2001 | Lotus Esprit SE V8
Overview
This 2001 Lotus Esprit SE V8 shows the cult classic at its top-trim best. Finished in Red over a Magnolia leather interior, this example flaunts remarkable condition for its age and an odometer reading just over 25k miles. This slick-top coupe represents the pinnacle of driving pleasure in pure Lotus form, attractively fitted with a carbon fiber front splitter, window trim, and engine cover, plus SE rear wing. Inside, body color accents, contrast stitching, and aluminum trim complete the air-conditioned cabin, further equipped with Alpine Bluetooth-enabled audio. Pop-up headlights, drilled and slotted brake rotors, staggered wheels, and signature vented bodywork define this Esprit’s sublime street presence. Over $20k in comprehensive service and modifications detailed in Modifications (below) meets a clean title, Carfax report, and Seller’s Disclosure.
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The genesis of the now-iconic Lotus Esprit was seeded through a collaboration that brought together Lotus boss Colin Chapman and renowned Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro in the early 1970s. This partnership, forged from Tony Rudd's proposition to succeed the outgoing Europa, envisioned a mid-engine sports car influenced by Giugiaro's Maserati Boomerang concept, ultimately birthing a project that would span three decades. By 1975, the first-generation Esprit made its debut at the Paris Motor Show, a testament to four years of determined prototyping and a harbinger of the success the model would soon enjoy.
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Model year 1996 saw the arrival of the powerplant the Esprit always deserved. Combined with an exterior refresh and multi-million-pound investment, a purpose-built twin-turbo 3.5L V8 replaced the car’s legacy 4-cylinder motivation. At long last, the Esprit delivered performance on par with its low-slung styling, now boasting 100 horsepower per liter of displacement. With these supercar credentials in its day, the V8 Esprit matched its competitor’s best merits while adding lithe handling as only Lotus could provide—all for a fraction of the price of a Ferrari or Lamborghini.

Features & Options
- Red exterior paint
- Magnolia leather interior
- Contrast seat stitching
- 350hp twin-turbo 3.5L V8
- 5-speed manual transaxle
- Staggered alloy wheels
- Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
- Drilled & slotted brake rotors
- Pop-up headlings
- Carbon fiber front splitter & window trim
- Rear wing
- Body color and aluminum interior accents
Modifications
- Alpine CDE-154BT stereo
- Hard-wired radar detector
- High-flow catalytic converters, muffler delete, custom tips & hangers
- Stainless steel brake lines
Service Records
- Clean Carfax report
- Seller's Disclosure
- Recent engine oil and filter service is noted by the selling dealer
- Under previous ownership, an engine rebuild and overhauls of suspension and braking systems were performed by Gator Motorsport of Indianapolis, IN.

Ownership History & Provenance
Known Shortcomings
Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the selling dealer. This vehicle shows wear consistent with its age and mileage according to a Seller's Disclosure provided by the selling dealer. Please review this document by clicking "Seller's Disclosure" above.
- This vehicle is equipped with high-flow catalytic converters and a muffler-delete exhaust system. Bidders are advised to review their state's emissions requirements prior to purchase.
Items included in the Sale
- 2 keys
- Owner's manual & service books
- Compact spare tire
- Tool kit