Pre-production Lotus Esprit Turbo with an experimental suspension

1980 Lotus Esprit Essex Turbo by Paris Van Gorder
Oct 4, 2024

This Lotus Esprit technically shouldn’t exist, especially not in its current condition, and yet here it stands, ready for its next adventure.



The DeLorean Motor Company acquired this Esprit, believed to be the first pre-production Essex Esprit ever built, on loan almost immediately after leaving the factory line in 1980. When returned, Lotus engineering decided to use the Esprit as a guinea pig for something never before seen in Formula 1: active suspension.



In fact, according to the seller,this Esprit is possibly the first car worldwide to have it.



After testing, the Esprit was retained by Lotus Cars and placed on long-term display until 2016. Since then, it’s had only one long-term owner who restored the car at a cost of more than £60,000, or about $78,475.



Find this 1980 Lotus Esprit Essex Turbo for auction at H&H Classics on October 9, with an estimated value of £70,000-£80,000 (approximately $90,000-$105,000 USD).