1990 LOTUS ESPRIT TURBO SE - HIGH WING

KEY FACTS

• A desirable lightweight sports car in a unique specification, and one of only 64 known ‘High Wing’ models.
• It is powered by the turbocharged 2.2-litre inline-four, producing around 264bhp and 261lb-ft of torque, which drives the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
• It has undergone comprehensive recent servicing, including an overhaul of the injectors and new ignition coils.
• The car was subject of a Category C insurance loss in 2001, and has evidently since been repaired.

EQUIPMENT AND OPTIONS

• The SE model featured some exterior tweaks, including new side skirts, wing mirrors and the addition of a low rear wing. This example is even rarer, one of just 64 known to have been built with the ‘High Wing’ at the rear.
• It is recorded as being the only right-hand drive Turbo SE built between 1989 and 1991 in Lotus Yellow.
• The cabin is equipped with full leather upholstery, a burr elm fascia, air conditioning and an aftermarket Sony stereo.
• A Lotus Certificate of Vehicle Provenance will be included, confirming its ‘one of one’ status.

Specification:

• Glass tailgate
• Tilt/removable sunroof
• Air-conditioning
• Electric windows
• Central door locking
• Electrically adjustable heated door mirrors
• Three-phase ice warning system
• Front fog lamps
• ‘SE’ full leather interior
• Burr elm instrument panel

CONDITION

• While there is no obvious evidence of prior damage, the car is recorded as damaged and a Category C insurance loss on the UK HPI system, dated to 2001. It has subsequently been repaired.
• Its Lotus Yellow finish has previously been resprayed. A few light blemishes can be seen on the edges of the doors, but otherwise the paintwork presents well.
• The New Raven leather seats and door card inserts feature some light creasing, which is commensurate with the mileage.
• No electrical faults have been detected.

SERVICE HISTORY

• Its most recent scheduled maintenance was in May 2021 at 66,300 miles, where technicians fitted new ignition coils, before overhauling the injectors and repairing the cooling circuit.
• A new OEM turbo has been fitted in the last few months, and new suspension components were installed in 2020.
• The vendor notes that a minor overhaul was undertaken alongside the car’s respray, which included the fitment of a new radiator.

SUMMARY

This 1990 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE ‘High Wing’ is a rare modern classic, recorded as being the only right-hand-drive example finished in Lotus Yellow. While it has been repaired following prior damage, it presents in good condition throughout today, and would make a wonderfully usable sports car icon.

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