The Esprit transformed Colin Chapman’s small Norfolk-based company into the makers of Britain’s first bona fide road-going supercar, a car worthy of their innovation and success in F1. The Esprit was closely based on a concept car built by Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Ital design which debuted in 1972. The first three Esprits were hand built in 1974/75 at Ketteringham Hall, home of Lotus’ F1 team, to test the components and production processes. These pre-production cars were destroyed as prototypes often are.
Chassis 0100G was the first of an initial batch of ten built on the production line at Hethel and was finished early in 1976. Initially a development car, it was later sold to dealers High Cliff Motors in Grimsby and on to its first custodian. Current owner Gordon Masson from Aberdeen acquired the car in October 1983 and has completed a detailed restoration to its original specification, a process made more difficult by its unique features. For instance, Lotus manufactured a replacement special ‘one-off’ front spoiler using the original moulds as it differs from later cars.
Lotus consider 0100G to be an important piece of their history and when Lotus Chief Executive Mike Kimberley, who was involved with the Esprit from its beginning, retired in 2009 he stood in front of the car and described it as a special jewel in the Lotus crown, an iconic classic that will be known throughout the world forever.
Engine: 1973cc 4IL DOHC
Power: 160bhp@4900rpm
Torque: 140lb.ft@6200rpm
Maximum speed: 124mph
0–60mph: 8.4 secs.