1998 Lotus Esprit

£ 53 995

Lotus Espirit V8 Turbo SE

The Lotus Esprit is a landmark in British supercar history. Conceived by Lotus founder Colin Chapman and originally styled by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Esprit became one of the most recognisable performance cars of its era. While early models focused on handling finesse over outright power, the introduction of turbocharging and eventually the V8 transformed it into a true high-performance machine.

Peter Stevens refreshed the design in 1987, and by 1996, the Esprit finally received the engine it had always deserved: a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V8. With a flat-plane crank and racing DNA, it produced 350bhp and could sprint from 0-62mph in under five seconds. Interestingly, it was originally capable of over 500bhp, but Lotus detuned it to preserve gearbox reliability. As a result, the Esprit V8 is now seen as the ultimate expression of the model and this particular example, with its low mileage, originality, and extensive maintenance record, is likely to be highly sought after.

This stunning 1998 Lotus Esprit V8 Turbo is a superb example of the iconic 175mph supercar from Hethel. It has had just four previous owners, with the previous keeper enjoying it for the past seven years. Finished in striking Azure Blue metallic, a fully documented service history, including work carried out by both Lotus main dealers and marque specialists.

Since 2018, the car has been maintained by PJS Sports Cars. Upon acquiring the car, the current owner invested over £30,000 in improvements and maintenance. This included fitting a new clutch, replacing the aluminium fuel tanks, installing new brake discs and pads all round, and fitting a full set of new tyres.

This particular car is the SE (Special Equipment) version of the Esprit V8, meaning it came from the factory with several desirable extras. Highlights include leather upholstery, air conditioning, and the distinctive high-mounted rear wing. Inside, the car features a refined Magnolia leather interior paired with Sand-coloured carpets, offering a stylish contrast to the deep blue exterior.

The engine, gearbox, electrics, and interior are all in excellent condition. Importantly, the car remains completely original, a factor that enhances its appeal to collectors. Additional factory features include an airbag, Alpine CD multi-changer, and a Cobra 6422 immobiliser. Being a 1998 model, it benefits from the updated interior design introduced that year, including modernised controls and improved instrumentation. These later cars also received upgrades to the clutch and gear linkage, significantly improving the driving experience.