1989 Lotus Esprit X180 *SOLD*

Description

• Detailed ownership history
• Cambelt changed at 71,000 miles
• 72,000 verified miles
• Full Lotus Service History
• New Interior
• 2 litre twin cam engine

In your mind’s eye, picture a Lotus. You might not know the name, but you’ll be thinking of the Esprit. And because of that, the Esprit name became more widely recognised than Lotus. James Bond driving up the beach in one probably helped a bit too

The Esprit was a courageous manoeuvre that took the fortunes of Lotus to another level. The Lotus Esprit X180 took that level up yet another notch.

It is a sharp, focused, sports car. The power, drive and handling is like nothing else. Many observers comment that the only package any better is to drive a race car. That is in no small part due to the fact the Lotus Esprit X180 was designed by none other than Peter Stevens, who would go on to be part of the design team for the McLaren F1

History and documents

• 1989 Delivered new to a Mr R Cottrell, Ormskirk
• (29.05.89 PDI Stamp in original service book)
• 1992 Mr D Gasken, Beckenham took ownership.
• 1993 Mr G Stokes, Ashford
• 1995 Mr M P Prentice, Fulham
• 1997 Mr R Hatcher, Southsea owned 18 years
• 2015 Mr R Newman, Slough
• 2022 Our vendor
• MOT expires June 2023
• Examples of the bulging history file is in the gallery
• Images of full Lotus service history are also in the gallery
• Only 72,000 miles which we understand is supported by the paperwork

Inside

This will be short. The eagle eyed among you will have checked out the Gallery and looked at the Wine Red interior on the classic Lotus.

Your first thought will have been Wow! Your second thought will have been; that looks new.

You’d be spot-on with both points. The interior is a wow! moment. And yes, the interior is very, very new. Our vendor has had the interior fully and professionally refurbished in the last few months. Don’t ask how much, because it is also an ouch moment. Then smile, because as the new owner of this Lotus Esprit X180, you will get all of the wow and none of ouch.

Outside

• Stunning Monaco White paintwork
• Original alloy wheels with correct centre caps
• Fabulous fold-away headlamps
• Pop-up glass roof

It is difficult to over-state how good the exterior is. We always check and double check then check again. Then ask our vendors; where are the niggles, because there always are some on a 30 plus year old classic. We have to concede on this one. We couldn’t see any, but our vendor says that there are a couple of minor stonechip marks – they would certainly not detract us and the image gallery speaks for itself

The Lotus Esprit X180 benefits not only from Peter Stevens design flair, but from updated production techniques too. The whole Esprit was around 25% stiffer, making the terrific driving experience even better. It also benefited from body panels being produced using a new process that Lotus later claimed a patent on called Vacuum Assisted Resin Injection. Kevlar reinforcement was added to the roof and sides for roll-over protection and added stiffness.

The panel fit and finish is as good as any high end production. Is it any wonder this Esprit looks so good?  This is close to being a gorgeous piece of automotive art.

Engine and mechanicals

When buying any classic car, more so a Lotus, the service history, documents and invoices are hugely important.

This one is packed with all three, the likes of which we rarely see.

• Stamped service book
• Multiple MOT’s
• Specialist invoices/receipts
• Cambelt changed
• New radiator and fans fitted this year
• Front brake calipers, discs and pads replaced in June 2022
• It just goes on and on.
• It doesn’t look like this Esprit has wanted for anything

Lotus is world-renowned for producing some of the best driving cars ever. The Esprit is no different. What makes them stand out are the legendary engines.

The X180 is fitted with;

• The simply brilliant Lotus 912 2174 cc four-cylinder in-line engine
• 16-valve DOHC
• Dellorto DHLA4SE side-draught carburettors
• These later Esprits were known as the HC cars for the increased high compression engines
• Bore & Stroke: 9.29 x 76.2mm. Compression: 9.4:1.
• Producing 160bhp

Everyone needs to have a Lotus at least once in their life. Once they do though they may well find themselves smitten by the blistering performance and race-car like handling. Buying a Lotus Esprit X180 like this in such good overall condition, will make it pleasure to own and live with, for a long time.

Summary

Our vendor is an avid enthusiast. Having owned a number of classic cars as well as motorbikes.

We asked him about this Esprit. “It’s lovely” he told us with chuckle. “It has loads of power and is loads of fun. It performs exactly as it should. I have confidence in it. So much so, when I bought in from the previous owner in Berkshire, I drove it all the way back to home in North Yorkshire and it didn’t miss a beat”.

That says it all for us. Marvellous condition. Marvellous history. Marvellous car. Don’t miss it.

 

Vehicle Location: North Yorkshire LS25 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Have a question about this 1989 Lotus Esprit X180? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

 Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’.

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s are worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at auction@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to ring you back and discuss, it’s what we do.

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