Sold | 1983 Lotus ESPRIT

Page Contents

Track live values and receive listing alerts

Enquire Now

View All Images

£36,500

1983 Lotus ESPRIT

United Kingdom • 12 Nov 2020

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This 1983 Lotus Esprit Turbo is a unique example with a fascinating history, formerly owned by David Wickins, the chairman of Lotus. It features a bespoke green/black color scheme, a recently rebuilt engine, and a restored interior. With only 31,000 miles and extensive restoration work, this Esprit Turbo is a rare find for collectors.

Condition

7

The car presents very well, with a recent respray and interior in good order. The engine and mechanicals have been recently overhauled, and the car is said to drive well. The only noticeable flaw is a crack in the dashboard, but overall, the car is in great shape for its age.

/ 10

Transmission:

Manual

Chassis No:

31000

Odometer:

31,000 miles

Reg Number:

[Reg Number]

RHD/LHD:

RHD

This is not just any old Lotus Esprit Turbo.

This truly bespoke example was built for and owned by David Wickins, the founder of BCA (British Car Auctions) and Chairman of Lotus.

David Wickins was, by any measure, a buccaneering businessman of the old school and quite a character – to put it mildly.

A quick peek at his Wikipedia entry states that having learned to ride a horse at the age of 40 he went on to sponsor Bob Champion and become a successful owner and breeder.

He also sponsored Nick Faldo and was a near-scratch golfer himself.

He was married either 5 or 6 times, the uncertainty stemming from some confusion over his marital status while he was living in South Africa.

He also served as a Lieutenant on Royal Navy motor torpedo boats during the war, tried to buy the MG brand and the Abingdon factory in 1980, turned BCA into the world’s largest automotive auction business, lived throughout his business career at 99 Park Lane…and bought a pub in Surrey.

He became the Executi...