1978 Lotus esprit s1

price £148,000



  • Powertrain

    • Engine:  2.5 Litre Lotus Inline-4 (uprated from 2.0L)

    • Induction: Jenvey Throttle Bodies

    • Power Output: ~250 bhp (up from ~160 bhp stock)

    • Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox (rebuilt, strengthened internals)

    • Exhaust: Lightweight stainless steel system (period-correct tone)

    Details:

    The 2.5 litre engine is the road going version of the Lotus Sunbeam Rally car successfully rallied by Mike Taylor and Cathy Sewart.

    The engine is the result of exhaustive testing and development in the harshest of environments, rallying.

    At the heart is a bespoke crankshaft designed and engineered in Warwickshire.

    Whilst 2 kgs heavier than the original, the design helps negate the imbalance of the original crankshaft, resulting in a smoother, higher revving engine with increased durability and reliability.

    Jenvey throttle bodies to replace original DelOrto for improved cold start, diminished flat spots, removes potential hot start issues, increased fuel economy.​

    Performance

    • 0–60 mph: ~expected sup 4 secs – Top Speed: ~155 mph

    • Weight: Approx. 950 kg (lightweight composite body retained)

    • Driving Character: Analogue, lightweight, sharp steering response

    Exterior

    • Exterior Colour: Solid White (original S1-correct finish)

    • Body: Glassfibre composite body, fully restored and panel-corrected

    • Aero: Original S1 front splitter and rear buttresses retained

    • Lighting: Period-correct pop-up headlights with LED bulbs

    • Wheels: 15-inch period-style alloy wheels (S1 design)

    • Tyres: Modern performance tyres with classic sidewall profile

    • Trim: Black window surrounds, minimalist brightwork as per S1

    Interior

    • nterior Colour: Lotus Green with Red check from period. 

    • Dashboard: Original S1 binnacle, restored with upgraded internals

    • Instrumentation: Smiths-style analogue gauges (refurbished)

    • Steering Wheel: Period-style three-spoke wheel

    • Carpets: Lightweight black carpeting with sound-deadening upgrade

    • Infotainment: Discreet Bluetooth audio (hidden installation)

    • Climate: Improved ventilation and upgraded heater controls

    Chassis, Suspension & Brakes

    • Chassis: Original Lotus steel backbone chassis (fully restored)

    • Front Suspension: Double wishbone, uprated dampers and springs

    • Rear Suspension: Lower links and radius arms with uprated bushings

    • Brakes: Four-wheel disc brakes with upgraded calipers and braided lines

    • Steering: Manual rack, reconditioned for precision and feedback

    Electrical & Reliability Upgrades

    • Modern wiring loom

    • High-output alternator

    • Upgraded cooling system with alloy radiator

    • Improved fuel delivery and heat shieldingFor rebuild to your specification

  • Many new OEM parts

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