This 1983 Lotus Turbo Esprit underwent rebuilds of its turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-four and five-speed manual transaxle by Slade Racing Engines in 2008 as well as a single-stage repaint in black with gold graphics in 2012 under previous ownership before being acquired by the seller on BaT in August 2017. Now showing 60k miles, the car rides on 15″ BBS Mahle basketweave alloy wheels coupled with QA1 adjustable coilovers at all four corners and features pop-up headlights, rear window louvers, and a rear spoiler. Inside, bucket seats trimmed in black Connolly leather are accompanied by a carbon-fiber instrument cluster surround as well as air conditioning and an aftermarket stereo. The engine is equipped with an SE chargecooler, twin Dell’Orto carburetors, and JE forged pistons. This S3 Turbo is now offered by the seller at no reserve as part of the Tons Of Gas Auto Collection in North Carolina with an owner’s manual, service records, an accident-free Carfax report, and a clean Montana title in the name of the seller’s LLC.
The Series III Esprit was the final variation of the Giugiaro-penned design, and the Turbo model featured an aerodynamic body kit used on the earlier Essex Turbo Esprit. This example underwent a single-stage repaint in black with gold Turbo Esprit graphics circa 2012. Work under previous ownership is noted to have involved installing a replacement Pilkington windshield as well as fitting 3M paint protection film to the nose of the car and applying a CQuartz ceramic coating to the body.
The 15″ BBS Mahle basketweave alloy wheels are mounted with Kumho tires measuring 195/60 up front and 235/60 out back. Stopping power is provided by power-assisted discs with inboard rear units. The wheels were reportedly refinished under previous ownership, and the prior listing for the car notes that 25mm H&R wheel spacers are installed out back.
The bucket seats are upholstered in black Connolly leather, and the dashboard, center console, and door panels are trimmed to match. An older Alpine AM/FM cassette stereo is connected to an Alpine amplifier in the passenger-side footwell as well as aftermarket speakers in the rear bulkhead. Additional appointments include a wood shift knob, a digital clock, air conditioning, and power windows. Wear is noted on the armrest and shift boot.
A two-spoke steering wheel fronts a carbon-fiber instrument cluster housing Smiths instrumentation consisting of a 170-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and supplementary readouts for boost pressure, voltage, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. An Innovate Motorsports air/fuel ratio gauge is located to the left of the steering wheel. The five-digit odometer shows 60k miles, approximately 1k of which were added under current ownership.
The turbocharged 2.2L inline-four and five-speed manual transaxle were reportedly rebuilt by Bob Slade of Slade Racing Engines in February 2008. The block line was bored and JE forged pistons were installed, while the head was rebuilt with replacement valves, springs, and guides. A black SE chargecooler was added, and Spal fans with a Dakota Digital fan controller were fitted with heat-reflective foil in the engine compartment. The side-draft Dell’Orto carburetors were also rebuilt at the same time along with the turbocharger, wastegate, and radiator. A timing belt service was last performed circa 2015.
The steel backbone chassis features an independent suspension and has been upgraded with QA1 adjustable coilovers as well as Eibach front and Hyperco rear springs.
A handwritten Dealer Supplementary Sticker lists a grand total price of $50,099. An owner’s manual and service records can be viewed in the gallery.
The Carfax report notes that the car was designated a Gross Polluter by the State of California in 2004 and 2014.