Chassis No.: 7802/0337/G

Engine No.: CC780214642

Location: London, United Kingdom

£23,520 GBP | Sold

160 hp, 1,973 cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with upper A-arms, lower lateral links, lower longitudinal links and coil springs, independent rear suspension with upper lateral links, lower lateral links and angled trailing arms and coil springs, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 96 in.

• Known ownership history from new

• Extensive history dating back to 1981

• Beautiful and well-maintained Series I Esprit

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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. Inside, the unique green-faced Veglia gauges also set it apart from its young brother. The Series 1 Esprit gained fame through its appearance in the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me.

This right-hand drive Esprit was originally used by Station Garage Taplow as a demonstrator model. Its second owner, Anthony Caesari, purchased it when it with only 2,500 miles. Due to the deterioration of the factory cellulose finish, it was returned to Lotus for a full repaint under warranty. Mr Caesari used the car extensively and regularly serviced the car. The body, chassis, gearbox, steering, and suspension are all original, and the car has no known accident damage. The car was then sold to Mr Simon House in 2004, passing through two more owners until it was purchased by the current owner from a Lotus specialist.

MoT certificates dating back 30 years, along with the original owner’s manual, remain with the car. The history file is very impressive, with bills for service work and maintenance dating back to 1981. It has been fitted with a modern Momo steering wheel for taller drivers; however, the original steering wheel is included.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/lf12/lots/r201-1978-lotus-esprit-series-i/