2,174cc DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Dellorto Carburetors
210bhp at 6,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes - Inboard at the Rear


*Highly original, low-mileage example of a 007 favorite
*Just over 32,000 miles from new and believed factory original paint and interior
*The sole example produced in Silver Metallic over Red Leather
*Recently serviced with new tires
*Offered with Lotus Certificate of Vehicle Provenance, CARFAX and history file


THE LOTUS ESPRIT

The Lotus Esprit became an instant star when James Bond and 'Q' chose it for the 007 film 'The Spy Who Loved Me', and the ultimate product placement came with its ability to transform into a submarine; looking even more svelte in the water. The Esprit design was unmistakably from the pen of Giorgetto Giugiaro, having come about following a chance encounter between Giugiaro and Lotus boss Colin Chapman. The Esprit featured all-independent suspension and Lotus's own 16-valve, four-cylinder engine placed transversely mid-ship, and mated to a five-speed transaxle. Disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels, the rears being mounted inboard.

The Esprit metamorphosed through several series, its first revision being when it gained a 2.2-litre engine and then turbo-charged induction. Introduced in 1980, the Garrett-blown Turbo Esprit produced 210bhp and was good for a top speed of 148mph, with 60mph attainable in just 6.1 seconds. A Bond-car just like the first series Esprit, the Turbo Esprit starred in 'For Your Eyes Only' as 007's four-wheeled weapon for both chasing criminals in Spain, or with skis strapped to the back for a skiing trip to Italy's posh Cortina ski resort. Hand built in limited numbers; the Esprit remains one of the most iconic and popular thoroughbred sports cars ever produced.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Offered here is an incredibly well preserved, low mileage example of the desirable Turbocharged Esprit. Completed at Lotus Cars Ltd in August of 1983, this superb example was finished just as it appears today, in silver metallic with red decals over a red full-leather interior, optioned with air conditioning and equipped for the US market. According to the Lotus-issued Certificate of Vehicle Provenance, this Turbo Esprit was the 82nd of the 150 cars produced, of which 7 were finished in silver metallic, but is in-fact the sole example completed with red interior.

The new Esprit arrived in the US later that year, where it was soon after registered with the first owner. The CARFAX report states the Esprit residing in Washington State in the mid-1990s, before migrating to California in 2001, where it has remained until now. With just over 19,000 original miles recorded in 2001, the silver Turbo Esprit found a long-term owner in the San Diego area with a Mr. Anthony Gilmore. Service records indicate that Lotus service center Symbolic Motor Cars replaced the timing belt and serviced the car in June of 2002 with just over 20,000 miles on the odometer. Multiple logs on the CARFAX reports the Esprit's low mileage up through he 2000s, and service records from San Diego based Viking Motorsports can be found in the history file. Mr. Glimore would keep the car until 2013, where it passed through another San Diegan enthusiast, before being purchased by the consignor in 2014. The low-mile Lotus has since been used on weekend trips between San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as on Sunday drives through Napa Valley, and was recently serviced with four new tires.

It is evident upon close inspection that this Turbo Esprit has been cared for since new. With an odometer reading of just over 32,000 miles, and a cosmetic condition to match it, few 30-plus year old cars present as well as this one. The silver paint is believed to be the original applied by Lotus from new, and the same goes for the interior. The cars original spare wheel is still present, and factory applied decals and tags are present throughout. Furthermore, the Lotus-issued Certificate of Vehicle Provenance confirms that the car retains its original, matching numbers engine. A very good example of a Roger Moore favorite, this highly original Esprit is ready for the next caretaker.