lotus Cars was on a roll with the Esprit, which would receive a healthy performance boost with a factory-fitted turbocharger in 1980.

Called the Essex Turbo Esprit, the limited-run performance model would not only mark the company’s partnership with the short-lived oil firm but also herald the end of Series 2 production. On the performance side, the forced induction represented a giant leap over the naturally aspirated model. Using the 2.2-litre inline four as a basis, Lotus lowered the compression ratio, fitted a larger radiator, new cam shafts and water compressor before bolting on a Garrett turbocharger. The result? Power increased to 213hp and 200lb ft of torque, jumping from 162hp and 160lb ft on tap in the 2.2. A 0-60mph sprint could now be achieved in 6.1 seconds, with 150mph capable if you keep the throttle pinned. Hardly eye-catching numbers by today’s standards, but Turbo pushed Lotus into supercar territory by 1980s standards.

It had the looks to back up the performance, too. The original Turbo received the full Essex paint scheme of blue-on-chrome, with horizontal burgundy red stripes that follow the Esprit’s signature wedgy shape. Some might call it a little garish, but I’d argue it’s one of the more tasteful road cars to wear an F1 livery (remember the Mercedes A-Class Edition Hakkinen?). Then there’s the interior, which is just a sea of burgundy leather and carpet, with the five-speed manual ‘box accessed via a wooden gear knob. Very tasteful.

The turbocharged Esprit would go on to become a core model in the range, but the debut model was produced in minuscule numbers. The original run was set at 100 units, but production was cut short when the Essex deal was terminated after its founder was thrown in jail for fraud. This particular example is listed as being one of just 22 Essex cars produced, though some sources have production volume as high as 45. What’s more, the follow-up Turbo Esprit would be mechanically identical to the Essex model, minus the chrome detailing. A bit like the very burgundy, ski-clad example in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only.

But if you’ve, er, only got eyes on the Essex edition then prepare to pay a hefty premium. This car is listed at £125,000 and, for that kind of money, you should expect the very best - which this car appears to be. Not only does the paintwork look immaculate, but it also boasts an impressive amount of paperwork including the original sales invoice and a certificate of provenance from Lotus itself. A stunning example, then, for an equally stunning fee. But given the cult-like following dodgy F1 sponsors seem to garner (cough, Rich Energy), it’s potentially a price worth paying for this slice of Team Lotus history.

SPECIFICATION | LOTUS ESSEX TURBO ESPRIT

Engine: 2,174cc, turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 213@6,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 200@4,500rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Year registered: 1981
Recorded mileage: N/A
Price new: £20,000
Yours for: £125,000

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GingerMunky

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