1983 Lotus Esprit

Coupe

4 - Cyl.

Manual

SCCFC40A2DHF60421

Clear

Gasoline

Only 47 of these Special Editions were ever produced and this one is #34! Metallic Silver / Black Tu-Tone Exterior Dark Gray Leather Interior Contrasting Red Stitching 5 Speed Manual Transmission This is an overview of the Investor's Edition Lotus Esprit Turbo made in 1983. These cars are referred to as the Investor's Edition because they were never for sale. The only way they could be acquired was by making a significant investment in the Lotus Corporation. Those investors were then given the car as a "gift." While Lotus intended to make a total of 50 of these hand-made cars, only 47 of them were actually produced. And of those 47, only a few were made using the original Investor's Edition color specifications. This happened because Lotus let each owner decide if they wanted to change the color scheme before their car was made. Many investors opted to change the color for whatever reason so that only a few retain the original Investor's Edition color scheme. As to the original color scheme, instead of a single color which is how all Esprit Turbos are made, the Investor's Edition body is a two-color theme of silver and black, sporting a thin red pinstripe. The Connolly Leather interior is also silver-gray with red stitching. At the time, the regular Lotus Esprit Turbo was only available with a hard top. The Investor's Edition has a removable, translucent glass sun roof that can also pivot open. A detachable wind spoiler that stores in the back is also included. Lotus blueprinted the engine so that the vehicle's performance curve is higher than the Lotus Esprit Turbo of that year. The blueprint is included with the car. The steering wheel has an embedded sterling silver owner's plaque that displays the car's serial number. The other MOST distinctive feature of the Investor's Edition is that it has the words "Special Edition" followed by a two digit number emblazoned on the driver's side door. That number is actually the count number of that particular car. So for example, the first one made reads "Special Edition 01" with each subsequent car displaying the next number. This is a genuine low mileage Lotus Turbo Esprit Special Edition that has a fully known history of three previous owners. I am in contact with the original owner and the car has an interesting history including appearing in a movie. It is very sound and runs and drives very well. Considerable work has recently been done by Viking Motorsports including new Griffin radiator, fans, smog etc. New tires have also been fitted. There are still a few minor things to be done to the car – the emergency brake doesn’t work for example, but they are things that any self respecting Lotus Owner should have no trouble with! The biggest problem with the car is the interior. The car has been in TX or CA all its life and because of the glass sunroof the leather on the seats has been baked. The seat covers really need to be replaced. The rest of the interior is OK it just needs more TLC over a period of time. The car is also missing the rear bumper. It should not be too difficult to find one. That’s the bad! Now the good! The paintwork is in generally good shape for a 27 year old car. The clear coat is still shiny and looks great despite a few normal stress cracks that are inevitable on any Lotus. The car has the original spare tire and tools and in many ways is like it has been frozen in time. I have the original owners’ books etc that came with the car including the Special Edition book that has the engine and damper dyno sheets. I have been in contact with the factory and the gentleman who signed the engine dyno sheets still works there in the archive department, and told me he remembers these cars being built – not much else I suspect as he must be getting on a bit! The car starts easily, and runs very nicely once warmed up. It accelerates well in every gear; even though the shift is a little vague (normal I’m told!). The red plastic clutch line has been replaced with a braided Stainless hose – a common upgrade. The turbo comes in very smoothly with no perceptible lag. The electric windows work, as does the A/C although I think it could use a recharge. The stereo works although it’s nothing special the sound in such a small cockpit is quite good. The engine provides the real music so why do you need a stereo?! All the gas struts for the front and rear access have been replaced. I have a CarFax with history going back to 1991 The car is ready to drive and enjoy while doing the few things it needs along the way. Believe me there will always be something needing attention on every Lotus! With a few things to finish the car it will be a stunning piece of automotive history. It gets loads of attention wherever it goes and people can’t believe it’s 27 years old! I will answer any questions you may have and will send a link to more photographs on request. The reserve is set at a very reasonable figure, but I will not disclose what it is. I will assist with shipping anywhere in the world but all arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the buyer. 50% deposit will be required within 24 hours of completion of the auction and the balance will be required within 7 days. The ‘Buy it Now’ option requires immediate payment.