86 Classic Car Mart Spring 2016
LOTUS ESPRIT
The mid-engined Esprit was the closest that Lotus came to producing a
genuine supercar. From its launch in 1976, it went on to enjoy a 28-year
career, with 10,675 sold worldwide during that time. Naturally, it went
through numerous updates and restyles, but throughout its run the Esprit
kept its distinctive profi le and, of course, its pop-up headlamps.
The S1 to S3 models are still revered for their sharp, wedge-shaped
styling and superb performance, with the same look surviving right through
to 1987. Early criticisms of the Esprit’s fi t and fi nish led to improvements
and the announcement of the S2 in 1978, while the S3 – with a host of minor
refi nements and enhancements – hit the streets in 1981. Most exciting of all
was the Esprit Turbo, with the addition of a Garrett turbocharger providing an
extra 50bhp; top speed was 148mph, with 60 from rest in just six seconds.
A new range – the restyled S4 – arrived in 1987, featuring a less angular
appearance and with 215bhp now on tap from Lotus’ 2.2-litre engine. A
more subtle redesign came in 1993, by which time the turbocharged Esprit
was producing 264bhp, beaten by the 300bhp output of the new S4 Sport
in 1994. Two years later came the amazing Esprit V8, a model that would
remain on sale right through to 2004.
Esprit values vary according to age and model, as you’d expect after
such a long run. Decent examples of the S1 to S3 can be found for
£15,000, with later cars commanding well over twice as much.
ONE TO BUY
OR MAYBE..?
1996 LOTUS ESPRIT 3.5 V8, £30,995: If a V8-engined version
is your idea of the ultimate Esprit, you’ll want to check out this superb
30,000-mile example. With 3.5-litres of twin-turbo power, this awesome
machine would have pushed out the best part of 350bhp when new. It’s
just been treated to a full major service (including all new belts) and is
described as ‘stunning’ by the specialist company selling it. It certainly
attracts attention in the iconic colour of Norfolk Mustard. For details,
call 01566 784152 or go to http://www.thelotuscentre.com.
TOYOTA MR2
MkII: With values
of the original
Toyota MR2 on the
rise, it falls to the
second-generation
model of 1989-99
to offer the best
value nowadays.
And that’s great
news for canny
buyers, as the MkII
model is still a handsome machine with real driver appeal and good
performance. UK-spec models came with 2.0-litre normally-aspirated
power, plus a choice of coupe or targa-top body styles. And with prices
starting from as little as little as £800 and rarely rising above the
£2000 mark, it’s a two-seater sportster that’s now perfect for classic
bargain-hunters.
TVR TASMIN:
The start of
the ’80s saw a
major change of
direction for TVR,
with the launch of
the unashamedly
wedge-shaped
Tasmin, which
would be available
in coupe, 2+2
coupe and
convertible guises.
Power came from the latest 2.8-litre Ford ‘Cologne’ V6, although an
entry-level 2.0-litre version (sold as the Tasmin 200) was also available
for a short time. The Tasmin was renamed the TVR 280i in 1984, and
survived for another three years. The Tasmin family offers decent value
now, with prices starting from as little as £4000 in good order.
AC 3000ME: If
there’s one thing
the 3000ME is
often remembered
for, it’s the
frustratingly long
period it took to
go on sale. This
superb looking
mid-engined
sportster was
unveiled at the
1973 London Motor Show, yet the fi rst customer-ordered cars weren’t
delivered until ’79. The 3000ME’s reputation suffered, which could
explain why just 71 examples were sold by the time production cased
in 1984 – a far cry from the anticipated production run of 250 cars
annually. Find one now (from £15,000 in good condition) and enjoy the
rarity of this Ford V6-engined classic.
LOTUS ELAN
‘M100’: Lotus
resurrected the
Elan name in
1989 via the new
‘M100’ version,
this time featuring
front-wheel
drive. Sacrilege?
No, because
the new Elan’s
fantastic chassis design brought incredible handling capability,
while the 1.6-litre (130bhp) ex-Isuzu engine endowed it with terrifi c
performance. A top speed of 136mph and a 0-60mph time of just
6.5 seconds was thrilling stuff back then, boosted further once the
162bhp Elan Turbo arrived. As a fun alternative to a mass-produced
modern classic, the Elan makes a great choice, with superb low-
mileage cars available for around £7-9000.