Lotus Esprit S1, 1977
Lotus Esprit I
Lotus Esprit I•
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Chassis No.: 324H
Engine No.: AC907780915311
Registration: tbc
First shown as a prototype on a modified Europa chassis at the 1972 Turin show, the Esprit was launched at the 1975 Paris Motor Show. It went into production in June 1976, replacing the Europa in the model line-up. Lotus focused on the engineering, but the styling was given to Giorgio Giugiaro and his then new Italdesign studio. Giugiaro suggested the name Esprit, which remained on the production car. Power was supplied by an all new 160 horsepower all alloy Lotus, 2.0 litre, twin-cam, four-cylinder, mid-mounted engine.
The S1 is easily distinguished from the second series car by its shovel style front air dam, lack of rear quarter ducting, and Wolfrace alloy wheels. The Series I Esprit gained fame through its appearance in the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me.
This US imported example of the S1 is difficult to miss in striking yellow paintwork which is complemented by black interior. This enthusiast owned Lotus has recently benefitted from extensive and fully documented works including a new cambelt in 2021 and totalling over £14,000 by the SJ Sports Cars Garage in Devon who are known as ‘the No1 Lotus Esprit garage and parts supplier on earth’. The S1 has been described a proper drivers car with well judged suspension and responsive steering and we are informed that this car is no exception. The Esprit has a cosy cabin with a plunging dashboard and high transmission tunnel resulting in a luxurious cabin that totally envelopes occupants.
This S1 is an import taxes paid example but prospective buyers should be aware that the car will need to be registered with the DVLA. With its lightweight, ground hugging profile and mid-mounted engine, this Esprit is a joy on twisty roads.
