Only 1,672 X180 variants were produced, and it’s thought that no more than 300 or so normally aspirated (NA) examples were built, although you can never be entirely sure with Lotus’ famously cavalier record-keeping.

We just happen to have a fine, low mileage example here with us today.

Owned by the vendor for 25 years, the car is in very good condition and has evidently been well maintained and fastidiously curated throughout its long life.

With a genuine odometer reading of just 42,990 miles, it is unsurprising that it starts, goes and stops as well as it does.

The iconic Hethel wedge looks as striking and eye-catching today as it did back in 1989.

In common with its Norfolk stablemates, this fibre-glass-bodied car doesn’t have any rust to contend with on its svelte flanks.

Nor does it have any dinks, dents or creases that we can see anywhere.

No, it all looks good and the panel gaps and shut-lines are what you would expect to find on a hand-built car.

Until Esprit production ...