This 1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo is a clean-presented Australian-delivered car which comes with a host of original parts and documentation. It is powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine outputting 160kW/298Nm to the rear wheels. This car is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It currently shows 45,173 miles on its odometer.

The Lotus Esprit is an iconic British sports car whose performance eclipsed that of far more expensive brands like Ferrari and Porsche. It was first introduced in 1976 with a wedge-like design and immediately won praise with the press and customers. Its relative performance for the price you paid was blistering, but it wasn’t until the first major redesign came along in 1988 that people really started to take notice. This rounded-off facelift was more aerodynamic than the Giugiaro design as well as being stiffer and more spacious, with better trim, instruments and controls. It also received a boost in performance which saw it sprint from zero to 100km/h in the mid-five-second range. The iconic design is appreciated today on the open market, with examples of early and late models steadily increasing in value.

Finished in black on the outside with a cream leather interior, this Esprit’s specification presents very clean in the metal. Its condition has stayed largely original to its delivery specification, with only a minor modification in the form of an aftermarket set of wheels. These are a set of 16/17-inch OZ Racing 300 sport wheels which come wrapped in Kumho tyres. It also specifies a factory rear wing. In place of the original sound system is an Alpine head unit. The current owner believes the odometer has been around once so the true milage is 145,173.

This car was built in 1988 at Lotus’ Norfolk plant in the United Kingdom and was complied in Australia in July 1988. It has regularly been through official Lotus service centres for maintenance including Zagame Lotus in Melbourne. Some more recent services have been completed through European specialist Coco Eurotech, including the most recent work which was completed in March 2020 and involved a rebuilt alternator, new battery, and fresh spark plugs. The seller notes the car has a minor oil leak but does not believe it is enough to effect a road worthy.

A respray was completed on this car approximately 10 years ago and its paintwork still shows fantastic today with some minor crows feet appearing in a couple of locations. This car’s exterior condition shows in excellent order without damage or scratching. There is no obvious weathering to any of the car’s external trim components and its pop-up headlights function as normal. All four wheels show in clean and unmarked condition; the tyres retain a good level of tread but may need replacing due to age.

Like its exterior, this Esprit’s interior presents immaculately for its age. Roughly 10 years ago the cabin was retrimmed including the seats, carpeting, and headliner. The seats retain a nice original shape and no signs of tears or marking are seen on the fabric. All other interior trim and componentry shows without obvious wear and tear.

This Esprit will be supplied with a suite of original documentation, its original wheels, a car cover, tool kit, and various spare parts.

To the best of the sellers knowledge, this listing is accurate and not misleading in anyway. As per Trading Garage’s Terms and Conditions, although Trading Garage have completed the following checks, bidders must satisfy themselves to the accuracy of the description and do any research, they feel necessary before bidding. All listings are sold in Australian dollars. This vehicle is currently registered in Victoria until 6/2/23. There are no security interests registered on the PPSR against the serial number.

Exterior Gallery (96)

Interior Gallery (41)

Mechanical and Documents Gallery (45)