1991 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE
Produced from 1987-1993, the Lotus Turbo Esprit is a forgotten gem in the classic exotic market. Beloved by both James Bond and, (guessing here), Inspector Gadget, it offers excellent performance for modern roads, huge curb appeal, and rarity without expense.
Consider the old adage: fast, cheap, reliable-pick any two. The majority of people opt for the latter attributes, and end up with an old Civic or Camry. The well heeled crack open their wallets and splash out on something like a Porsche 911 Turbo. The Esprit, as with most vintage cars of British manufacture, is generally considered to have the lasting build quality of a block of Wensleydale cheese. But hey you there, with the grease under your fingernails... care to roll the dice? It's British and it's gracing our South Mallway with 2 owner status and a 32,143 non-verifiable miles showing on the odometer. This sexy Brit has recently been treated to over $10,000 worth of repairs and maintenance including a new timing belt, new fuel tanks, and new headlight motors just to name a few things, (see the repair invoice photo for all the work completed), and is ready to serve its new owner well...will it be you?
Exterior
Among the earliest of Giorgetto Giugiaro's "folded paper" designs, the original 1976 S1 Esprit is a classic and unfussy wedge. This 1991 version holds true to that design evolving over time to this more rounded version of Giorgetto's vision. All bathed in New Racing Green, the body is composite material, showing in crack free form, and just a few faults in the paint can be seen throughout. Lightly tinted windows with the black and gold badging harkens back to the old F1 JPS Lotus Special race cars. Sleek design emulates the more expensive Italian sports cars, but this car can be maintained at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you will not have to go out and buy a mustache trimmer and a bevy of Hawaiian shirts to go with those Ferrari repair bills! 15 and 16-inch Lotus wheels keep this skate well grounded and are wrapped in staggered width blackwall radials.
Interior
Swinging the biscuit leather trimmed doors we now have access to the cockpit which is also adorned with more biscuit leather. Sleek and simple design buckets emulating the "paper folded design" are trimmed in biscuit leather and have a central console that bleeds 1990's design. Some age wrinkling, soiling and wear is noted on the seats and again on the leather inserts on the doors. A black and tan square and rectangle designed dash fronts the Italian inspired seats and houses all the essentials needed to monitor the mechanicals and provide creature comforts to the passengers. Tan carpeting floods the floors and the rear section of the cockpit and is looking mostly clean. A pop up roof which is also removable is noted up top and is covered in tan felting.
Drivetrain
In February of 2021 the timing belt of the 2.2 liter mill was replaced along with all associated gaskets and a new ECU was installed. This engine is fed by a Bosch KE Jetronic EFi system and has a Citroen C35 5-speed manual transmission on back. 3.889 is the final drive ratio.
Undercarriage
Fully independent double wishbone and coil spring suspension all around, and plenty of covering ground effects panels rust free, can be seen underneath. Power disc brakes are seen on all four corners, and a trio of electric fans is upfront keeping things cool.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and great acceleration pushed me back into those simple paper fold design seats. All functions were working just fab save for the AC not blowing cold, and all was well within ergonomic reach for my size. It handled like it was on rails, and also provided a nice comfortable cruise. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
With our consignor replacing timing belts, and some of the newer replacements, the drivetrain is now back to reliable status. It is bathed in nice green and its low and sleek design emulates the Italian's successes. In short, the beauty of the Esprit Turbo is that it offers something precious without being costly. Its price is within reach of the average enthusiast. Its mechanical simplicity rewards the hobbyist mechanic who blends optimism and a bit of research. And, with a bit of due diligence, one can be a faithful road companion. Fast, cheap, reliable. You can't have everything, but for those who are willing to put the effort in, you can have something pretty special.
SCCFC20BSMHF60071
SCC-Lotus UK
F-Turbo Esprit
C-USA LHD
2-Heater & AC
0-2.2L Turbo 4cyl
B-Manual Belts, Driver's Airbag
S-Check Digit
M-1991
H-Hethel Assy Plant
F-50 State Chassis
6-50 State Engine
0071-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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