Typically, you can't purchase a car equipped with experimental racing technology, but this pre-production 1980 Lotus Esprit 'Essex' Turbo is far from an ordinary road car. Initially, it was a pre-production model loaned to DeLorean. After a few years, it was returned to Lotus, where Lotus Engineering installed an experimental active suspension originally designed for Formula One. Painted in John Player Special Colors—reflecting JPS's sponsorship of Lotus F1 at the time—the car embarked on various promotional activities, including a memorable appearance on Top Gear with F1 driver Nigel Mansell behind the wheel.
However, once its promotional duties were fulfilled, Lotus stored the car in a hangar, covering it until Proton acquired the company in 1996. Proton intended to destroy the prototype, but Brian Angus, the Esprit platform manager, secretly preserved it, relocating it multiple times within the premises. The car remained hidden until 2005 when Angus convinced a senior manager of its historical value. After some restoration, the Lotus was displayed at the factory.
Financial challenges at Lotus led to the sale of the experimental Esprit 'Essex' Turbo in 2016. It was purchased by a former Lotus development engineer and his son, who invested over £60,000 ($78,751) in restoring the vehicle. This extensive restoration included engine and gearbox overhauls, new wiring, brake refurbishment, a new exhaust system, and more. The original, hand-painted decals and interior were also restored.
While the car's active suspension and control panel are still present, they are not fully operational. Fortunately, the current owner has identified a company capable of fixing this issue. Even with the suspension not functioning, owning such an experimental car remains a unique opportunity. Auction house H and H anticipates the 1980 Lotus Esprit 'Essex' Turbo with active suspension to sell for £70,000 to £80,000 ($91,876 to $105,000).
