1992 Lotus Esprit S Turbo “with the Targa sunroof” RHD

What a fantastic presence this 1992 Lotus Esprit S Turbo has. Low, wide, red, and mid-engined: you would be hard-pressed to come much closer to the classic image of an exotic sports car. But there is far more to this Lotus than just its appearance. The Esprit S was available for only a short period, which means examples rarely come to market. This one is finished in Calypso Red, combined with a cognac-colored leather interior, a removable glass roof panel, and, of course, that wonderful 2.2-liter turbocharged engine positioned just behind you.

The story of this Esprit also begins in an interesting place. The car was ordered new from Malcolm Templeton, a well-known name in motorsport and, at the time, also a Lotus dealer. Since then, its history has been carefully preserved in a clear and well-documented file containing invoices and the original books.

And then there is the design. The original Esprit was, of course, the work of Giorgetto Giugiaro, but toward the end of the 1980s Peter Stevens was tasked with modernizing the model. A useful name to remember, as Stevens would later also be involved in the design of the McLaren F1. For the Esprit, he did not choose an entirely different direction. The sharp wedge shape remained clearly recognizable, but the lines became slightly rounder and more flowing. The result is a car that is unmistakably part of the Esprit family, while at the same time displaying exactly that late-1980s and early-1990s character that has become so appealing again today.

In Calypso Red, the design works particularly well. The low nose, pop-up headlights, broad flanks, and roofline give the car an impressive profile. And then, of course, there is the removable glass roof panel. Take it out and the Esprit suddenly gains an entirely different atmosphere. You hear the turbocharged engine even more clearly, more light enters the cabin, and the experience comes close to driving a targa. For a car that looks quite serious, it is surprisingly easy to relax in.

The cognac-colored leather provides a beautiful contrast with the red exterior. The seating position is exactly what you would expect from a Lotus: low, close to the road, with the car quite literally built around you. The interior is compact, but that is precisely what makes the Esprit feel so special. You do not so much get into it as settle into it. In front of you is a five-speed manual transmission, and behind you is exactly what you came for.

That would be the 2.2-liter Lotus turbocharged four-cylinder engine with sixteen valves and dual overhead camshafts. In this Esprit S, it produces approximately 228 horsepower. Today, that figure may sound modest, but keep in mind that the Esprit is relatively light and exceptionally low. According to the performance figures published at the time, 0 to 60 mph took around 5.2 seconds and top speed was approximately 155 mph. Those were serious numbers, and perhaps more importantly, the way the turbo builds its power creates a driving experience that is perfectly characteristic of its era.

The engine is mounted in the middle of the car, power is sent to the rear wheels, and the transmission has five gears. Around this layout, Lotus developed a chassis focused entirely on balance and steering feel. Independent suspension all around, a low center of gravity, and relatively modest weight ensure that the Esprit is far more than merely a car that can travel quickly in a straight line. This is a Lotus, and that means a good corner is at least as important as a straightaway.

This Lotus is in good overall condition and presents as a particularly attractive example of an Esprit variant that is seldom seen. The combination of Calypso Red, cognac leather, the removable glass roof panel, and its documented history makes it even more appealing.

And let's be honest: when was the last time you saw an Esprit S Turbo on the road? Exactly. This is the kind of sports car that makes you look back after you have parked it. Not because you need to check whether you locked it, but simply because the shape works from almost every angle.

Interested? Contact us today. We will be happy to assist you. You are very welcome at Gallery Aaldering, active since 1975. We have many years of experience exporting our vehicles worldwide. Please feel free to ask us about the possibilities.

* The Esprit S was only available for a short time - It's fairly rare on the market
* With the removable glass roof
* In 'Calypso Red' with cognac leather trim
* Thrilling turbocharged performance
* Newly ordered from Malcolm Templeton - A prominent Northern Irish racing driver and Lotus dealer
* Documented in a straightforward manner with invoices and the board book
* Good overall condition