Launched in 1976, the Esprit was designed by Giorgetto Guigiaro alongside mastermind Colin Chapman.

The Series 1, or S1 Esprit, was fitted with a 1,973 cc four cylinder engine, producing 160 bhp.

The wedge shaped fibreglass body was mounted to a steel chassis, with the engine planted directly behind the occupants.

This drove the rear wheels via a Citroen C35 5-speed manual gearbox.

Praised for its handling, the S1 was a force to be reckoned with on the twisty bits, although it did receive some criticism for being underpowered.

The S2 was launched just two years later, with a revised body that included cooling ducts behind the rear quarter windows, and the rear lights from a Rover SD1.

There were also changes inside, with wider seats and individual gauges giving a more racey feel to the cabin.

The bhp remained the same, but there was an increase in torque.

It was in 1981 when this particular model we have here was released, the Series 3 or S3, with a new more powerful 2.2 litre ...