Unveiled in 1987, the Peter Stevens redesign of the venerable Lotus Esprit saw the mid-engined rocketship's sharp edges softened, the interior revamped and the mechanical specification improved.

Indeed, the Esprit was now a genuine supercar contender, with over 160mph available from the Special Equipment model of 1989, largely thanks to the adoption of a water to air intercooler on the 2.2-litre four.

In 1993, Lotus further updated the Esprit with exterior styling by Julian Thompson.

Relatively minor changes to the front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a new wheel design were nicely resolved and the Esprit's dramatic styling was suitably updated for a new decade.

This early facelifted Esprit Turbo was registered to its first owner on 21st April 1988, finished in Calypso Red with a tan leather interior.

During the 1990s the Lotus was cared for by main dealer JCT600, later being maintained by marque specialists.

Notably the Esprit benefitted from an engine rebuild in 2008 at 48,0...