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£9,562
1978 Lotus Esprit S2
United Kingdom • 25 Jun 2025
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This 1978 Lotus Esprit S2, one of only 1061 built, is a right-hand drive UK market example offered in running condition as a stalled restoration. It retains its original Speedline wheels and much of its interior, presenting a worthwhile project despite needing bodywork restoration.
Condition
4
The car is described as a stalled restoration project that is offered in running and driving condition. The bodywork requires restoration, but is fibreglass so is not affected by rust. The interior has much of the original that survives. There is noticeable cosmetic and mechanical wear. Reconditioning is necessary.
/ 10
Transmission:
[Transmission]
Chassis No:
0454G7807
Odometer:
[Odometer Reading]
Reg Number:
FRX 651T
RHD/LHD:
RHD
In mid-1978, Lotus released details of the Esprit S2.
The S2 was primarily a machine of greater creature comforts, rather than improved performance.
Made between 1978 and 1981, 1,061 S2s rolled off the production line.
Externally, the sharp-edged lines were much the same as before, but some useful modifications had taken place.
The top speed claim remained at 138mph, but stability was improved through the use of the integrated front spoiler rather than the blade spoiler of the S1.
Additional improvements included a set of 'ears' that were grafted onto the rear side windows to aid air induction for the engine.
The most striking external alterations came from the fitment of Speedline alloy wheels.
The new wheels were designed by Lotus at the personal behest of Colin Chapman.
Our S2 may be in need of some work, but it is very sound as projects go and has benefitted from much mechanical fettling.
Its basic soundness and the extreme rarity of S2s mean that it is very much worth see...
Points of note
£9,562
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£23,889
Median Price (Since 2020)
£47,251
Highest Price (Since 2020)
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Previous Sales
Gallery
MOT Information
Expired
Expired on Jul 03 2014
Latest MOT Mileage
79,945 miles
Registration Date
1978-09-21
MOT History
Passed
On Jul 04 2013 with 79,945 miles
There were 10 defects noted.
Advisory:
- Nearside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)
- Offside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)
- Steering component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.2.C.1h)
- Nearside Parking brake mechanism/associated mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (3.1.9)
- Offside Parking brake mechanism/associated mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (3.1.9)
- Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)
- Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)
- Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)
- Front Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)
- Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)
Passed
On Feb 07 2011 with 79,495 miles
There were 5 defects noted.
Advisory:
- Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)
- Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)
- Offside Rear Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)
- Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)
User Entered:
- Wiring running through cab
Failed
On Feb 04 2011 with 79,480 miles
There were 8 defects noted.
Fail:
- Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on (1.4.B.1f)
- Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off (1.4.B.1f)
- Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)
Advisory:
- Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)
- Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)
- Offside Rear Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)
- Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)
User Entered:
- Wiring running through cab
MOT Mileage Trend
