Chassis No.: SCC085912JHD13195

Engine No.: CP912880424885

Registration: F123 GAM

Sold £20,160 | Sold

The 1987 Lotus Esprit benefitted from a far-reaching restyle by Peter Stevens. Out went many of the sharp lines, to be replaced by a more organic aero look. It worked, too - the Esprit certainly looked like a contemporary product when launched, and still looks timeless today. Originally, the name Kiwi was proposed for the Esprit but, in keeping with the Lotus tradition of having all car model names start with the letter 'E', the name became Esprit. There was a little more power and a little more weight, but overall the Esprit experience was uncorrupted by the update. The Citroën SM gearbox was replaced by a Renault GTA unit, along with outboard rear brakes.

The interior for both cars was revised and featured new trim; combined with changes to the body moulds this resulted in more headroom and an enlarged foot well. This car started life briefly as a demonstrator with Lotus distributor Malmesbury Specialist Cars. Within two weeks, it was snapped up by Jon Abbot from Devon. Jon owned the car for the next 27 years, until his death in 2015. During this time, it was fully serviced by the renowned Lotus specialist South West Lotus Centre. Upon Jon’s death, the car joined the company's prestige collection of Lotus cars and attended many rallies and shows. The current owner had to be very persuasive to let them sell the car to him.

He said ‘it was like being interviewed for a job…it was a treasured car and they wanted to know I would take care of it’. Since then, the car has lived life in a dehumidified garage and only going out on dry days. The current owner says ‘this has been a much easier car to own than I expected. The engine is really simple, with no fragile turbo parts…its rock solid and fires up first time, even in the depths of winter.’ It has been meticulously maintained and in very good condition. This 1988 Lotus Esprit NA is offered in its original gleaming Monaco White paintwork, excellent full leather grey upholstery and factory fitted air conditioning.

This car is the only UK Esprit ever made with this combination and is one of only two cars ever made in white with grey upholstery (ref. Certificate of Provenance). Only 290 Stevenson designed Lotus Esprit NA cars were ever made and this car was the 22nd off the production line. It retains its original legendary 172hp 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine for which the Esprit is renowned. The engine runs very smoothly with improved performance and exhaust note from the upgraded stainless steel exhaust system. Recent compression test showed 150psi (+-10%) at each cylinder. The mileage of 65,000 miles is supported by the documentation.

The vehicle electrics are all working as they should and a period effect radio is fitted with bluetooth connectivity. The engine bay is clean and well presented. This car has never been off the road or required any major restoration. The headlining has been replaced with stunning grey suede. Brand new top quality carpets have just been fitted to the cabin and boot compartment. The original full leather upholstery is in incredible condition with none of the usual wear and tear evident. The wheels have been replaced (7000 miles ago) and look beautiful and very little wear is evident on the tyres. The rear suspension was replaced last year, with all springs, bushes and dampers replaced.

The front suspension was replaced approximately 15,000 miles ago. The car comes complete with a Lotus Certificate or Provenance and all MOT test certificates showing a steady progression of mileage and that it has never been off the road. A comprehensive history file includes all invoices and service history from the date it was first registered. The owner is also including within this sale the optional rear spoiler. He preferred the car without it fitted, but the spoiler includes the fixings to easily reattach it. He is also including his copy of the pricey 500 page Service Notes Manual, detailing every aspect of this car and how to look after it.

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=4760&au=80