Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1990 Lotus Esprit
X180 from a discerning collection
Estimate
£18, 000 - £22, 000
Registration No: C18 SCB
Chassis No: SCC085912LHD13657
MOT: September 2025
Just 54, 682 recorded miles
1 of just 1, 562 Lotus Esprit (X180) cars understood to have been made from 1987-1991
Extensive maintenance work carried out at 53, 780 miles
Owned by a discerning collector and always garaged
Desirable and collectible modern Lotus
In October 1987, the Esprit received its first revamp since its initial launch in 1976 and was given the project codename ‘X180’. This design was the work of Peter Stevens, who was also responsible for the styling of the Lotus Elan M100 and McLaren F1. Whilst it retained the basic creativity behind the original Giorgetto Giugiaro design, it featured rounder, smoother lines, which helped to reduce the drag coefficient to only 0. 33. It was, in essence, a restyled bodyshell on an established, proven chassis and displayed ‘Turbo’ badges behind the line where the door shut. At the rear, there was an aerodynamically profiled under tray/ spoiler to remove hot air from the engine compartment and cool the brakes.
Mechanically, the X180 differed little from its predecessor, the Esprit Turbo HC, with its 2, 174cc, 16-valve, double overhead cam, Lotus 910 engine, developing the same 215bhp, and 220ft/ lbs of torque. One important change was the gearbox with the Citroën/ Maserati 5-speed unit being replaced by that from the Renault Alpine GTA saloon, which provided slightly higher gear ratios. Other improvements, following a redesign of the interior, included increased headroom and legroom, and a wider footwell. The X180 was a financial success, with 1, 058 examples being built in 1988, a figure that would never be repeated.
This well cared for example was first registered in September 1990 by Cardiff dealer "White Dove Garages " who are still in business today . we have a stamped service book and the car has been maintained at Lotus and Specialist over its life .
Extensive works carried out by reputable dealer with invoices which includes - Full servicing Engine belts, plugs, filters, gaskets, manifolds, cooling system, hoses , gearbox service , brakes refurbished , new Sony head unit, Interior seats removed and refinished to original colour with deep clean. Dash Pod re-finished in black, Steering wheel re-finished black, carpets removed detailed , Re- trim headline , Remove door cards and re-finish, replace window channel rubbers, Replace door seals , Replace sunroof seal rubbers, Fit new Decal to gear lever and lacquer, Fit new Lotus original Esprit badges to original spec, new wiper blades, Full Machine polish and wax . Fit new number plates .
The car has been garaged by the current vendor and he purchased from his dear friend and collector who owned for many years , its never out in the rain and lack of usage is the reason the vendor wants someone to enjoy and drive regularly .
