The Lotus Esprit is one of the UK-based sports automaker’s best known models and one of the most sought-after cars of its era. It’s hard to find cars that are more 1980s (though, it was originally introduces in 1976) than this, partly because it’s deeply anchored in popular culture, appearing in two James Bond movies.
You will find this red 1985 Lotus Esprit for sale in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The owner claims the car was disassembled and carefully restored, with its 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine having been “totally rebuilt with new gaskets and seals by a renowned mechanic.”
The engine produces 215 hp and 202 lb-ft (274 Nm) of torque, which do not qualify it as a supercar for today’s standards. Look at the bright side, though: it’s massively more fuel-efficient than V8 models. The bodywork was painted the original Calypso Red, with the windshield being replaced in the process, and the suspension was restored.
Other modifications include the fitting of a new soft and plush tan interior, while the original Blaupunkt stereo system was upgraded to the Vero Beach model with CD and MP3.
The car still features its original BBS wheels, which were polished and had their centers painted Lotus yellow – something I believe could and should have been avoided. Finally, the owner says many of the electrical components were replaced.
The car is said to have had only two owners from new and to have covered only 46,010 miles (74,045 km) so far. Current bidding on eBay stands at $18,000 (€13,290).
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
