1988 LOTUS ESPRIT X180

KEY FACTS

• Taking Giugiaro’s original and bringing the design up to date, the X180 was styled by Peter Stevens, who would later design the McLaren F1.
• This Esprit ‘X180’ is powered by a mid-mounted 170bhp 2.2-litre inline-four engine that drives the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
• This is a very well-presented example showing just 71,000 miles from new and has been with the current keeper for nine years.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The interior of this Lotus is finished in black leather with contrasting red piping and a red leather centre console and door inserts.
• The car features a tilting and removable sunroof and electric windows.
• Included with the car is the original owner’s handbook with a stamped service record accompanied by an extensive file of invoices and previous MOT certificates.
• The registration shown in the photos is NOT included. This car is now registered as E188 BGN.

CONDITION

• No known body damage.
• The Calypso Red paintwork is in good condition for the vehicle’s age, although the vendor has noted that there are some scratches to the nearside rear wheel arch, and scuffs in the paint around the front bumper, among other minor marks.
• Inside, the black and red leather interior is in good order, with natural ageing to the upholstery but no heavy discolouration. There is some wear to the side carpets and to the gear stick gaiter.
• The Oz alloy wheels benefitted from a full refurbishment at 64,000 miles and they are still in very good order. New tyres were last fitted at 68,000 miles.
• The electronics are all in good working order with no known faults apart from a slow operating driver’s side electric window.
• The last MOT test was carried out on 12 May 2021 at 71,652 miles, with no advisories or warnings.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The car has been well maintained and regularly serviced over the years. It had a new clutch fitted at 58,000 miles, new manifold struts at 64,000 miles, and the cam belt was last replaced at 67,000 miles.
• Other maintenance during the current ownership includes a new fuel pump, replacement brake discs and pads, calliper seals and pistons and a new rear flex brake pipe.
• A raft of service history paperwork can be seen in the ‘Documents’ section below.

SUMMARY

The Lotus Esprit is a truly iconic British classic sports car, with the ‘X180’ update by Peter Stevens breathing new life into the silhouette. This relatively low-mileage Calypso Red example delivers an engaging driver experience that few cars of the same era can replicate, and it would make an ideal weekend toy for any Lotus fan or sports car enthusiast.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the vehicle is not included in the sale. It has been switched back to the age-related registration plate of E188 BGN.