Colin Chapman would create an automobile that would have a long lasting effect in the world of motorsports and sports cars. The “first” Lotus by Colin Chapman was built in 1946; it was built to compete in mud plugging trials. In 1950 he won his first race at Silverstone, afterwards he decided to build a car that could compete in the 750 Formula in 1951. Successful racing in the ‘50s led to the need of a factory that could be used to assemble the new Lotus Elite. And the 1960s were no different; Jim Clark won two World Championships and also drove a Lotus 38 to victory at Indianapolis in 1965. Moving forward, in 1987 the Esprit was redesigned with special design cues from Peter Stevens and became available in America in 1988.

Offered here is a yellow two-door SE (Special Equipment) coupe with a reported 27,000 miles. The interior is finished in black with bucket seats, a radio and a wood dash with a well-placed complete set of VDO gauges. The engine is a fuel-injected inline four-cylinder that is equipped with the mighty inlet “Chargecooler” (Lotus intercooler name) that pushes this engine to produce 264-hp. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The car is equipped with four-wheel independent suspension, air conditioning; power four-wheel disc brakes, steering, windows, locks, mirrors and sunroof. The aerodynamically sleek design is adorned with a low rear wing and strategically placed ducting.

This uncommon Lotus is presented in beautiful condition, and with its stout drivetrain is sure to be a performance match with many other mid-engine supercars. This Stevens-era car has always attracted attention and has the capability to dash to 60-mph in less than five seconds. “One look will tell you: there is nothing in sight.”