1987 Lotus Turbo Esprit HC

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1987 Lotus Turbo Esprit HC

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Mileage~69,646 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine2.2-litre
LocationEdinburgh

AUCTION CLOSED

1987 Lotus Turbo Esprit HC

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Introduction

The iconic wedge of the Esprit still turns heads today.

The Lotus Esprit was never a car to blend into the background, but by the mid-1980s it had evolved into something particularly special. With its Giorgetto Giugiaro-penned wedge still looking every inch the supercar, the Turbo Esprit HC brought a healthy dose of extra muscle to the formula, combining Lotus’s lightweight philosophy with a potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

This 1987 example is an HC, or High Compression, model, benefiting from a revised engine designed to deliver more power and improved drivability. Behind the wheel, it offers that wonderfully analogue combination of sharp handling, direct controls and turbocharged performance, while its low-slung stance and dramatic styling make even a short journey feel like an occasion.

For those looking beyond the more obvious supercar choices of the era, the Turbo Esprit offers something distinctly different: British engineering, exotic looks and a driving experience that puts the emphasis firmly on the road ahead.

Coming to market after almost three and a half years with its current owner, Jamie has started recommissioning the car, leaving it in a good starting point for its next custodian.

This listing was written from information supplied by Colin after meeting Jamie the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Having always wanted an Esprit, Jamie jumped at the opportunity to own this HC.

The Esprit was a poster car in Jamie’s youth, and he has enjoyed owning it for almost three and a half years - he has started recommissioning the car and has left it at a good starting point for the next owner to take over.

Jamie has another couple of projects lined up and struggles to get in and out of the Esprit, so he has decided to put it to auction with us.

Jamie will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Mediterranean Blue Metallic is a very rare colour that suits the wedge of the Esprit perfectly.

Wheels and Tyres

The standard Lotus wheels looked to be in good condition for the age of the car, although they could do with a refurb to bring the presentation up a bit.

A matching set of Pirelli tyres has been fitted to the car. These show date codes of 2022 at the front and 2021 at the rear, and they all looked to be in good shape.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The bodywork around the Esprit appeared to be in generally good condition for the car's age. We didn't notice any major damage to the body, and the shut lines looked nice and tight. The doors and engine bay all opened and closed without issue; however, the bonnet didn't quite catch, so this would need some investigation.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The Mediterranean Blue Metallic paintwork is a lovely vibrant colour, but does show some signs of age, with some scratches, cracks and peeling paint, most noticeably on the front bumper and front wings.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass around the Esprit appeared to be in great condition - we did not note any chips or cracks in the windscreen or side windows.

The car also features a glass roof.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Magnolia leather bucket seats hold the driver in position for taking on the back roads home.

Seats and Carpets

The 'Magnolia' leather bucket seats looked to be in good condition; they showed some signs of age but appear to be the original seats.

The carpets around the Esprit looked to be in good condition too, with no major issues noted.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

Dashboard

The dashboard also appeared to be in nice condition.

The dials were all clear and readable, displaying approximately ~69,646 miles on the odometer at the time of our visit.

We did not observe any cracks or splits in the dashboard.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original, unique-design Lotus steering wheel looked to be in lovely condition, with very few signs of use.

The wooden gear knob and gear stick also looked to be in good condition, with the gear pattern clearly visible.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to check the condition of the steering wheel and gear stick for yourself.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Fitted with a turbocharged 2.2-litre engine, the Esprit is eager to go.

Engine and Gearbox

We actioned a cold start on the car and the engine took a few attempts to fire up, but once started, it ran well during the visit.

The manual five-speed gearbox engaged gears, albeit with a little bit of effort, and we did notice that reverse did take a little longer to engage than the other gears - however, the car was still cold at the time.

Please take a look at the cold start video below to see for yourself the performance of the engine and gearbox.

Suspension and Brakes

On our short journey on the road, the suspension seemed to perform well over the potholed roads.

The brakes performed well, bringing the Esprit to a stop with no juddering or squeaking.

Please take a look at the on the road video below to see how the suspension and brakes performed.

The Drive

The car drove well during a short drive out - overall, it performed as expected, although we did hear a couple of intermittent mechanical noises which weren’t picked up on video and may warrant further investigation.

Electrics and Other

Jamie told us there is some investigation work needed to be carried out on the car's electrical systems, possibly including some loom work.

We noticed some of the dashboard lights also stayed illuminated, including the handbrake light, as the handbrake wire needs to be looked at, and the water level light, which needs some further investigation. Also only one of the headlights was popping up, Jamie told us the vacuum system needed to be investigated.

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History and Paperwork

The car comes with its original service book and Certificate of Provenance.

Coming to market after three and a half years with Jamie, the Esprit is the 6th of 12 built: a 1987 Turbo Esprit HC finished in 'Mediterranean Blue Metallic' with 'Magnolia' leather.

It comes with receipts for work carried out, its original service book, Certificate of Provenance and printouts of previous MOTs.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Trade Classics Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of AFS Compliance Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm number 625035. Trade Classics Limited is a vehicle sales business with permission to introduce prospective finance clients to Revered Finance Limited who is also an AR of AFS Compliance Ltd and an independent asset finance brokerage not a lender. We are not independent financial advisors and are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. Trade Classics Limited and Revered Finance Limited will receive payment(s) or other benefit from the finance provider if you decide to enter into an agreement with them. We work with both discretionary and non-discretionary commission models. Commission payments are factored into the interest rate you pay.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
28.11.2022	MOT	69,573
16.04.2011	MOT	68,801
11.06.2008	MOT	68,015
30.05.2007	Service	67,354
29.05.2007	MOT	67,354
19.06.2006	MOT	66,517
30.11.2005	Service	64,532
14.07.1992	Service	25,420
30.03.1992	Service	33,772 (Inaccurate Reading)
20.06.1991	Service	23,662
19.03.1990	Service	15,299
02.02.1989	Service	10,867
05.07.1988	Service	6,027
07.01.1988	Service	3,011

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Key Details

Year1987
ModelTurbo Esprit HC
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date22.05.1987
CC2174
Mileage~69,646 on clock
ColourMediterranean Blue Metallic
Interior ColourMagnolia
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #SCC082910HHD12417
Engine #CP910870123663
MOTNo
MOT ExemptNext Year 2027
Road Tax ExemptNext Year 2027
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers4
Tyre BrandPirelli
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~3 years, 5 months
Key FeatureRare Colour Combination
Vehicle RegistrationD724 FYK
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeCoupe
Auction ID3889

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Vehicle Location

Edinburgh

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Auction Closed

Let us know if you're interested

This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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Seller : JamieHC

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6 Comments

JamieHC

Seller

24 days ago

Yes purchased from UK Sports Cars 15/12/22

Lotuseaters

24 days ago

Hi
Can you tell me did you purchase the car from UK Sports cars ? Thanks

Landy88

25 days ago

Hi Jamie, please can you confirm when the last full service was done and if the car can be driven away ( to London) ? Thanks.

JamieHC

Seller

Landy88

24 days ago

Hi can do. The last service 31/10/08 Bentley Hampshire mileage 68229 (1417 miles ago). The MOT expired 27/11/2023. The Esprit drives but requires extra recommissioning to meet road standards.

Fibreglass1

1 month ago

Could I arrange to come and veiw the Lotus asap

ColinB

Admin

Fibreglass1

1 month ago

Hi,

We can help arrange a viewing for you, if you could send an email to [email protected] first, we need to do some checks.

Thanks,
Colin.

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Vehicle Location

Edinburgh

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