Own a Piece of F1 History: This Rare Lotus Esprit Turbo Features Experimental Technology

When you think of owning a piece of motorsport history, you probably picture something sleek, fast, and undoubtedly rare. But owning a car with actual experimental racing technology? That’s an entirely different story. Yet, here we are, talking about a 1980 Lotus Esprit ‘Essex’ Turbo that brings the thrill of Formula One technology right to the road. 

This isn’t just any road car—this one started life as a pre-production model lent to DeLorean, making it already a rare piece of automotive history. But it gets even more interesting: when it returned to Lotus, it was equipped with an experimental active suspension designed with Formula One precision.

This unique Esprit, painted in the iconic John Player Special (JPS) colors—reflecting the sponsorship that Lotus had with JPS during that time—was more than just a car for the road. It became a star in its own right, appearing on Top Gear with none other than F1 driver Nigel Mansell at the wheel. The car had its moment in the spotlight, engaging in various promotional activities, before it was tucked away and stored under a cover, seemingly forgotten in a hangar.

But the story didn’t end there. When Proton took ownership of Lotus in 1996, the car was slated for destruction, a fate that seemed inevitable. However, Brian Angus, the Esprit platform manager, had different plans. He managed to hide the car, relocating it around the factory to keep it out of sight. It wasn’t until 2005 that Angus found someone willing to recognize the car’s value, and with a bit of care, it was restored and put on display at the factory once more.

The Lotus Esprit “Essex” Turbo continued its journey in 2016 when financial struggles at Lotus led to its sale. It found a new home with a former Lotus development engineer and his son, who set about restoring the car to its former glory. 

Over £60,000 was invested in the restoration process, which included engine and gearbox overhauls, fresh wiring, brake refurbishments, and a new exhaust system. They took great care to preserve the car’s originality, including the hand-painted decals and the interior, keeping it as true to its racing roots as possible.

Though the active suspension and control panel remain part of the car, they’re not fully operational, which adds a layer of mystique and rarity. Fortunately, the seller has tracked down a company that can repair the suspension, meaning it could one day return to its experimental glory. 

Lotus of Dallas

At Lotus of Dallas, located in Carrollton, TX, we’re proud to be your trusted Lotus sports car dealership, offering an impressive range of new Lotus vehicles for sale. Whether you’re looking for a high-performance Lotus sports car or exploring the latest Lotus electric vehicle options, our dealership has something for every enthusiast. Our new Lotus inventory is regularly updated to bring you the most exciting models, so you can always find the perfect vehicle to match your style and driving needs.

In addition to offering a wide selection of Lotus vehicles, we also provide a full service center to ensure your car stays in peak condition. Our expert technicians are here to handle everything from routine maintenance to more specialized repairs, using genuine parts and accessories for all our Lotus models. Plus, our parts department is fully stocked with the best accessories to enhance your driving experience.

We understand that purchasing a Lotus is an investment, which is why we offer a variety of finance specials to make your dream car more accessible. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way, whether you’re considering financing options or exploring leasing. When you check out our inventory, you’ll experience a seamless and enjoyable journey to owning one of the most iconic sports cars on the road.