Number 11 of only 48 examples ever built, this Lotus Esprit V8 Sport 350 represents the pinnacle of Esprits, a track focussed variation of the model, and is presented in excellent condition. Number 11 has covered just 44,950 miles from new, and comes with a massive history file. It is finished in the factory colours of New Aluminium Metallic, with a charcoal leather and blue Alcantara trim.

The Sport 350 was a very limited run of just 48 cars, and was designed as the cutting edge of the Lotus Esprit range, with the aim of sharper handling via less weight, and was the car that took Lotus to Supercar territory back in the late 1990’s. The 350s have beautiful lightweight magnesium OZ wheels, AP racing brakes, stiffer springs, a revised ECU, and a swathe of carbon fibre components – which all add up to a combined saving of 80kg over the standard car. Its twin turbo 3.5 Litre V8 engine produces 350bhp, with the kerb weight reduced to a skinny 130kg, enabling 0-100mph in 10.7 seconds.

There are seven previous registered keepers on the log book, and it has been with the current owner for approximately 3 years. Over the past 3 years, the car has been kept in a heated garage, with only around 800 miles covered, and has undergone a huge refurbishment programme to bring the car up to its current fantastic condition. The bills and huge history file will accompany the car, as will a copy of Car Magazine from Feb 1999 which featured an article on these cars.

The bodywork is in great original condition, complete with striking “Sport 350” decals. The paintwork is in excellent order, and is original except for the front nose area, wing mirrors and headlamp pods which were repainted by a specialist to sort out stone chips. The car is in extremely clean condition, both mechanically and externally, and drives beautifully thanks in part to the amount of recent work carried out.

Throughout the cabin and boot area it is clear that the car has been well looked after, the blue Alcantara and leather are in good order, and for a car of 44.000 miles it presents incredibly well. Hofmanns of Henley a Lotus specialist carried out the most recent MOT in January of 2020 at 44.911 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with only one advisory about some fuel line corrosion. The OZ racing alloys are fitted with Continental Sport Contact 3 tyres all round, the two rear tyres are almost new with only a few hundred miles on them, and all have close to 7mm of tread on them.

As an enthusiast’s car it has been well looked after throughout its life. In late 2017 Hofmanns of Henley carried out work on the mechanicals of the car to the tune of almost £12.000, the invoices for which form part of the history file on the car. Both turbos were removed and sent to Turbo Dynamics for refurbing, the gearbox selector seal was replaced, there are multiple new hoses and seals, a new clutch slave cylinder, new clutch lines, oil cooler lines, brake hoses etc. the list is huge. During the works this car also had a full engine oil and filter service at 44.138 miles plus a fresh set of spark plugs. The car has also had a complete new set of brakes at 42.436 miles, further still it had an expensive suspension refurbishment, comprising new adjustable Nitron shock absorbers and coil springs and Lotus poly bushes. There is a record of the camshaft timing belt being changed in November 2012 at approximately 38.000

A rare car at the best of times, but number 11 is in great condition, has had a serious amount of money and TLC lavished on her, and as a result would be a fabulous addition to any collection. In fact Richard Hammond reviewed the Lotus Esprit Sport 350 on Men and Motors some years ago, and has recently bought one for himself, further underlining what a great car it is. The Lotus Esprit was iconic, the Sport 350 put some serious daylight between it and the rest of the range, through detail, weight saving and a thrilling drive. Number 11 is as good as you’ll find with a huge file to back up the fettling it has received throughout its life.

All listed cars are HPI checked with certificates available for viewing. The HPI check for this car is showing as clear for finance, damage or stolen recovered. Click here to view.