
£32,696
1977 Lotus Esprit S1 - Ex Colin Chapman
United Kingdom • 14 Aug 2025
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This 1977 Lotus Esprit S1, believed to be the first silver production model and with a Colin Chapman connection, underwent an extensive restoration in 2015. While it has some cosmetic imperfections and minor mechanical issues, it comes with a substantial history file and is a notable example of a classic British sports car.

Condition
6
The car is described as having imperfections on the lower half of the passenger door and the panel behind, damage between the bonnet and right-hand wing, and a scratch on the left-hand rear wing. Some chrome trim in the cockpit shows age-related wear. The heated rear window is inoperative and the cabin heater produces very limited warmth. While it has had an extensive restoration, these issues indicate moderate wear and the need for some reconditioning.
/ 10
Manual
Transmission:
[Chassis No]
Chassis No:
Odometer:
69,291 miles
VEX 299S
Reg Number:
RHD/LHD:
RHD
KEY FACTS This Lotus Esprit S1 is an iconic Giugiaro-designed classic British sports car, believed to be the first silver production S1 and with a documented connection to Colin Chapman, having been used by the Lotus factory to test early S2 developments.
It is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre ‘Type 907’ inline-four, producing around 160hp, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
The car benefits from an extensive ‘body-off’ ‘nut-and-bolt’ restoration in 2015, carried out to a high standard, with mechanical, cosmetic, and structural refurbishment.
First registered in August 1977, this example has been with the seller for over 20 years.
The odometer indicates 69,291 miles, which the seller believes to be accurate, though this is not warranted.
EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES This Esprit S1 is finished in a timeless shade of silver, over a black leather and synthetic suede-trimmed interior, featuring green Veglia gauges.
It rides on a set of 14-inch Wolfr...
Points of note
£7,984
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£28,528
Median Price (Since 2020)
£124,292
Highest Price (Since 2020)
World Record
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Lowest Price
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Average Price
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Rare Sale
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Previous Sales
Gallery

MOT Information
Expired
Expired on May 04 2019
Latest MOT Mileage
68,932 miles
Registration Date
1977-08-01
MOT History
Passed
On Apr 17 2018 with 68,932 miles
Passed
On May 05 2017 with 68,642 miles
Passed
On Apr 13 2016 with 68,358 miles
Failed
On Apr 04 2016 with 68,356 miles
There was 1 defect noted.
Fail:
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
Failed
On Mar 14 2016 with 68,348 miles
There were 2 defects noted.
Fail:
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
- Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)
Passed
On Mar 16 2015 with 67,444 miles
Failed
On Feb 20 2015 with 67,444 miles
There were 8 defects noted.
Fail:
- Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)
- Offside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)
- Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)
- Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)
- Nearside Front Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)
- Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)
- Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)
- Fuel pipe union leaking (7.2.3)












