Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1984 Lotus Esprit S3
Estimate
£16, 000 - £20, 000
Registration No: B429 MLL
Chassis No: SCC085912EHD11860
MOT: Exempt
Just 45, 000 miles and seven previous keepers from new
Desirable home-market RHD example
Approximately £5, 000 in expenditure, since acquisition in 2019
Original Handbook and a comprehensive history file
Launched in 1976, the Esprit was designed by Giorgetto Guigiaro alongside mastermind Colin Chapman. The Series 1, or S1 Esprit, was fitted with a 1, 973 cc four cylinder engine, producing 160 bhp. The wedge shaped fibreglass body was mounted to a steel chassis, with the engine planted directly behind the occupants. This drove the rear wheels via a Citroen C35 5-speed manual gearbox. Praised for its handling, the S1 was a force to be reckoned with on the twisty bits, although it did receive some criticism for being underpowered. The S2 was launched just two years later, with a revised body that included cooling ducts behind the rear quarter windows, and the rear lights from a Rover SD1. There were also changes inside, with wider seats and individual gauges giving a more racey feel to the cabin. The bhp remained the same, but there was an increase in torque. It was in 1981 when this particular model we have here was released, the Series 3 or S3, with a new more powerful 2. 2 litre '912' engine. The engine delivered 160 bhp and 160 lb-ft of torque, and this propelled the Esprit from 0-60mph in an impressive 6. 5 seconds. The body was refined again with larger bumpers, more aerodynamic styling and the underside was not left untouched with a new chassis and suspension set up, that gave the Esprit its impeccable handling.
Consigned to us from a private collection, this desirable S3 variant of the Esprit was supplied new via ‘London Lotus Centre’ in November of 1984. Finished in striking Silver with a two-tone Grey interior, ‘B429 MLL’ entered the current ownership in February of 2019. Treated to in the region of £2, 200 in parts and £2, 800 in labour since then; the S3 had its cam belt and water pump changed in 2019, but has remained on static display thereafter. Works carried out at this time included a rebuild of the suspension and bushing, together with refurbishment of the factory alloy wheels and fitment of quality replacement tyres. The Lotus has remained in a dry garage throughout his custodianship, but “hasn’t turned a wheel in a few years”. During our recent photography session, the two seater started and ran well, but obviously may require minor recommissioning before heavy road use. Offered with a very conservative guide figure, the Esprit is sold with a large paperwork file, comprising the original handbook, extended warranty booklet, numerous tax disks and MOT certificates, together with a large section of invoices / receipts for maintenance carried out throughout the decades.
