£90,000 - £110,000
1981 Lotus Esprit Turbo Essex Commemorative
United Kingdom • 21 Mar 2026 • Lot 179
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This is a Commemorative Lotus Essex Esprit, chassis #17 of only 22 built, with a red exterior and red leather interior. Recent work includes a full brake overhaul and it retains its original alloys.
Condition
8
Superb paint, comprehensive history file.
/ 10
Manual
Transmission:
SCCFC20A6AHD10941
Chassis No:
Odometer:
[Odometer Reading]
OVU 84W
Reg Number:
RHD/LHD:
RHD
This is an outstanding Commemorative example of the flamboyant Formula One sponsorship deal fashioned by Colin Chapman and the equally enigmatic David Theime of the Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation
The press launch in October 1980 raised the bar in sponsorship profile terms with the association introducing high glamour, high spending and an innovative approach to team hospitality.
The Lotus F1 liveries of Elio De Angelis and Mario Andretti were to become one of the all-time most iconic colour schemes in Formula 1 history
Offered here is chassis #17 of only twenty-two Essex Esprits built and it still presents with the same level of 'wow' factor that it did 45 years ago
The paintwork is superb with a stunning all red leather interior and aircraft-style centre roof console housing switchgear and the Panasonic stereo, and it still retains its original extra wide split-rim Compomotive alloys
The history file is comprehensive to say the least and commensurate to a Lotus as significant ...
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Previous Sales
Gallery
MOT Information
Valid
Expires on Jan 14 2027
Latest MOT Mileage
403 miles
Registration Date
1981-01-09
MOT History
Passed
On Jan 15 2026 with 403 miles
There was 1 defect noted.
Advisory:
- Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
Failed
On Nov 13 2025 with 402 miles
There were 5 defects noted.
Major:
- Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))
- Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))
Advisory:
- Offside Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))
- Brake operation pressure/vacuum assistance close to minimum requirement (1.1.3 (a) (i))
- Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing both (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
Passed
On Oct 23 2024 with 377 miles
Passed
On Oct 11 2023 with 293 miles
MOT Mileage Trend
