£48,562
1997 Lotus Esprit V8 Turbo
United Kingdom • 26 Feb 2026 • Lot N/A
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This 1997 Lotus Esprit V8 Turbo is a unique, ex-Lotus press car that has been extensively upgraded to produce over 500bhp. It boasts over £40,000 in upgrades, including engine and gearbox work, but has some cosmetic wear and tear consistent with its age and use.
Condition
7
The car is described as being in good condition overall, with some wear visible. The exterior has some stone chips and blemishes, scratches on the sunroof and roof panels, and corrosion on the black metal trims. The interior has some wear around the shifter boot and switchgear, sagging on the dashboard, and a scuff on the driver's seat. However, the car has been extensively upgraded and maintained, with a recent respray and mechanical work done. The wheels have some scratches, but overall, the car appears to be in solid condition with slight wear but no major damage.
/ 10
Manual
Transmission:
[Chassis No]
Chassis No:
Odometer:
81,927 miles
R472 AAH
Reg Number:
RHD/LHD:
[RHD/LHD]
Highlights Ex-Lotus Press car £40,000 worth of upgrades Incredible mechanical specification Front end PPF Maintained and improved irrespective of cost in current ownership Overview Lotus had come a long way from the original Esprit by the time the 90s came around, but they really did save the best for last.
The final iteration of the wedge-shaped, mid-engined supercar, the S4 Esprit was unveiled in 1994, with the halo twin-turbocharged V8 model being added to the range from 1996 onwards.
With its softer front end and impressive presence, it was now more of a supercar bruiser than the original lightweight wedge, baiting the likes of Ferraris and Porsches of the era, and even spawning a GT1 variant for racing.
This particular Esprit was used to showcase the 1998MY changes by Lotus at the 1997 London Show, and was confirmed to be a 1-of-1 specification produced that year.
Purchased by the current owner in 2021, this Esprit has been treated to an extensive regime of upgrades totalling ...
Points of note
£28,184
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£47,454
Median Price (Since 2020)
£180,519
Highest Price (Since 2020)
World Record
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Top 40%
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Rare Sale
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Previous Sales
Gallery
MOT Information
Expired
Expired on Nov 24 2025
Latest MOT Mileage
81,429 miles
Registration Date
1997-10-06
MOT History
Passed
On Nov 25 2024 with 81,429 miles
Passed
On Nov 01 2023 with 80,934 miles
There was 1 defect noted.
Advisory:
- Emission requirements only just met
Passed
On Oct 06 2022 with 79,621 miles
There were 2 defects noted.
Advisory:
- Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
Failed
On Jun 13 2022 with 79,617 miles
There were 6 defects noted, with 1 deemed dangerous.
Major:
- Front Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements (0.1 (d))
- Rear Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements (0.1 (d))
Minor:
- Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))
Advisory:
- Nearside Rear Outer Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing sidewall cracking / perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Offside Rear Outer Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing sidewall cracking / perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
Passed
On Jul 27 2021 with 78,400 miles
Passed
On Feb 18 2019 with 77,523 miles
Passed
On Apr 09 2018 with 76,074 miles
Passed
On Apr 13 2017 with 74,740 miles
Passed
On Apr 01 2016 with 73,442 miles
Passed
On Mar 27 2015 with 71,903 miles
Passed
On Mar 29 2014 with 70,310 miles
There was 1 defect noted.
Advisory:
- Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)
Failed
On Mar 28 2014 with 70,305 miles
There were 2 defects noted.
Fail:
- Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)
Advisory:
- Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)
Passed
On Mar 29 2013 with 68,182 miles
There were 2 defects noted.
Advisory:
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
Passed
On Apr 26 2012 with 66,542 miles
Passed
On Apr 07 2011 with 66,538 miles
Passed
On Jul 04 2009 with 65,408 miles
There were 3 defects noted.
Advisory:
- Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
- Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)
- Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)
Passed
On May 01 2008 with 63,495 miles
Passed
On Apr 05 2007 with 60,517 miles
Passed
On May 27 2006 with 53,430 miles
MOT Mileage Trend
