£15,904
1988 Lotus Esprit X180
United Kingdom • 14 Feb 2024
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This 1988 Lotus Esprit X180 is reputedly the first UK non-turbo model, boasting a recent £75k+ restoration. Despite being stored under a tarpaulin for a couple of years resulting in cosmetic issues, it includes a detailed history file, original parts, and low mileage since its engine rebuild.
Condition
6
The car has undergone a recent nut-and-bolt restoration with significant investment, including a full engine rebuild. However, it has suffered some deterioration due to being stored outdoors, affecting the paintwork and headlights. This necessitates some cosmetic TLC to bring it back to its full potential.
/ 10
Manual
Transmission:
SCC085912JHD13056
Chassis No:
Odometer:
69,612 miles
E9PRS
Reg Number:
RHD/LHD:
RHD
Description From a deceased estate; recent nut-and-bolt restoration with bills for over £75k; reputedly the first UK non-turbo X180 made; in the current family ownership since 1994; detailed history file; requires cosmetic TLC First registered in April 1988, this Lotus Esprit X180 (serial number 3056) is reputed to be the very first non-turbo UK market car to leave the Hethel factory following the restyling of the model by Peter Stevens.
It comes with quite a tale to tell, as you will see.
Supplied new via London Lotus Centre of Edgware to fashion retailer Burton Group PLC, it was acquired in 1994 by a lady in Fareham (the car’s third owner) who was to keep it for the next 21 years.
When she passed away, her son inherited the car and decided to restore it in honour of her memory.
In March 2015 he sent it to Worcester Classic Cars with instructions to make it as good as new, no matter what it cost.
17 months and £52,000 later and the job was finally done – almost...
It seems from ...
Points of note
£11,440
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£20,196
Median Price (Since 2020)
£49,509
Highest Price (Since 2020)
World Record
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Rare Sale
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Previous Sales
Gallery
MOT Information
Valid
Expires on Jul 28 2026
Latest MOT Mileage
70,011 miles
Registration Date
1988-04-07
MOT History
Passed
On Jul 21 2025 with 70,011 miles
Passed
On Jul 26 2024 with 69,624 miles
Passed
On Jul 13 2023 with 69,612 miles
There was 1 defect noted.
Advisory:
- Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Front and rear brake pipes to and from hoses. (1.1.11 (c))
Failed
On Jul 13 2023 with 69,612 miles
There were 4 defects noted.
Major:
- Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))
- Nearside Parking (secondary brake) on a single line braking system has inadequate effort at a wheel (1.3.1 (a) (i))
- Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))
Advisory:
- Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Front and rear brake pipes to and from hoses. (1.1.11 (c))
Passed
On Jul 29 2022 with 69,605 miles
There were 6 defects noted.
Advisory:
- Parking (secondary brake) grabbing slightly (1.3.1 (c))
- Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
- Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
- Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly affected by the operation of another lamp (4.4.3 (b))
- Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))
- reverse lights inop
Passed
On May 16 2018 with 69,600 miles
Failed
On May 16 2018 with 69,600 miles
There were 2 defects noted.
Fail:
- Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)
- Nearside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)
Passed
On Aug 25 2016 with 69,588 miles
Failed
On Aug 23 2016 with 69,588 miles
There were 7 defects noted.
Fail:
- Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)
- Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)
- Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)
- Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)
- Nearside Headlamp does not operate immediately when selected on main beam (1.7.4a)
- Nearside Headlamp does not operate immediately when selected on dipped beam (1.7.4a)
- Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (7.3.B.1b)
Passed
On Sep 04 2015 with 69,588 miles
There were 4 defects noted.
Advisory:
- rear rods corroded
- Offside Front Brake pipe slightly damaged (2.2.D.2b)
- Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)
- fuel lines poor
Failed
On Jul 16 2015 with 69,588 miles
There were 16 defects noted.
Fail:
- Rear registration plate missing (6.3.1a)
- Offside Front Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)
- Nearside Steering rack excessively corroded and unserviceable (2.2.C.1d)
- Offside Steering rack damaged and unserviceable (2.2.C.1d)
- Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)
- Nearside Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement (3.5.1k)
- Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)
- Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)
- Offside Front Driver's door catch insecure (6.2.B.2)
Advisory:
- Offside Rear Lower Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
- Nearside Rear Lower Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
- Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)
User Entered:
- Alternator warning light illuminated
- Radiator fans noisy
- Fuel pipe at pump poor
- Steering rack feels "notchy"
MOT Mileage Trend
