Lotus Esprit 2.2 Turbo 1985

History and background

The Lotus Esprit made its debut at the 1972 Turin Motor Show and grew to become one of the brand's best-known mid-engine sports cars. Giorgetto Giugiaro's design gave the Esprit the characteristic wedge shape strongly associated with progressive sports car styling in the 1970s and 1980s. Over the course of its production, the Esprit evolved from atmospheric versions to turbocharged variants, responding to Lotus' demand for more performance within the existing model range.

The Lotus Esprit 2.2 Turbo fits into the phase in which the model was further developed technically. The 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo engine became an important part of the later Esprit generation and strengthened the car's position within the segment of compact, fast-looking and relatively light sports cars. By 1985, the Esprit series was at a point where the combination of Italian design and British engineering had firmly established itself in the market for exclusive sports cars.

Within Lotus history, the Esprit occupies a special place, in part because the model came in a variety of versions over a long period of time, forming a recognizable line in the brand story. In this regard, the Turbo versions have long been among the most sought-after, in part because of their specific powertrain and strong visual distinction from the base variants. The 1985 Lotus Esprit 2.2 Turbo follows this development and represents a phase in which the model was widely recognized as a fixture in the sports car segment.

Characteristics and features

This Lotus Esprit 2.2 Turbo is equipped with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine rated at 210 hp and a manual transmission. The combination of turbo technology and low vehicle weight is characteristic of the Esprit and an important part of the model's technical design. The mid-engine body contributes to the classic Lotus layout, which focuses on roadholding and balance.

The design of the Lotus Esprit 2.2 Turbo comes from Giorgetto Giugiaro and is characterized by its sharp lines, wedge-shaped bodywork, rear spoiler and air intakes. This design is strongly associated with the sports car image of the 1980s. The classic white paint, the original rims and the interior trim are among this car's permanent features and are in keeping with the period design.

This Lotus Esprit 2.2 Turbo is in excellent condition, both mechanically and cosmetically, and has been meticulously maintained. A comprehensive maintenance history is present. The combination of the technical specification, Giugiaro's design and the 1985 version makes this example recognizable as a model from the later and sought-after Turbo period of the Esprit series.

Summary

The 1985 Lotus Esprit 2.2 Turbo is a mid-engine sports car with a 2.2-liter turbocharged engine, manual transmission and Giorgetto Giugiaro's characteristic design. The model represents an important phase within Esprit history and has an extensive service history. To get a good idea of the lot, we recommend coming to the viewing day.