1977 Lotus Esprit
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Baujahr1977
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Kilometerstand4 189 mi / 6 742 km
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AutomobiltypSonstige
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Losnummer203
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Referenznummer1250
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LenkungLenkung links
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ZustandGebraucht
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Markenfarbe außenother
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Standort
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AußenfarbeSonstige
Beschreibung
Chassis No. 77020134H
Engine No. 13427
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
"The no compromise Lotus for its driver and one selected companion." - Lotus Brochure, 1977
When conceptualizing a replacement for the Lotus Europa in 1971, light-weight construction was paramount, as the newly-developed 1,973 cc four-cylinder intended to power the sports car was not going to rival V8-powered Ferraris in the power department. Thus, the Series I Esprit was kept simple, focusing instead on delivering driving dynamics that were superior to its exotic competitors. Tipping the scale at just over 2,200 pounds, the Esprit was praised by the press and customers alike for its superb handling and no-frills exterior design. Early examples like the Series I Esprit offered here showcase the brilliant simplicity that earned the small British marque a seat at the table amongst names like Porsche and Ferrari.
Records indicate that this particular Lotus Esprit was completed at the Hethel, England plant on 16 February 1977 and was the 27th example of only 459 Series I Esprits intended for the US market. As an early-1977 example, it is also what is known as a 'gel coat' car, named for the original finishing process in which the car was delivered with a base layer of gel applied to the fiberglass and later saturated with the customer's color of choice. This is believed to be one of six US-destined examples painted in a vibrant orange, and of those, one of only four 'gel coat' examples. Inside, the car's dramatic dashboard and center console were contoured in soft-touch brown Marcasite, with plush Oatmeal tartan cloth lining the bucket seats, door inserts, and headliner - luxurious materials only offered on the Series I after proving too costly and time-consuming to produce.
Chassis 134H was originally purchased by a Mr. Tim Zaremba, who added 4,009 miles to its green-faced Veglia odometer before carefully storing it away in a climate-controlled facility. In June 2008, the Lotus reemerged from under its car cover after nearly three decades, preserved in immaculate, time-capsule condition from the day it was stored. Still riding on its original tires mounted on correct Wolfrace chrome alloys, the car's gel coat finish and cloth interior remained factory-fresh, with preeminent Lotus Esprit expert Tony Krncevic calling it 'absolutely the mintest and most original S1 I have ever seen or heard of.' Following its discovery, 134H was mechanically recommissioned and acquired by a well-respected collection.
Purchased by the current owner in 2018, the car remains in virtually the same condition as it left the factory in 1977, indicating only 180 additional miles since it was returned to the road. This Series I Esprit is a rare sighting at all, let alone wearing its original orange gel coat and preserved in completely original specification. Offered with extensive original paperwork, 134H is likely the finest example of one of Britain's most important classics offered for sale anywhere in the world.