Colin Chapman might have departed from this world prematurely at 54, but during his relatively brief existence, he achieved more than many could in a millennium. His racing team, Team Lotus, secured seven Formula 1 championships and an Indianapolis 500 victory under his guidance. Even if his small automaker didn’t persist till today, the Esprit’s legacy lives on, immortalized by its appearances in two James Bond films.
Regarding the Esprit, a premium specimen of the renowned Lotus is now available for purchase, one that belonged to Chapman himself (and was driven by at least two other prominent individuals), featuring various enhancements not found on any other standard model.
Colin Chapman’s 1981 Lotus Esprit Turbo, Mark Donaldson
As one of the early models of the Esprit’s revamped “series three” production, Chapman’s vehicle left the assembly line in February 1981, already sporting several enhancements requested by Chapman himself. Its suspension was lowered, and its brake pads were upgraded, presumably to offset any increase in power from the custom-built 2.2-liter, 210-horsepower turbo-four engine.
Colin Chapman’s 1981 Lotus Esprit Turbo, Mark Donaldson
Chapman’s concerns extended beyond performance, prompting him to equip the car with various luxury features seldom seen (or unseen) on other Esprits. Modifications included enhanced bodywork for reduced cabin noise and improved ventilation, along with the addition of air conditioning and special cabin air filters designed to eliminate pollen triggers for his allergies. Additionally, the car boasted the inaugural set of factory-installed BBS alloy wheels on an Esprit, not to mention a power steering system believed to be exclusive to this specific vehicle.
Shortly after receiving its registration in August 1981, Chapman’s Esprit was showcased to the then-Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, who complimented the car as “lovely” after test-driving it. There are claims that one of Lotus’s F1 drivers, Elio de Angelis, also took a ride in Chapman’s Esprit, though it’s uncertain whether this occurred before or after the passing of the Lotus founder. However, it is confirmed that Chapman himself had accumulated considerable mileage on the vehicle before his demise in December 1982, with the odometer showing 4,460 miles by February 1983.
Colin Chapman’s 1981 Lotus Esprit Turbo, Mark Donaldson
Presently, this exceptional Esprit has clocked merely 11,000 miles and recently undergone servicing, establishing it as a well-maintained specimen with unparalleled heritage. Consequently, it’s no surprise that its seller Mark Donaldson Limited only reveals its price “upon request,” a sophisticated way of implying “if you need to inquire…”
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Reference: Top Gear
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