Engine: DOHC 8 valve slant 4, 1973cc
Fuel system: Twin Dellorto twin chokes
Power output: 160bhp @ 6500rpm
Max speed: 135mph
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 8.0 sec
Weight: 1060 Kg

Lotus, driven by Colin Chapman, were known as pioneers. Infamous for being a "Kit Car" producer (which was a dodge around Purchase Tax), Chapman needed to spice up the Lotus range. This consisted of the ageing Elan, Elan plus 2 and the mid-engined Europa. Giorgetto Giugiaro penned the shape, which appeared for the first time at the Turin Motor Show in 1973. The 'wedge' was born. The first production cars rolled off the line in 1976, Series I cars with tartan seats and an electronic display. These cars were plagued with overheating problems but stuck to the road like glue. Not many cars exist today as most were burnt-out.

Improvements were needed and so the Series 2 was brought out in 1977/8. The body changed to incorporate additional cooling, and 'ears' appeared around the C pillar to take air into the engine directly. More cooling fans were added at the front radiator, the electronic dash went and the track was widened.

Chapman was a master at raiding other people’s parts bins. Look closely at the car and you will find Opel Rekord front suspension, Citroen SM 5-speed transaxle, Rover SD1 tail lights, Marina front lights, indicators, and door handles, TR7 switchgear, Vauxhall steering column, and even the crankshaft was out of a Bedford Van! Whatever the provenance of some of the bits, there was no doubting that of the car. With various changes of engine (including a V8), and a facelift, Lotus still continues to manufacture the Esprit.

When the Esprit was new, it rapidly got a reputation as one of the most unreliable cars that money could buy. Sadly and unsurprisingly time has not improved matters, and our Esprit is currently off the road pending some major work to improve the reliability! Any updates to this will be posted here!