2000 LOTUS ESPRIT V8 SPORT 350

KEY FACTS

• One of only two Sport 350 cars produced in Monaco White, this lightweight British supercar is presented in very smart condition throughout, and benefits from a number of carefully selected performance modifications.
• It is powered by a 3.5-litre V8, which produces 350bhp and drives the rear wheels via a retrofitted six-speed short-shift transmission.
• As with most Lotus’, the Sport 350 was designed to be as light as possible, and weighs in at just 1300kg.
• In total, only 48 Esprit Sport 350s were built, with this example being marked as number 26 of that limited production run.
• This Esprit was first registered in September 2000, and was acquired by the seller 20 years ago. During their ownership, they have maintained the car to a high standard and carried out several performance-enhancing modifications, nicknaming the car ‘The Rocket’ as a result.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Created as the ultimate incarnation of the Esprit, the Sport 350 was set apart by its 350bhp V8 (hence its name), along with AP Racing brakes, stiffer springs, a revised ECU, magnesium-alloy wheels and numerous carbon-fibre components, including its towering rear wing.
• This Esprit Sport 350 is one of only two remaining examples finished in Monaco White, and features the model’s signature charcoal leather and blue Alcantara interior upholstery.
• The car still sits on its correct set of 18-inch, five-spoke magnesium-alloy wheels, which are in great shape, with only one small scuff being visible on the rim of the rear passenger-side item.
• In addition to its retrofitted gearbox, this Esprit has been further enhanced with the addition of forged engine components, an AP Racing Clutch, twin intercoolers, larger oil coolers and AP Racing six-pot front brake calipers with grooved discs.
• It is capable of sprinting from 0-60mph using only first gear.
• Externally, a pair of spotlights has been added and the front bumper has been modified to create space for the car’s larger oil coolers, while a prominent rear diffuser and undertray have been fitted to further improve its aerodynamics.
• Inside, the cabin features additional gauges and switchgear; and the original steering wheel has been fitted with a quick-release adapter.
• The car will be accompanied by its original workshop manual and approximately 4GB of digital files documenting its history from 2001 onwards.

CONDITION

• No known bodywork damage.
• Overall, the Monaco White paintwork is in very good condition, with a few minor blemishes and stone chips on the car’s nose, in line with its age and mileage.
• The finish is thought to be largely original, save for on the front bumper, which was resprayed after being modified to fit the car’s larger oil coolers.
• In the cabin, the two-tone black and blue seats present very well, and the interior trim is also in great shape, with only a few minor marks and scratches to the leather-wrapped centre console, in line with the car’s use.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults with the vehicle.
• This Esprit’s last MOT test was conducted on 11 May 2021 at 42,241 miles. This resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories, as has every one of the car’s 19 MOT tests from new.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The car’s most recent routine maintenance was an oil service and inspection, which was carried out on 6 May 2019 at 42,232 miles by the seller in their well-equipped garage.
• Prior to this, the seller changed the cam belts in 2018, and they have exhaustive maintenance records dating back to 2001 when they acquired the car.
• During the seller’s ownership they have serviced or modified every one of the car’s mechanical components, and have upgraded the suspension system with genuine Lotus parts.

SUMMARY

This Lotus Esprit V8 Sport 350 is a thrilling and well-presented example of the fantastically rare special edition supercar. Doted on and carefully modified by its owner of the last 20 years, this electrifying road car will make a superb addition to any collection.

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.