Replacing the Lotus Europa in 1975, was the Lotus Esprit S1, which had been in development since the early seventies. Colin Chapman oversaw the new project and enlisted the help of Italdesign’s Giorgetto Giugiaro to concoct a new Lotus automobile that utilized his hotly-trending “folding-paper” wedge design. Released to the public in 1976, the new Esprit featured a lightweight fiberglass body that was mounted to the chassis. The chassis and body strictly adhered to Chapman’s famous mantra that favored low curb weights over all else. Although well received the Esprit S1 ran for a production period of only three years, and today we have a finely kept example from 1977 that has resided in storage for the majority of its life!
Built in October of that year, this Esprit is a member of only 544 cars that were produced by Lotus for the United States market. Furthermore, it is just one of 92 specimens that were painted in Carnival Red. The factory paint is still present on most of the car, but it is speculated that hood was repainted at one time as it is possible to view some defects in the paintwork. However, gap measurements place all of the body panels within factory distance tolerances. Upon finding a buyer new tires will replace the used set that is currently mounted to the standard 14” Wolfrace wheels. Other exterior notes are that the headlights were recently level-adjusted and function as intended. Additionally, the driver’s wing mirror does sag some while driving at speed.
Inside the low-slung cockpit, you will find yourself immersed in the disco era. The earthy-green upholstery of the seats, center console, dashboard, and doors are nicely contrasted by fire-orange carpeting. Best of all, both are beautifully tied together by the tartan fabric seat inserts. Initially grey, the driver-immersive instrument pod has faded due to the sun and now (in particular brightness) actually appears to be an interior-matching shade of green. The authentic Lotus steering wheel is still installed as is the weight-shaving wooden gear knob. On the odometer is a number just a tick over 18,000-miles and the seller notes that it functions correctly, so it is likely that this is the correct mileage. However, the speedometer may need to be repaired since it works intermittently. Other creature comforts, such as the fans, lights, and windows all perform their tasks as promised.
Underneath, the current owner notes there is some oxidization to the metal and marks left from stone impacts. Nevertheless, the lauded suspension, which includes coil-over shock absorbers, anti-roll bars, and four-wheel disc brakes (the rear inboard mounted), is in excellent condition and will quickly deliver the real-Lotus precision handling experience.
Powering that pursuit is a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder motor with twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors that originally sent 140 horsepower to the rear wheels for United States buyers. The owner informed us that smog pump and its pulley were removed by prior ownership, so power may be higher (note: if the Esprit is to remain in California the owner will have it smog tested). Some oil does permeate the motor’s gaskets and can create droplets on the ground, but the engine still performs and runs strongly. Recently, the fuel pump was professionally rebuilt, and the carburetors had fresh gaskets installed. At this time the fluids were changed and the engine oil, along with a new filter, were replaced. Unfortunately missing are the engine cover straps and two wheel well to firewall side panels.
Provided with this sale is an authentic Lotus Classic Certificate of Vehicle Provenance that provides detailed vehicle information, a letter from Lotus’ official archivist, and the original owner’s handbook. All of this, plus a clean California title, makes it an ideal purchase for buyers looking to get a genuinely visceral driving experience.
