1980 Lotus Esprit S2.2

In the early 1970s, the recently appointed Tony Rudd came up with two major ideas, codenamed Project M50 and Project M70, the former becoming the 1974 Lotus Elite and the latter, the Esprit.

The S1 Esprit was released in 1976 following halts in production and design, with Colin Chapman being underwhelmed by the model version’s wind-tunnel performance. The S2 launched in 1978 and the incredibly rare S2.2 was released in May 1980 as a ‘stop gap’ car, to bridge the 13-month void between the S2 and S3. As part of the advertising and marketing program, the S2 was launched featuring the infamous shot of its creator, Colin Chapman, perched on a Championship Gold S2 Esprit in front of his JPS logo'd Cessna Chancellor executive twin. It's the kind of image that only the 1970s could pull off with any degree of normality.

External differences from the S1 included new intake and cooling ducts behind the rear quarter windows, 15" Speedline alloy wheels, tail lights from the Rover SD1 and an integrated front spoiler. Not known for their practicality, more helpful changes were made including relocating the battery to the rear of the car, adding an access door to the engine cover, installing wider seats and replacing the Veglia instrument cluster with individual Smiths.

The only major differences between the S2 and the S2.2 was a 2.2-litre Type 912 engine and the all-important galvanised chassis. Power output stayed the same at 160bhp but torque rose from 140lb/ft to 160lb/ft. Realistic Lotus claims indicate 0-60mph in around seven seconds and an 80-100mph time in fifth gear that was effectively halved.

Leaving the Hethel factory in February of 1980, this S2.2 is offered by its third owner from new, who purchased the car from Bell & Colville in Surrey on 1st December 1984 with a recorded 21,00 miles. That’s some 40-years of single ownership, one of the longest we’ve seen! They had always wanted an Esprit and this happened to be the right car, at the right time, in the right place. Unfortunately, due to a growing family and the associated commitments, the car was put into dry storage in 1992 and remained there until recently, when it was subject to a full engine-out overhaul and rebuild by marque specialists, Maidstone Sports Cars, completed in December 2023.

The S2.2 presents in wonderfully wholesome and original condition and is finished in its distinctive colours of Lotus Yellow with a green suede interior - it is fabulously 1980s. As a member of Club Lotus for many years, the car has attended shows across the country, with placings and a win at Donnington in 1989. The history file makes for lovely reading, including the purchase invoice from Bell & Colville, its original and fully stamped service book, (most recent in 2023), heaps of old MOTs, invoices for maintenance and the original owners handbook.

A fabulous example of the incredibly rare S2.2, with warranted low mileage and a recent refresh, there is very little not to love about this wonderful little Lotus.