1977 LOTUS ESPRIT

This early Lotus Esprit S1, chassis 505H, was originally delivered to California where it remained with its first owner, an attorney, until it was rediscovered after 27 years in storage alongside a Porsche 911. Purchased in 2019 from Kurt Tanner, a well-known US Lotus specialist, the car was then subject to an extensive restoration with great attention to detail.

Stripped back to body and chassis, the Esprit proved remarkably sound thanks to its dry-climate history, requiring only minor surface treatment. From there, it was rebuilt with a mix of original and upgraded components, aiming to retain the cars originality while subtly improving usability.

The body has been refinished in Monaco White, true to its period-correct look, with federal side markers and number plate mountings deleted in favour of European-style details. A new rear lower valance was fitted, along with fresh front and rear bumpers, new brightwork around the screens, new door hinges, handles, and mirrors. The wheels were diamond cut, fitted with new tyres, wheel nuts, and centres.

Mechanically, the car has been heavily refreshed. The braking system is completely renewed with discs, pads, lines, and cables. Suspension benefits from new bushes throughout, strengthened front suspension arms, new shocks, uprated engine mounts (with the option to revert to originals for comfort), a new steering rack, tie arms, and steering column joints. The drivetrain also received new uprated universal joints.

The original US carburettors were swapped for Weber carburettors and manifold, paired with a European-style vacuum advance distributor, delivering a more authentic driving experience. Supporting components include a new starter motor, plugs, leads, coil, airbox, and twin alloy fuel tanks, along with a new exhaust system. Cooling was upgraded with fresh hoses and radiator fans.

Inside, the cabin has been retrimmed with new upholstery, fresh carpets, and seatbelts, complemented by restored brightwork on the dash and doors. A new windscreen and carefully refinished detailing complete the look. The sunroof was deleted during the restoration, replaced with a correct new roof panel.

The result is a beautifully presented Esprit S1 that balances originality with thoughtful upgrades, making it both a collectors piece and a car to be driven with confidence. Finished in its iconic Monaco White, this car represents one of the purest expressions of Giugiaros original folded paper design the true poster car of the late 1970s.

NB: We are awaiting paperwork from the vendor, which will be digitised and uploaded as soon as its received.