First shown as a prototype on a modified Europa chassis at the 1972 Turin show, the Esprit was launched at the 1975 Paris Motor Show.

It went into production in June 1976, replacing the Europa in the model line up.

Lotus focused on the engineering, but the styling was given to Giorgio Giugiaro and his then new Italdesign studio.

Giugiaro suggested the name Esprit, which remained on the production car.

The Series I Esprit gained fame through its appearance in the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me.

This wonderful early car was delivered new to Grange Motors of Brentwood in Essex in January 1978.

Showing a sensible 76,000 miles from new, this well loved example is offered with much history including a careful restoration whilst in the care of just two owners during the last 14 years.

Documentation includes service and repair invoices, MOT certificates to the early 1980s and a Lotus Certificate of Provenance.

A very nicely sorted example of a true 70s classic sportscar.