1983 Lotus Esprit S3

Purchased in 2014 by the current vendor this Lotus Esprit has been meticulously looked after without any expense being spared and has covered as little as 61,000 miles in its 43 year life span.  Prior to the purchase the Lotus underwent a full body restoration with various photographs documenting this process.

There is a large folder containing various documents and receipts for work completed as well as previous MOT’s. The Lotus comes with two keys and the original owners handbook and service book. Within this paperwork, is also the V5C. The owner informs us that historic status has just been applied for.

It has been and still is admired and loved, not only by the owner but by those whole also have a great appreciation for iconic British sports cars.

We are informed that the car was only used when the weather was at it’s finest, a rare commodity in the UK. When not in use, the Lotus has been stored in a secure, dry garage.  This is apparent from the fantastic condition that it remains in to this day. 
 

The exterior of this Lotus Esprit is nothing short of remarkable. This is because the owner has been incredibly meticulous in ensuring that it stays as well kept as possible. When not in use the vehicle is kept in a dry garage.

The bodywork is in exceptional condition with all panels and gaps aligning as Lotus intended them to do so. The doors shut well as does the bonnet and bootlid. This is worth noting as these cars were constructed using fibreglass so over time they can become susceptible to sagging in certain areas.

The car at some stage in its lifetime has benefitted from a full restoration and the Calypso Red paintwork does look incredibly glossy and features a deep shine, it’s even more remarkable in the sunlight. We saw no signs of any blistering, hazing or any imperfections.

We noted a slight scuff to the nearside front wheel as well as a stone chip on the front end, just above the passenger headlight. 
 

Upon opening the doors of the Lotus you are greeted with a simple, yet well presented cabin that emphasises driver focus, with the wrap around, fighter jet style instrument cluster.

The  interior is made up of mostly leather whilst we cannot comment on the originality of these materials, we can certainly tell you that it looks utterly incredible.

Much like the exterior, the interior of the Lotus is presented in remarkable shape, apart from a split in the leather on the right side of the backrest bolster, the leather throughout the cabin is free from cracks, sagging or any other signs of wear that we could see even in the usual high traffic areas such as the outer bolsters on the driver and passenger seat. This also extends to the dashboard, steering wheel, central column and door cards all of which can only described as in good condition with few signs to no signs of wear.

The instruments and switches that are housed within the dashboard still wear their original labelling which is just as clear as the day it rolled out of the factory at Hethel.  The carpet throughout the Lotus is in great shape and we saw no signs of going threadbare, that we could see.

We are informed that all of the electrical components are to be working as intended.

The compartment space in the rear, is clean and tidy. The provided leather insert is in good shape with no rips or tears. The same can be found at the front of the Lotus with the accompanying  spare wheel, jack and other tools looking to be in unused condition. 
 

From looking over the engine bay everything appears to be in good order, with no signs of any leaks. First turn of the key and the Lotus bursts into life without hesitation. The engine idles beautifully and we heard no unusual noises and saw no blue or white smoke coming from the exhaust.

The vendor tells us that other key components, such as the gearbox and brakes are in fine working condition. The Lotus recently benefitted from a timing belt change and the front brakes overhauled with the work being completed by the well known Lotus Specialist, JST in Newmarket. We are informed that the gearbox selects gears with ease and that there is no crunching or grinding when selecting any of the gears. The owner of this Lotus states that it is a real pleasure to drive on the road with this claim being backed up by JST, who said to the vendor how unusual it was to have a Esprit drive so well with no knocks or bangs.

Underneath, the Lotus is very clean indeed. There are no signs of any rust that we could see on the vehicle and it is looking extremely tidy for it’s age. 
 

The Lotus comes with a good selection of paperwork that documents the restoration process and other important receipts.  Accompanying the paperwork are various MOT’s as well as last years MOT.

The current V5C is not present but a copy of the V5C is. This is because the owner has sent the original V5C off as he is applying for historic vehicle status, so for the new owner the car will be MOT exempt and zero rated for VED in the UK. 
 

The 1983 Lotus Esprit is a car that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Lotus. Innovative, performance driven and uniquely styled. Whilst it has its flaws, it remains a beloved classic. With values on the rise as more and more enthusiasts seek out well preserved examples, the Esprit’s legacy as a design icon and purists sports car ensures its place in automotive history. It’s for those whom appreciate the combination of cutting edge design, engaging driving dynamics and a touch of British eccentricity. 

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £21,000 - £25,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Woodbridge, Suffolk. To arrange an appointment to view this vehicle please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.