1979 Lotus Esprit S2 JPS

Technically called the World Championship Commemorative Model, but more colloquially known as the John Player Special, this was the first and arguably the most memorable limited edition Esprit from Lotus. Dubbed the JPS due to its distinctive black and gold livery, inspired by the ground effect, JPS-sponsored, championship-winning Lotus 79 cars of the period, as raced by Mario Andretti and Ronnie Petersen. Originally planned to build 200 examples, it was believed that just 185 were produced, 100 for the UK, 55 for the United States and 30 for Europe. The eye-catching specification included gold-coloured side-stripes complete with World Champion lettering, gold-coloured front and rear windscreen surrounds and alloy wheels, gold-effect corduroy seat inserts and a three-spoke leather rimmed steering wheel instead of the normal plastic offering. The 'Juke Box' installed was a Hitachi Digi-One radio-cassette. The 1973cc, 16-valve DOHC engine delivered a feisty 160bhp which was sufficient to sprint the 1,980lb glass fibre-bodied, two-seater to 60mph in 6.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 124 mph. The short production run lasted from December 1978 to July 1979.

This immaculate example is Number 68, however, as we understand and know Lotus from that period, it is unknown what number it was in the production line. Our vendor confessed to getting somewhat carried away with the restoration, and as part of the process, #68 had a full body-off, glass-out restoration, including a respray and new stickers to ensure no stone was unturned and the car would be as good as new, if not better, which we feel he’s achieved by some distance. A number of top specialists have been involved in the car's transformation and the results are very impressive with a fabulous level of finish yet maintaining the character of the car, which is no easy feat!

The restoration catalogue is fantastic, featuring new aluminium fuel tanks, brake line hoses, new aluminium radiator, new coolant hoses, Wilwood front callipers and disks (originals to go with the car) and new suspension and bushes all round. The engine was overhauled including new liners, crank reground and new pistons circa 2000 miles ago and a stainless-steel exhaust system including 4 into 1 manifold fitted to help it sing. The list goes on, making for pleasant reading and an even more pleasant driving experience.

The history file is nicely detailed and contains dozens of old invoices and MOTs. Superbly presented and indicating only 72,746 miles, this is an exceptionally high-quality example that would cost a small fortune to replicate. With the combination of comfortable mileage and the quality of restoration, this very special Lotus would sit equally as perfectly in the hands of a collector as it would in the hands of an enthusiast wanting to get out and drive it.

With Lotus cars of the future destined to have electric hearts, there cannot be a better time to pick up the old-school and experience the cars that made the David and Goliath brand from Norwich withstand the test of time with such flying colours.