Typically, you can’t purchase a car equipped with experimental racing technology, but this pre-production 1980 Lotus Esprit ‘Essex’ Turbo is far from an ordinary road car.
It originally served as a pre-production model loaned to DeLorean. A few years later, Lotus Engineering reacquired the car and outfitted it with an experimental active suspension system designed for Formula One racing.
This particular Esprit, painted in John Player Special (JPS) colors—reflecting JPS’s role as the Lotus F1 sponsor at the time—was featured in several promotional events, including an appearance on Top Gear with F1 driver Nigel Mansell at the wheel.
After completing its promotional duties, the car was stored away in a hangar by Lotus, remaining hidden under cover until 1996, when Proton acquired Lotus.
Proton initially planned to destroy the prototype, but Brian Angus, the Esprit platform manager, took it upon himself to hide the vehicle, frequently relocating it around the Lotus site.
The car remained concealed until 2005, when Angus found a senior manager who recognized its historical importance. The Esprit was then given some much-needed care before being placed on display at the Lotus factory.
However, financial challenges forced Lotus to part with the experimental Esprit ‘Essex’ Turbo in 2016. The car was sold to a former Lotus development engineer and his son, who invested over £60,000 ($78,751 at today’s exchange rate) to restore it.
The extensive restoration included overhauling the engine and gearbox, rewiring the vehicle, refurbishing the brakes, installing a new exhaust system, and more. Remarkably, they preserved the car’s original hand-painted decals and restored the interior.
While the car’s active suspension and control panel are still present, they aren’t fully functional. Fortunately, the seller has identified a company capable of fixing the issue. Even if the suspension remains inoperative, owning such an experimental car is undeniably appealing.
The auction house H and H estimates that this 1980 Lotus Esprit ‘Essex’ Turbo with the active suspension could sell for between £70,000 and £80,000 ($91,876 to $105,000).