Lotus Esprit

Key facts

Year

1989
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

2,174cc
Cylinders

4 cylinder
Valves

Double overhead camshaft
Output

172bhp at 6,500rpm
Maximum speed

138mph
Performance

0-60mph 6.5 seconds
Price new

£28,100
Owner

National Motor Museum Trust
Manufacturer

Lotus Cars Limited, Norwich

Regarded by many as Britain’s supercar, the original Lotus Esprit, with angular styling by Giugiaro, was something of a sensation when launched in 1976. A decade later it looked dated and a re-design was masterminded by Peter Stevens, who later designed the McLaren F1, MG TF and Subaru Imprezza. The new car, although heavier than its predecessor, was more aerodynamic. A more rigid body and refinements to suspension gave improved handling. In turbocharged form, the Lotus Esprit had supercar 150mph plus performance.

From the 1970s, Lotus began to move upmarket to compete with makers such as Porsche and Ferrari, a process that continued after the death of company founder Colin Chapman in 1982. Lotus was taken over by General Motors in 1986. Ownership passed to Bugatti in 1993 and to Malaysian manufacturer Proton in 1996.