1999 LOTUS ESPRIT - BARONS AUCTIONS 15-16th December 2014

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  1999 LOTUS ESPRIT

 

The Lotus Esprit was launched back in the mid Seventies as a replacement for the Europa, having originally been shown as a Giugiaro design concept on a Europa chassis in 1972. Part of Chapman's move to take Lotus upmarket along with the Eclat and Elite, the Esprit utilised the marque's new 1973cc 'twin-cam' engine. As one of the most extreme examples of the wedge profile fashionable in the 1970s, the basic shape of the Esprit proved dramatic enough to continue virtually unchanged until 1987 when it was replaced by Peter Stevens' in-house design. Still high-impact but with much softer, friendlier contours, the new Esprit was available in S4 or Turbo guises (the latter model boasting 229bhp and a top speed of almost 150 mph). 

The appeal of the Esprit was greatly enhanced by the appearance of "Wet Nellie" in the 1977 James Bond movie "The Spy Who Loved Me". The name was a reference to Bond's "Little Nellie" gyroscope in "You Only Live Twice". The amphibious Esprit could perform all sorts of Bond-style tasks, including being a submarine, rocket launcher and canon firing, cement spraying menace to Bond's enemies.

Steady development meant that Lotus continued to find a small but appreciative market for the Esprit and it was a natural home for the new 3.5litre V8 engine developed by Hethel in 1996. Featuring twin turbos and producing 350bhp, this engine turned the Esprit into a premier league super car with a top speed of 175 mph and 0-60 time of under 5 seconds. Distinguished by its high-level rear aerofoil, the V8 followed true Lotus tradition in offering this level of performance at a fraction of the price of its Italian and German contemporaries.

Offered here is 1999 example of an Esprit V8, which has covered a warranted 61,000 miles in the hands of just 3 owners. The motor car comes complete with excellent service history, with 11 service stamps and various invoices. In 2014 the car has benefited from a cam belt change, including rollers and tensioners, plus a service by Stratstone of Leicester.

This Esprit V8 is described as being a very clean and tidy example needing nothing.

 Local Rate Number 

08454 30-60-60

or

  023 8066 8413/8409 - Fax  023 8042 8469

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1980 TVR TASMIN 280i - BARONS AUCTIONS 15-16/12/14

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1980 TVR TASMIN 280i

 

Details
The TVR Tasmin was the first production car in the world to have both a bonded windscreen and also to incorporate the aerial in the rear screen heater element. As with all TVRs, the running gear was located in a tubular space frame steel chassis which was powder coated for extra corrosion resistance. Much of the running gear was sourced from Ford cars of the period. The suspension and steering was sourced from the Cortina, with TVR engineered rear wishbones. Gearboxes were from the Cortina, Granada, and Sierra. Brakes were discs all round, with the differential, complete with rear brakes, from the Jaguar XJS. The engine was the Ford Cologne 2.8 V6 with Bosche fuel injection, producing 160 bhp (119 kW; 162 PS). An auto was available, making it the first TVR to have this as an option. The styling of the car was by Oliver Winterbottom, who had previously styled the Lotus Elite S2. Offered here is a one owner from new example of Tasmin 280i, which has always been garaged and used only recreationally, which is why the car has covered just 53,000 miles in 34 years! The car is offered complete with fully documented service history, with bills and previous MOTs and original handbooks. The only modification is a factory fitted tilting sunroof.
Note: This description is provided by the vendor and unless otherwise stated is 'Not Verified' by Barons or any person employed by Barons. Prospective purchasers are advised to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any statements made, whether they be statements of fact or opinion.
ALL TEXT & IMAGES 2014 BARONS AUCTIONS
Just call our Local Rate Number  08454 30-60-60 or   023 8066 8413/8409 - Fax  023 8042 8469 GENERAL SPECS SUPPLIED BY:  AUTOTECHNICS DATA SERVICES Not Above Vehicle (Guidance Only)                Production Price at launch: £15,540 Price (excellent) £6,000 Price (good): £4,000 Price (average): £2,250 Price (project): £1,250            Performance 0-60mph: 9.7secs Top speed: 134.0mph Power: 145.0bhp Torque: 150.0lb/ft MPG:22.0mpg        Engine Configuration: V6 Aspiration: Normal Fuel: Petrol Fuel delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection         Chassis Suspension Front: Independent, unequal length control arms, coils springs, anti-roll bar Suspension Rear: Independent, travelling arm, fixed length half shaft, transverse link, coil springs Steering: Rack and Pinion Bodyframe: Spaceframe Transmission: Five-speed manual             Dimensions Length: 4140mm Wheelbase: 2387mm Width: 1727mm Height: 1194mm Weight: 1143kgs