Description
Lotus Esprit Turbo SE | 1990
Highlights:
– 2.2L turbocharged engine with chargecooler, producing 268 hp
– Five-speed manual transmission for a classic driving experience
– Pearl white exterior with red leather interior, rare specification in Sweden
– Low mileage at 53,899 km, documented history
– Service performed in 2022, including timing belt and water pump replacement
– Roadworthy with a recent inspection (February 2025)
The seller offers for sale this 1990 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE, a high-performance sports car known for its lightweight construction and precise handling. Originally sold new in Sweden by Wendels Bil & Motor on March 12, 1990, this car has remained in the country ever since and has been with the same owner since 2014.
Powered by a 2.2L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a chargecooler, the Esprit Turbo SE produces 268 hp, delivering strong acceleration and engaging performance. The five-speed manual transmission enhances the driving experience, making it a true enthusiast’s car. The car has covered only 53,899 km, with mileage guaranteed.
The exterior is finished in pearl white, a rare specification, and is believed to retain mostly original paint. Only minor stone chips are noted. The red leather interior is in good condition, showing minimal wear.
The car comes with service history, including the original service book, workshop receipts, and inspection documents.
The Lotus Esprit was introduced in 1976 as a mid-engine sports car, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. It quickly became an icon, known for its sharp wedge-shaped design and lightweight fiberglass body. By 1990, the Esprit Turbo SE had evolved into a more powerful and refined machine, featuring an advanced chargecooled turbo engine and improved aerodynamics.
Compared to earlier models, the Turbo SE offered significant performance gains, with a 0-100 km/h time of around 4.7 seconds. The chargecooler technology, borrowed from Formula 1, helped maximize power output while maintaining engine efficiency. The Esprit was also featured in multiple films, including James Bond’s *The Spy Who Loved Me* and *For Your Eyes Only*, solidifying its place in automotive history.
With its mid-engine layout, sharp steering, and low weight, the Esprit Turbo SE delivers a rewarding driving experience. The combination of its rarity, performance, and distinctive styling makes it a desirable collector’s car.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Skane county, Sweden.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Swedish registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
