The Classic Sale At Silverstone Festival 25th - 27th August 2023

+ buyers premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT) on the first £300,000 of the hammer and 10% plus VAT (12% incl VAT) thereafter 129 Registration: E968 BKM Chassis No.: SCC082910JHD13167 Estimate: £20,000 - £25,000 Specialist: Joseph Watts Telephone No: 07779 082707 Lot 631 1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo X180 In October 1987, the Esprit received its first revamp since its initial launch in 1976 and was given the project codename ‘X180’. This design was the work of Peter Stevens, who was also responsible for the styling of the Lotus Elan M100 and McLaren F1. Whilst it retained the basic creativity behind the original Giorgetto Giugiaro design, it featured rounder, smoother lines, which helped to reduce the drag coefficient to only 0.33. It was, in essence, a restyled bodyshell on an established, proven chassis and displayed ‘Turbo’ badges behind the line where the door shut. At the rear, there was an aerodynamically profiled under tray/spoiler to remove hot air from the engine compartment and cool the brakes. Mechanically, the X180 differed little from its predecessor, the Esprit Turbo HC, with its 2,174cc, 16-valve, double overhead cam, Lotus 910 engine, developing the same 215bhp, and 220ft/lbs of torque. One important change was the gearbox with the Citroen/Maserati 5-speed unit being replaced by that from the Renault Alpine GTA saloon, which provided slightly higher gear ratios. Other improvements, following a redesign of the interior, included increased headroom and legroom, and a wider footwell. With the higher gearing and low drag, it was slightly faster than the HC variant, and with a 0-60mph time of 5.4 seconds and a 0-100mph time of 13.3 seconds, it was actually faster than a Ferrari 328 GTB and Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2. The X180 was a financial success, with 1,058 Esprits being built in 1988, a figure that would never be repeated. The car presented here was built in April 1988 and was originally registered in St Helier, Jersey where it resided until coming to the UK in 2011. Today, it remains just a two-owner (in total) example and is accompanied by a comprehensive service history which details the gearbox rebuild (at 52,000 miles in 2002) and the replacement of both alloy fuel tanks in 2005. In early 2022, the car was the recipient of over £15,000 worth of mechanical refurbishment, with corresponding invoices/receipts documenting the work carried out (see details below). Prior to this recent work, the car had covered only 6,000 miles since 2011, having been dry stored when not in use. A full list of the aforementioned refurbishment can be found on our website. These gorgeous Stevens-era Esprits are often overlooked in the world of Supercars, yet have the looks, sound, performance, and rarity of exotics being offered at five times today’s guide price. In lovely condition, with ‘driver’s mileage’ and in a very stylish colour combination, this cherished example would undoubtedly enhance the life of any enthusiast or collector alike. A superb example of the Peter Stevens-designed Esprit benefiting from much recent expenditure and a comprehensive history. More Details Lot 631 Bid On Lot 631