Lotus Esprit S2.2 1980

Well, here it is, the one that you've been waiting for.

Lotus Esprit S2.2  -  OPW 656W - 912 Engine - Genuine Matching Numbers

First Registered  -  1.11.1980     -        Current Owner since 30.08.1990

If you are looking at this and are seriously considering the purchase of such a gem of Motoring History; Congratulations. This is just such an example of the Model and Marque.

Towards the end of Series 2 production in 1980 the range was expanded with the Esprit Turbo, the majority of which were finished in the Formula One Team sponsor Essex Petroleum's slightly lairy livery. Simultaneously the normally aspirated cars were treated to a revised ‘Type 912' engine of increased 2.2 litre capacity and hence the “Series 2.2” was born. In production for barely a year apparently just eighty-eight examples for ALL markets were manufactured from January 1980 to March 1981, becoming the rarest of all Esprit models, Essex Turbos aside. I know for a fact that at least two have been destroyed, possibly more. making this model even rarer and therefore more desirable and must be regarded as a huge investment opportunity. The S2.2 bought significant improvements over the S1 & S2 including flexibility and up to a claimed 20% better MPG and massive improvements in through the range performance and handling.While on paper they produced no more horsepower than the 2.0 litre ‘907' engined cars, those horses may just have been a little more muscular, though the larger engines increased torque was quantifiable – up 20 lb/ft. to 160. However, the clutch, brakes and exhaust were uprated to handle the extra power and torque and possibly the most significant change for the Series 2.2 was virtually invisible to the untrained eye; a revised front wrap-around diffuser/spoiler which is claimed significantly improved roadholding and handling when compared to the S1 & S2. In any event, it is such a prettier addition to an already beautiful design, which for me, makes the S2.2 the prettiest of all Esprit. Also, for the first time on a Lotus, the chassis was galvanised resulting in the Holy Grail of longevity, a fibreglass body and a virtually rust-proof chassis. Co-incidentally, I believe that this model Esprit was the most expensive ever sold at the time.

Contrary to common ‘Shaggy Dog' stories, Lotus' production records are not “notoriously vague” especially regarding Esprit and according to Lotus only 88 were produced during its thirteen-month production span. Andy, the Factory Archivist for furnishing me with a wealth of build information and early history for this Esprit. This Lotus was built as a UK market specification car, one of just sixty-five such examples and one of only eight cars finished in ‘L15' black, and even less with the desirable cream interior, gold wheels and Air Conditioning.

You will, of course, have noticed the Registration number which I believe to be worth in excess of £1000 alone. Apart from it's veiled relationship with the latter two James Bond Esprit. White Turbo OPW 654W and Metallic Copper Turbo OPW 678W it also has a relationship with Elite OPW 655W and Eclat OPW 657W (Press Road Test Vehicles) together with White Turbos OPW 666W & OPW 667W all vehicles that I believe were supplied by Lotus to the Motoring Press for their Test Reports and Review Articles.

To my knowledge, everything on this vehicle is original, untouched and not modified in any way during my Tenure, with the only known alteration being the steering wheel. I've always wanted to maintain it for originality, it's important for a car that is this rare. However, I have to say that this steering wheel is extremely chunky and has an excellent ‘feel' when driving and inspires such confidence in the already renowned Esprit handling.

The car also benefits from being one of the very few to have Air Conditioning fitted, a bonus with Global Warming? It is a nice extra to have.

I have a little history from before I purchased Lucy Lotus, but have everything since, including the original Handbook. I also have a genuine Workshop Manual, have you seen the price these often reach when offered for sale?

In my ownership I had much work carried out by Henry Pearman and his team at Eagle Racing, (E-Type Fame) and Spyder Racing Handling Clinic  - where they believed that it was the fastest untouched S2.2 they had ever driven. (Lotus fettled for the Motoring Press Road Tests? We know that was common practice according to Tony Rudd). Because of the relationship of the Registration Number to the Press Road Test Elite and Eclat, I have always believed that this Esprit was produced specifically for the Press, though so far, I have been unable to verify this.

The vehicle has not been driven for many years but has been dry stored and covered with a quality car cover. A total restoration will be required to bring her back to a condition she deserves.

Today the bodywork is essentially very good with very few blemishes and it is very straight with, for a fibreglass car, excellent alignment, panel gaps and fit. The driver's door has, like most Esprit dropped a little, but still closes properly. The paintwork is excellent with a very good shine and no evidence of any ‘orange peel', star-crazing or micro-blistering. The correct S2.2 pattern gold stripes and logos are still in excellent un-damaged condition which offset the paintwork very nicely.

As can be noted from the pictures, the rims are gold which offset the gold trim and black so well. To bring out their best, a refurbish would be desirable. Some black cars were fitted with silver wheels which in my opinion just don't do them justice. The original Lotus-logo centre caps are present if a little faded. It may be worth noting that if the white lettering is not to your taste, the tyres can be reversed on the rims so the un-highlighted side is presented. However, despite being stored on axle-stands to ensure that the tyres were not “flat-spotted” I believe that due to their age, it is essential that the tyres be replaced before the vehicle is driven.

There are no cracks or damage to the rear lights though the front indicator/side light units have some very slight stress cracks emanating from the screw holes. The apparently original Triplex glass is all in excellent condition with no delaminating, chips or scratches. There are only two bits of external chrome, namely the screen surrounds of which the front is very good as is the rear. On the rear Tailgate carries the Gold updated “World Championship” plate.

Inside the Esprit the seats are finished in magnolia leather that offset a black S2.2 so well. The remaining trim is the usual contrasting Marcasite but does have the usual fading under the windscreen, though the faded colour is rather in-keeping with the cars age. The original chrome trim strips are very good. The original wooden gear knob is nicely worn-in but far from tatty.

The engine bay of the Lotus is cleanish, tidyish and is no horror story either. The galvanised chassis looks to be in good condition. Underside it is much the same; good honest grime which could be jet washed and showing no signs of having been ‘bottomed' or bashed that would have damaged the Galvanising. I believe that it has Stainless steel exhaust boxes, though I'm not certain.

So, there she is. I believe that I've covered everything, but will not be surprised if something else comes to mind later.

With this era and style of ‘classic' really coming into its own in recent years, now could well be the time to grab a wedge of 1980.

As already stated, this vehicle will benefit from total restoration to bring it back to the condition that it deserves.

The car is in Central France and MUST be collected and trailered away, I will not deliver. I will NOT allow the car to be moved OR EVEN TURN A WHEEL until the full balance has been transferred into my English Bank Account and there will be NO exceptions.

I WILL NOT PART-EX, NOR WILL I END THE AUCTION EARLY UNLESS AN OFFER THAT I CONSIDER TO BE REALISTIC IS FORTHCOMING. I WILL NOT DIVULGE WHAT THAT OFFER NEEDS TO BE. SUFFICE IT TO SAY, IT WILL NEED TO BE IN EXCESS OF THE RESERVE.

The car will be sold free from all liens and encumbrances and just to be absolutely clear, there are NO guarantees, actual or implied with the car. It will be sold as seen with absolutely no extras. Be sure to look at the photographs, they form part of the description.

If you have less than 10 positive feedbacks please contact me or your bid will be removed.

A NON-RETURNABLE Deposit Payment of £500.00 by BACS TRANSFER will be required from the winning bidder within 36 hours of the close of auction. If the winning Bidder fails to complete, for ANY REASON WHATSOEVER, the deposit will NOT be refunded. Before the car is released the ENTIRE balance by BACS transfer will be required. If you are unhappy with any conditions of sale, implied or actual, then DO NOT bid.

THE WINNING BIDDER SHOULD CONTACT ME WITHIN 36 HOURS OF THE END OF THE AUCTION AND NEEDS TO MAKE A £500 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT VIA BANK TRANSFER TO SECURE THE DEAL AND THE ENTIRE BALANCE WILL BECOME DUE BY BANK TRANSFER ON COLLECTION BUT BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS REMOVED.

THIS AUCTION IS COLLECTION ONLY.

I WELCOME ALL GENUINE BIDDERS, BUT DUE TO THE NUMBER OF SPOOF BIDDERS SPOILING AUCTIONS, ANYONE WITH LESS THAN 10 POSITIVE FEEDBACKS MUST CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL PRIOR TO BIDDING OR THEIR BIDS WILL BE REMOVED.

I ALSO WELCOME ANY VIEWINGS BEFORE THE END OF AUCTION BUT AFTER THE END OF THE AUCTION THERE WILL BE NO ACCEPTABLE EXCUSES FOR FAILURE TO COMPLETE.

ANY ENQUIRIES OR REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAR WILL BE REQUIRED BEFORE END OF THE AUCTION.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION OR WOULD LIKE TO COME AND VIEW THE CAR YOU CAN CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL.

And  if you have come this far then you must be interested in My Pride and Joy......Thank you for reading my listing!

This car is advertised elsewhere and therefore I reserve the right to withdraw from this auction at any time without prior notice.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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