THE ‘most sought after ever’ Lotus Esprit is on sale with a staggering price tag.
With a distinctive 80s interior and just 53k miles on the clock, the motor is one of just 13 left in the country.
The car features pop-up headlights, metallic blue paint emboldened with red and silver ‘go faster’ stripes and the Essex Esprit insignia.
It is on the market for £135,000 – but there’s good reason for the eye-watering cost.
The Essex Commemorative edition of the Lotus Esprit was publicly launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1980 in honour of the Turbo Esprit in collaboration with Essex Petroleum who were the main Formula One sponsor at the time.
The car was unveiled at a party hosted by Essex in London’s Royal Albert Hall in February 1980.
Essex founder David Thieme, who made many millions trading oil, allegedly spent most of the budget for the 1980 season on lavish car launches and events, according to PistonHeads.
He was later arrested, four races into the following season on apparent fraud charges, with the Essex corporation dissolving soon after.
According to Lotus Cars this meant the planned 100 commemorative cars were never achieved.
Only 34 production Essex commemorative cars were recorded, 23 for the domestic UK market and 11 for the export market.
According to records there are only 13 Essex cars left in the UK and this car has 53K miles.
The listing is held by PistonHeads with the owner commenting on the listing.
“I have owned this car for nine years in which time it has undergone a full restoration with a full engine rebuild, gearbox cleaned and checked by PNM Engineering and a full mechanical overhaul,” reads the listing.
“Everything on the car has been refurbished or replaced.
“The restoration took around seven years to complete.
“It comes with a large file full of receipts which amount to over £26,000.
“The original tool kit and jack are supplied with the car as is an original Lotus soft car cover.
“Also included is a certificate of provenance and after sales letter from Lotus Cars.
“The body of the car was fully stripped and painted to a very high standard and the car was fully retrimmed also to a very high standard.
“Thousands of man hours have gone into this restoration and the outcome is stunning.
“This Essex Esprit has got to be one of the best examples in the UK.”
