1989 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE

In October 1987, the Esprit received its first major 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 Citroën/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. The X180 was a financial success, with 1,058 examples being built in 1988, a figure that would never be repeated.

In mid-1989, the Turbo SE was launched as an additional model with the charge-cooled Lotus/Delco engine now offering 264bhp. At the same time, the new 'eagle' chassis was introduced to all Esprits.

This lovely Turbo SE is finished in the vibrant shade of Calypso Red over a tan leather interior with burr wood trims. In addition to the more powerful engine, the 'SE' model differed cosmetically with revised side skirts, door mirrors and a low rear spoiler which really enhanced the looks of these now sought after models. Our vendor was keen to find the best low-mileage Esprit he could, to add to his private Collection and after looking long and hard, G540 BBC seemed to fit the bill. After its purchase in 2019, the car was sent to MAX 500 Ltd, the Esprit specialists, for a full check over and the history file contains a three-page invoice listing the work completed to bring this Esprit up to our vendor's required level.

These striking cars are still relatively undervalued and this example, in a lovely colour combination and having covered just 27,190 miles from new, seems very sensibly estimated.