Lotus Esprit JPS 1979 for sale

Model history: Lotus derived the Esprit from a concept car by Italdesign presented in Turin in 1972, featuring a rear engine, a steel beam chassis, and a laminated polyester body. Lotus assembled all Esprits by hand, which represented about 560 hours of work. Over 80% of the parts came from Lotus production. The S1 is equipped with the Lotus 2-liter 16-valve engine producing 160 hp type 907, the first engine entirely designed by Lotus in 1972. For the S2, Lotus evolved the engine by increasing the displacement to 2,174 cm³, thus improving torque. In 1978, the Lotus team won the Formula 1 Constructors' and Drivers' World Championship titles thanks to the Formula 1 Type 79 driven by Mario Andretti. To celebrate this victory, a special edition of the Esprit S2 was produced. Taking the black and gold colors of cigarette manufacturer John Player Special, Lotus's sponsor, each unit is numbered. Lotus planned to produce one hundred units for the UK market and another hundred for the rest of the world. In the end, 147 units were produced: 94 reserved for the UK, 26 sold in the United States, and 27 in the rest of the world. History of this Lotus Esprit Commemorative: Sold new in England in 1979, it is number 65, it remained there until 2013 and was then brought back to France by its last owner. He then decided to fully restore it respecting all original codes and materials. Today it is like new. Bodywork: The original polyester bodywork is very healthy, with no corrosion or accidents and is in excellent condition. The door and hood openings are excellent. In the specific John Player Special black and gold colors to remember the winning F1s of 1978. It also has all its original gold lettering. Interior: New interiors conforming to the original, with the same materials as in the past. The dashboard is also leather. It has its original commemorative plaque and its 3-spoke steering wheel signed by Mario Andretti and ashtrays in every door. Engine: Its 2L engine runs perfectly. Completely restored and tuned in 2020, it has only covered 100 km since then. Matching number. Transmission: The original 5-speed transmission is in excellent working condition, the gears engage well. Suspension: Completely restored in 2015, all parts have been epoxied. The rear axle is stable, very good road holding. The chassis behavior is perfect. There are no play or noises. The suspension is perfect. Braking behavior: The braking is perfect and straight thanks to the disc brakes. Completely restored in 2015. Sale price: €80,000.