In the early-1970s, the recently appointed Tony Rudd came up with two major ideas, codenamed Project M50 and Project M70.

The former became the 1974 Lotus Elite, the latter became the Esprit.

The S1 Esprit was released in 1976 following halts in production and design with Colin Chapman being underwhelmed by the model version’s wind tunnel performance, with the S2 launching in 1978.

As part of the advertising and marketing program, the S2 was launched featuring an infamous shot of its creator Colin Chapman perched on a Championship Gold S2 Esprit in front of his JPS logo'd Cessna Chancellor executive twin.

It's the kind of image that only the 70s could pull off with any degree of normality.

External differences from the S1 included new intake and cooling ducts behind the rear quarter windows, 14-inch Speedline alloy wheels, taillights from the Rover SD1 and an integrated front spoiler.

Not known for their practicality, more helpful changes were made including relocating the batter...