A stalwart of the Lotus lineup for roughly three decades, the Esprit transformed through the various series from a simple, lightweight four-cylinder-powered mid-engine sports car to a fire-breathing V-8 speed machine.

One model, however, stands out as the most desirable Esprit of them all. Built for the last model year, the Final Edition represents the ultimate development of this legendary Lotus. Utilizing the turbocharged V-8 Series 4 platform, the performance envelope of the car was increased thanks to several modifications. Adjustable Bilstein dampers were paired with Eibach springs and AP racing brakes, allowing the Esprit to navigate winding roads with supreme precision. Mounted midship, a 3.5-liter V-8 engine produces 350 horsepower while only weighing 220 kilograms (approximately 485 pounds), a feat that would have delighted the company’s founder Colin Chapman. This combination results in a still-impressive low-four-second 0–60 time.

In addition, the exterior received several styling revisions. The front mesh grills incorporated silver-finished stainless-steel inserts, matched at the rear by the silver-finished lower valance. The interior is perhaps the most luxurious of all Esprits. Quilted leather seats are complemented by perforated leather on the door cards, and the dashboard is furnished with aluminum climate control knobs. Lastly, a shorter brushed aluminum gear knob provides the driver with a wonderfully tactile connection to the drivetrain. Just 79 Esprits were built for the world to this Final Edition specification, making these examples a sought-after commodity among enthusiasts.

According to the Lotus Certificate of Vehicle Provenance copy on file, the example was completed in August 2003 and is the 18th Final Edition Esprit in the VIN sequence. The document further confirms the car left the factory finished in Mustard Yellow over a Black leather interior with yellow piping. Lastly, a glass roof panel was selected as the sole optional extra.

Delivered new to Prestige Imports of North Miami Beach Florida, the Esprit was first sold in January 2004 and would remain largely in the state of Florida before being acquired by The Boeckmann Collection in 2022.

Showing 15,169 miles at cataloguing, this Lotus Esprit Final Edition represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a highly collectible piece of British supercar history, a model Colin Chapin would undoubtedly be proud of.