1981 Lotus Esprit Turbo Essex Commemorative

The Lotus Esprit Turbo (1980-1987) added turbocharging for 210hp (later 215hp). The first truly fast Esprit. For Your Eyes Only Bond car. Transformed the Esprit into a genuine supercar.

Four-cylinder Esprit: Engine: 907/910/912 - timing belt, head gaskets, cooling system. Turbo cars - turbo seals, wastegate, intercooler. Cooling: Critical, especially turbo. Gearbox: Citroën (early) weak. Renault UN1 (later) adequate. Electrics: Various issues depending on era. Pop-up headlights. Body: Fibreglass - stress cracks common. Rear clam access difficult. Budget £3-6k annually.

Turbo SE or S4s specification, good bodywork, full service history, recent timing belt