- Auctions
- The Classic Sale at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show 2026
- 1981 Lotus Esprit Turbo Essex Commemorative
1981 Lotus Esprit Turbo Essex Commemorative
Lot Number: 179
1981 Lotus Esprit Turbo Essex Commemorative
One of only seven surviving Essex Petroleum-liveried Lotus Esprit Turbos in excellent condition.
- ESTIMATE: £90,000 - £110,000
+ buyer's premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT)
You can choose to bid in the room, by phone, online or via commission.
LIVE AUCTION: This lot will be auctioned on Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd at 11:00:00 local time at NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT
-
BODY COLOUR
Essex Blue -
DRIVE
RHD -
REG NUMBER
OVU 84W -
ODOMETER READING
407 Miles
SUMMARY
One of only seven surviving Essex Petroleum-liveried Lotus Esprit Turbos in excellent condition.
DESCRIPTION
- This is an outstanding Commemorative example of the flamboyant Formula One sponsorship deal fashioned by Colin Chapman and the equally enigmatic David Theime of the Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation
- The press launch in October 1980 raised the bar in sponsorship profile terms with the association introducing high glamour, high spending and an innovative approach to team hospitality. The Lotus F1 liveries of Elio De Angelis and Mario Andretti were to become one of the all-time most iconic colour schemes in Formula 1 history
- Offered here is chassis #17 of only twenty-two Essex Esprits built and it still presents with the same level of 'wow' factor that it did 45 years ago
- The paintwork is superb with a stunning all red leather interior and aircraft-style centre roof console housing switchgear and the Panasonic stereo, and it still retains its original extra wide split-rim Compomotive alloys
- The history file is comprehensive to say the least and commensurate to a Lotus as significant as this. Supplied new by Lotus Main Dealers Randles of Stoke-on-Trent to a Mr. D Preston, it contains the original owner’s wallet and service book, original brochures, Lotus archive correspondence and the current MOT valid until January 2027
- Most recent work carried out in November 2024 included a full brake overhaul including callipers, turbo wastegate, drive belts, reset cam and ignition timing and spark plugs
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 179
- Make
- LOTUS
- Model
- ESPRIT
- Variant
- Essex LE
- Registration Number
- OVU 84W
- MOT Expiry
- 14/01/2027
- Chassis Number
- SCCFC20A6AHD10941
- Engine Number
- CD910810119099
- Transmission
- Manual
- Body Colour
- Essex Blue
GALLERY
SPECIALIST
Lionel Abbott
- Car Specialist
- 07831 574381
- lionel@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Lionel.
Email LionelTelephone Lionel
WhatsApp Lionel
SEE IT IN ACTION
SEE IT IN ACTION
SCORE:
106 / 135
Exterior
Bodywork:
Glass:
Paint:
Chrome:
Trim:
Interior
Door-Cards:
Carpets:
Seating:
Headlining:
Dashboard:
Boot:
Engine
Components:
Appearance:
Starting:
Running:
Transmission
Gears:
Clutch:
Drive-Shaft:
Running Gear
Axles:
Chassis:
Suspension:
Bearings:
Brakes:
Wheels & Tyres:
Electrics
Minor:
Major:
Vehicle History
About the Seller Rating
A lot's rating is compiled based on information provided by the seller of the lot. We strongly recommend viewing a lot prior to bidding as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by the seller. We will not entertain any disputes over seller rating details.
Poor Numerous faults / Extensive damage / Many missing parts / Project or donor car
Fair Basic condition / Requires attention mechanically & cosmetically / Some damage / Some missing parts
Good Everyday useable classic car / Driven & enjoyed / Commensurate with age & mileage / Drives and looks as it should / Some vehicle history
Very good Almost pristine / Mechanically & cosmetically sound / Driven only occasionally / Extensive vehicle history
Excellent Pristine / Original / Documented nut & bolt ground-up restoration / Stored professionally / Trailered only / Complete vehicle history
Vehicles must have been collected from the NEC on Monday 23rd March between 9am and 2pm. Please note that due to venue restrictions we need to be clear of the NEC by 2pm on Monday 23rd March. Full payment must be received before any items are available to be released.
Any vehicles not collected by 2pm on Monday 23rd March will be taken to EM Rogers storage facility in Northampton for a fee of £175 plus VAT for a standard sized vehicle and £275 plus VAT for larger vehicles. Storage will be charged at £12 plus VAT per day from the Monday for the first 14 days and £40 plus VAT per week thereafter.
Our transport partner EM Rogers can assist with collection and delivery. Please contact them on +44 (0) 1604 755511 or trafficdesk@emrogers.co.uk for a quote.
A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers
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