A true veteran in the sports car segment is the Lotus Esprit – overall, the wedge remained in the clear model range of Lotus from 1976 to 2004. The British sports car brand is known for radical lightweight construction, the Esprit with its plastic body is no exception: The first series weighed less than 1000 kilograms, over the years only mid-range engines were installed – Initially Lotus installed in-line four-cylinder engines in its Esprit, over time these were then turbocharged, in the end even a V8 biturbo engine formed the arrowhead of the Esprit series. Among the individual series, Lotus always issued quantities in only homeopathic doses, all series added together so only just under 10,500 copies were created.

Now a Lotus Esprit SE Turbo 2.2 from the year of construction 1992 can be purchased in this auction, which comes from German first delivery. The British sports car was first admitted on 14.01.1992, according to the seller, the Lotus should have a total of 4 previous owners – An exact history of the Esprit SE Turbo with the FIN SCC082910LHF65920 can not be presented. Matching numbers are given according to the current owner, the Lotus also has an H-approval and the TÜV was only recently completed and still has its validity until May 2024.2 Vehicle keys are available to the Lotus.

Optically shaped like a wedge, this lotus in black comes along: After consultation with the seller, he states that neither the body nor the plastic attachments of the car have defects to be listed – overall, the exterior presents itself in a very well preserved condition for its age. Even on the headlights, taillights or even glass panes of the Lotus, no inconsistencies can be found that could tarnish the positive overall impression of the Esprit SE Turbo. Repainting is not known to the current owner, this excludes an accident.

Yokohama tyres from the 2021 production year are mounted on three-part Rial rims in the dimensions of 215/45 on the front axle and 255/40 on the rear axle. The alloy rims can be said to be in good shape. The seller states the condition of the brakes as good, in the area of the chassis apparently no deficits are to be noted.

In contrast to the dark exterior colour, this Esprit SE Turbo is largely beige in the interior: only the dashboard as well as the steering wheel and the gear knob are black. There is some patina on the driver's seat, otherwise the seats have a very good state of preservation. Hardly any signs of wear can be detected on the 3-spoke sports leather steering wheel or on the leather gear knob, even in the area of the footwell carpet or the door panels no damage is present. In addition to a sunroof, this Lotus is equipped with electric windows, air conditioning, ABS, central locking and a contemporary radio.

Although the mileage of 59,750 kilometers read on the five-digit speedometer on the – in the wood-paneled cockpit – is not comprehensible by documents, this mileage seems to be credible due to the all-round healthy condition of the car. All electric helpers of the Lotus also work perfectly.

Installed longitudinally in front of the rear axle is the 2.2-liter in-line four-cylinder turbo engine, which has 264 hp and brings the power to the road via a 5-speed manual transmission via the rear wheels. In December 2021, a last major service took place, the technology of this Lotus Esprit SE Turbo is perfectly preserved.

For the age of the vehicle in good condition, the underbody presents itself. Lotus stands above all for lightweight construction: A curb weight of just under 1,300 kg in combination with the four-cylinder turbo makes this Esprit SE Turbo literally stick to the asphalt in curves. This flat flounder meets every desire for pure sportiness packed in an elegant shape with iconic folding headlights. The Lotus offered here not only exudes pure sports car feeling, it also offers a certain exclusive factor due to the low quantities.