Interesting Facts About the Lotus Esprit 85
The Lotus Esprit is a legendary sports car built by Lotus Cars from 1976 to 2004 at their Hethel, England factory. It features a rear mid‑engine, rear‑wheel‑drive layout and a striking fiberglass body that made it stand out for nearly three decades.
Why hank?
- Free to use - no hidden fees
- European reach - sellers across EU/EEA & UK
- Direct contact - no middlemen
- Auto-translate - no language barriers
- Specializing in rare and hard-to-find parts
Iconic Giugiaro Design Debut
The original Lotus Esprit launched in 1975 (sale began in 1976) was styled by famed designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, giving it one of the most dramatic looks on the market. Its fiberglass‑bodied, mid‑engine two‑seat layout set a new visual standard for sports cars of the era.
Engine Evolution from 2.0 L to V8
The first Esprit (badged as the S1) arrived with a 2‑litre, 4‑cylinder engine producing 156 bhp, mounted mid‑ship. By the summer of 1980 the Type 912 2.2‑litre engine was fitted to all Lotus road cars, and 25 years later the lineup even included a V8 version in 2002.
A 28‑Year Production Run Across Four Generations
Produced from 1976 until 2004, the Esprit enjoyed a 28‑year market presence and spanned four distinct generations. Its long life has kept a robust aftermarket, with parts ranging from body panels to front‑suspension components still available for restoration enthusiasts.
Popular Lotus Esprit Parts
Need parts for your Lotus Esprit?
hank is a reverse marketplace: you post what you need and sellers contact you with offers. Stop searching - let the parts come to you!