1978 Lotus Esprit for sale $59,500
| 1978 Lotus Esprit $59,500 | |
| Car Ad from: Hemmings View Original Ad | |
| Price: | $59,500 |
| Contact: | View Original Ad from Hemmings |
| Location: | Los Angeles, CA |
| Details: |
Founded by (Anthony) Colin (Bruce) Chapman in 1952 (his full initials, ACBC still appear on the Lotus badge to this day) and (since 1966) headquartered in a former World War II Royal Air Force base in Hethel, England, Lotus has always produced some of the most exciting and innovative cars ever built. Their principle focus has always been the combination of a lightweight, aerodynamic body coupled with a highly-tuned, small displacement engine and a chassis with phenomenal handling. Perhaps most famous for its sub-aquatic appearance alongside Roger Moores James Bond, in The Spy Who Loved Me, the Lotus Esprit has long been somewhat (yet wholly undeservedly) overlooked, in the Pantheon of Supercars. Imbued with excellent performance, that could make some of Italys finest blush and breathtaking styling that commands attention, it was initially shown as a concept vehicle, based on the Lotus Europa, at the Turin Motor Show in 1972. Styled by the legendary designer of the Maserati Ghibli and BMW M1 (amongst many others), Giorgetto Giugaro, it began production in 1976 and was a perfect example of Chapmans winning lightweight/aerodynamic/great handling formula. Though the Esprit continued in production until 2004, the stunning Giugaro, wedge-shaped design was only produced until 1987 and is considered the most iconic iteration of the Esprit. This particular car, is one of the last of the S1 cars built. S1 production finished in early 1978 and only 718 S1 Esprits were ever made, making this a very rare find indeed. Instantly identifiable by their unique tail lights and stunning, green gauges, they have long been prized above the other series for their closeness to the original concept. Upgraded with a custom radiator, Koni shocks, Epsilon wheels and an S2 engine cover and valances, the car sits on a fully overhauled and powder coated chassis with powder coated suspension. The engine was fully rebuilt with Venolia pistons, Iskendrian camshafts and a ceramic coated exhaust manifold. The body was completely stripped and refinished in Anthracite with a matching two-tone Alcantara interior. Consequently, it looks, runs andamp; drives fabulously.
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