The Lotus Esprit, though quietly mentioned in the world of sports cars, is of a storied production run. The Esprit is absolutely beloved and admired by owners and enthusiasts alike given the car’s unique styling and mid-engine layout. Don McLaughlin, Lotus’ public relations manager in 1977, famously placed a badge-less Esprit in front of the James Bond production offices in an effort to lure in executives to use an Esprit in The Spy Who Loved Me. Come the release of the film, a Lotus would be seen sprinting up the hills of Sardinia, placing the Esprit within automotive lore.

Over the next 20 years, Lotus would revise and update the Esprit into a formidable performance machine. In 1993, the model received a complete redesign courtesy of Julian Thomson. Among upgrades, such as increased power and the addition of a rear spoiler, the car’s body looked contemporary and finally left the wedge-cut era of design behind. In 1996, the Esprit finally received a well-deserved V-8 engine, followed two years later by a proper host of modifications. First and foremost, the Lotus-developed, flat-plane crank V-8 featured twin Garrett turbochargers along with a revised transmission and new interior. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 now produced 354 hp at 6,250 rpm and 295 foot-pounds of torque at 4,300 rpm. Coupled with decades of legendary Lotus handling characteristics and a top speed of 175 mph, the new Esprit made for a superb driving experience.

In 1998, the V8 range was split into SE and GT models. The Esprit that I offer is the SE version, the most 'luxurious' version of the two. The SE version has a larger, more effective rear spoiler compared to the GT, another transome, a full leather interior and air conditioning. This Esprit has almost all the options that could order be ordered at the time.

Engine Type: 90-degree V8, longitudinal, mid-mounted, with twin Allied Signal T25 turbochargers.
Capacity: 3506cc.
Construction: All aluminium.
Maximum power: 355PS (260kW) at 6500rpm.
Maximum torque: 295lb ft (400Nm) at 4250rpm.

Performance
Maximum speed:
V8-SE — 175mph (282km/h).
0-60mph: 4.8secs.
0-100km/h: 4.9secs.
0-100mph: 10.3secs.
0-160km/h: 10.3secs.

This Esprit has had one previous owner. This gentleman has picked up the Lotus himself in England when it was ready. The current owner has owned the Lotus for about five years. Costs have been spared to keep the car in top condition and to keep it. For example, the car has a fully overhauled engine. The reason for this was a damaged piston ring, which caused a catalyst to turn red. The owner wanted the Lotus perfect and also had the turbo's overhauled and the starter. The gearbox has also been overhauled with reinforced components and the air conditioning has been addressed. The work was carried out by Lotus importer of the Netherlands, " Van der Kooi Sportscars".

The Esprit V8-SE offer the complete supercar experience — exhilarating all-round performance blending seamlessly
with comfort and luxury. There's no more stylish way to enjoy the thrill of the open road.

The car has a valid Dutch registration and comes with APK (like MOT/TUV/CT).