Vehicle Description
1999 Lotus Esprit S4-350 Coupe
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Designer: Giorgetto Giugiaro/Julian Thomson
Estimate: $45,000 - $75,000 Without Reserve
Chassis Number: SCCDC082XXHA15830
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Decoded: S=England; CC=Lotus Automobiles; D=3.5L Turbo V8;
C=Restraint System; 082=Esprit Turbo V8; X=Check digit; X=1999;
H=Hethal assembly; A=LHD USA market; 1=Esprit V8, 5830=Unit
Sequence
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Engine: 3.5L DOHC V8
Twin-Turbocharged/350 bhp
6-Speed Manual Transaxle
Four Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
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Odometer: 36,575 Miles
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Ultimate in Power from Lotus
Superb Handling and Performance
England's Favorite Supercar of the 1990's
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The Model - If Giorgetto Giugiaro had his way back in the
mid-1970's the new Lotus introduced in 1976 would have been called
the Kiwi. He had created a masterpiece in the tradition of his
polygonal "folded-paper" designs. In 1993, Julian Thomson did some
needed updates that included a smaller spoiler, revised front and
rear designs, side skirts and valance panels. While the 4-cylinder
engines had proven plenty potent, for 1996, the Esprit V8 was
released and the rest was history. Developing their own Type 918 V8
all-aluminum engine, it featured a flat-plane crankshaft and dual
Garrett T25/60 Turbochargers. Derek Bell was called upon to develop
a stronger transaxle and a legend was born. Extensive use of
carbon-fiber helped lighten the car and added to its overall look.
O-to-60 times were around 4.3 seconds and that was with the engine
detuned at the factory. With a little adjusting, HP output could be
raised to 500, but that was said to be a bit too tough on the
transaxle.�
The Car - For 1999, just 123 of the V8 Turbo Esprits were produced
with all but 10 of them coming to the USA. This excellent example
finished in Chrome Yellow and fitted with its original tan
leathers, has been treated to an exhaustive mechanical rebuild
ensuring top performance just as it had been designed to deliver.
All connecting rod bearings were replaced and an upgraded head-stud
kit was installed to allow re-use if needed. Heads were checked and
found to be at factory specs as were the cylinder liners which
showed virtually no wear. A new twin-disc clutch described as OEM
equivalent was installed while the pressure plate and flywheel were
found to be nearly perfect. New belts were installed, the starter
rebuilt, while new coolant level and oil pressure sensor switches
were also installed. No detail was overlooked including a refurbish
of the Saturn V8 wheels. Stunning in its appearance, breath-taking
in its performance, this is simply the most awesome Lotus one can
aspire to own.