Lotus Esprit. 1976–8 (prod. 714). 2-door coupé. M/R, 1973 cm³ (I4 DOHC). Successor to Europa and far more stylish. Folded paper design from Giugiaro (who wanted to call the car Kiwi) of ItalDesign, first drawn in 1971 and launched in 1975 at Paris Salon. Production began June 1976. Mid-engined and very light (body in GFRP), with trade mark Lotus handling. Lotus attempted to move upmarket with this, Éclat and Élite models of the era. Considered underpowered, however, with 1973 cm³ four-cylinder engine developing 160 bhp—chassis could handle more. Made famous in 1977 James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me. S1 tag given retrospectively.

Manufacturing location: Hethel, Norfolk, England

Marque: Lotus | Model: Lotus Esprit | Predecessor: Lotus Europa (1966–75) | Successor: Lotus Esprit S2

Off-site link

• Lotus Esprit World: Esprit S1