The Peter Stevens penned X180 often called ‘Stevens Esprit’ was a major evolution of the iconic Lotus Esprit. Much softer lines penned by the hand of the McLaren F1 designer make this a rare and highly collectible iteration being one of only 268 made between 1988 and 1990. The Esprit was first introduced in 1976 ceasing production in 2004 with 10675 units made. So we can see that our car for sale here is a very rare car indeed.

The Colin Chapman Lotus story is well documented and needs no further elaborate prose from us. The Esprit has all the DNA of that racing pedigree but is synonymous with James Bond and a supercar poster on the wall appearance befitting both Lotus and Supercar status.

This particular Calypso red Esprit X180 was first registered for the road in August of 1988 to Roger Dilks of Lincolnshire as supplied by Peter Smith Sportscars the well known Lotus dealer based in Burton Upon Trent. Cloth seats are unusual but correct for the car and you don’t burn your bottom when you get in! There is a substantial service history file and the car is supplied with its original owners book pack and a voluminous service manual. Our client purchased the car over 3 years ago and has invested substantial amounts of money in service and improvements to the car. A glass out repaint of the car being the major cosmetic expense. Money well invested as the car presents in pretty much concours show quality finish.

Mechanically the car received a full engine rebuild less than 4000 miles ago according to the advert that led to our client buying the car. Additionally many thousand of £ have been spent on improving the suspension and driving experience of the car.

So what is it like to drive? As a 190cm overweight enthusiast driver it’s not the easiest car to get in. But once in the seating position is perfect for me. If you are ‘smaller’ so much the better. The Lotus steering wheel is uniquely Lotus and makes me smile when I place my hands on it. Am I Jim Clark or James Bond? Neither, but that doesn’t stop me from feeling excited. The car has an immobiliser and once easily navigated the car fires into life with a tweak of manual choke to the twin Dellorto carbs. Warm the car through for several minutes and of we go. The steering is not power assisted. So pulling out of a parking space requires effort. But the pay back is on the road feel and that is what this car is all about. It is free revving and when you ‘get it’ the feedback through that iconic steering wheel is rare and thoroughly engaging. I have driven about 20miles and with every mile my interaction with the Lotus becomes more ‘knowing’. This is a car you have to learn to drive. The gearchange is not the easiest to master and you have to invest time to get the reward of slick gear change allied to throttle balance and delicate steering response at speed. When you have served your time the car gives you what you want. Yes it’s fast and I guess 150mph is achievable. But this isn’t about just speed. It’s about the handling and feeling at one with the car. It’s not easy to describe. If you want a fast car then by a modern Audi or BMW. If you want to turn your bedroom poster from the 1970’s and 80’s into a reality then here it is. Learn to drive the car and it will not disappoint.

Mr Peter Stevens, I tip my flat cap to you. You designed and delivered the very essence of Lotus and Colin Chapman in a package that can be used everyday if so desired but I rather suspect will be a sunny day targa top removed blast through the countryside that will deliver so many smiles for your pound sterling.