1992 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE

The silver Italdesign styling exercise that eventually became the Esprit was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in 1972 as a concept car and was designed around a stretched Lotus Europa chassis. It was among the first of designer Giorgetto Giugiaro's polygonal "folded paper" designs. Originally, the name Kiwi was proposed, but in keeping with the Lotus tradition of having all car model names start with the letter "E", the name became Esprit.

In 1987, Lotus embarked upon a masterful in-house restyling by Peter Stevens and this new "Stevens" Esprit Turbo became available from the start of the 1988 model year. Mechanically the car was virtually identical to the previous year and utilised the same 2.2-litre turbocharged engine, as well as a revised four-wheel independent suspension. The model also played a starring role in films such as "Pretty Woman', "Basic Instinct' and "Taking Care of Business'.

This Lotus Esprit Turbo SE was first registered in the UK in 1992 and has covered an incredible 1,800 miles from new. The car was registered to a Ms A. Price in 1992 and was safely secured in her ownership for many years, covering very little mileage. Previous MoT certificates show that in 2005 this Esprit had covered just 379 miles. In 2006 it had driven 989 miles, in 2009 1,355 miles and in 2013 just 1,764 miles. Whilst not a complete set of certificates, they do help to substantiate the incredible mileage of this car.

As one would expect, the aesthetic condition of this "high wing' Esprit is simply superb. The bodywork is finished in its original colour of Flat Black and retains excellent panel fit and paint quality. The original cream leather hide interior has been preserved in stunning condition and the cockpit is a delight to behold. The engine bay and underside are in fine order and the car has been exercised in recent weeks by the current owner.

There are service bills and stamps in the original service book from marque specialist Paul Matty Sports Cars in 2005, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. In addition, the history file boasts an original Lotus Esprit leather booklet with all manuals, booklets, and a torch.

This must be one of the lowest mileage Esprit Turbos in existence and is certainly the most original car we have ever inspected. A true collector's item, one would be hard-pressed to find another in such remarkable condition.