1979 (V) Lotus Esprit S2

Originally supplied by Sports Motors Limited of Manchester, this UK specification 1979 Lotus Esprit Series 2 is finished in Carnival Red with gold Lotus accent decals, a black leather and Marcasite interior, and has covered a mere 77,000 miles in its 44 years.

As one of only 27 cars ever delivered in this colour combination, the car is a picture of retro-cool and is presented in lovely condition.

With a stamped service book, and invoices suggesting additional servicing by various owners throughout the years, this is a thoroughly sorted S2. 

Most recently notable is that the car was given a full suspension overhaul, timing belt and tensioner in 2018, prior to its acquisition by its current owner in 2020.

Once in his possession, the car was immediately further treated to a very exhaustive overhaul by the renowned Lotus experts, CSP Specialists Ltd, costing approximately £12k.

These works included a full engine and gearbox service with cam belt change and tensioner, full reparation of all electrics, strip and rebuild of carbs and distributor, new electronic ignition system, new throttle, clutch and handbrake cables, new fan switches, new flexi pipes, new alloy coolant pipes, new fuel pipes, all panels were realigned, the driveshaft UJs were rebuilt, cam cover gaskets, brake pads, gear linkage was realigned, a new heat shield, the clutch was replaced and adjusted, new front chassis gear linkage bush, new starter motor, all fluids replaced, fuel tank flush, new starter motor, the underside was cleaned and treated with Shutz, and the list goes on… whatever was needed was done, regardless of cost. 

Having covered very minimal mileage since, the result is a car that is unlike other cars available - it doesn’t suffer from any of the foibles often associated with these cars. The electric are all in full working order, it starts 'on the button' every time and moves down the road exactly as it should, with no rattles, shakes or creaks. It's responsive, pointy and fun, exactly how Colin Chapman would have intended.

In great mechanical and cosmetic condition, and retaining its original, matching numbers 2-litre engine and 5-speed manual transmission, this Esprit S2 is supplied with its original service book, Lotus Certificate of Authenticity, many invoices, an advisory-free MOT until late 2023, and a 12-month extendable warranty.

This Esprit S2 offers the new owner an opportunity to own a mechanically sorted, reliable head-turner with retro looks and superb driver appeal.