Among the most recognizable wedge-shaped sports cars of the 1970s, the Lotus Esprit S1 has earned lasting fame for both its Giugiaro-penned styling and its on-screen appearance in The Spy Who Loved Me. This 1978 Lotus Esprit S1, listed here on eBay, is a partially disassembled restoration project that the seller notes is largely complete, missing only the air cleaner. Showing 26,000 miles and offered with a clean title, it represents a rare opportunity to bring back one of the most iconic British sports cars of its era.
The seller states that the car’s exterior is in surprisingly good condition, with only some gel coat cracking visible. Importantly, the body does not appear to suffer from the lacquer checking and widespread cracking often seen on S1 Esprits. The windshield is cracked, but the rest of the glass is intact and in good condition.
This S1 is finished in yellow over a brown interior, a period-correct combination that suits the angular Giugiaro design perfectly. The seats have been recovered in vinyl, while other portions of the cabin still retain original fabric, making the interior a mix of preserved and updated elements.
The car retains its 2.0-liter inline-four with twin Stromberg carburetors, though the seller notes it has not been started and the timing belt is likely more than 20 years old. Given the belt’s critical role in these engines, a full mechanical recommissioning will be essential.
A rare feature on this example is factory air conditioning, not commonly seen on early Esprits. The seller purchased the car from the South, where it was reportedly kept indoors, and has since stored it in a climate-controlled warehouse, helping to preserve its condition.
While restoration will require attention to both cosmetics and mechanical systems, this Esprit S1 offers a strong starting point thanks to its completeness, solid body condition, and originality. With Series 1 cars gaining recognition as collectible modern classics, opportunities like this are becoming harder to find.
Would you restore this 1978 Lotus Esprit S1 back to Bond-worthy glory, or take a custom approach to modernize its wedge-era charm?
Not a rare opportunity, sorry, wait five minutes and there wiil be another sad Esprit needing everything like this one does. Check the frame, they rot. Good luck getting $21k, might be just me but holy cow that seems high for what we have here.
Absolutely, Michelle. Knock off $10K and it’s still a maybe. Ohio rust is also showing. What’s not showing is the frame rot likely lurking. The color is no help.
George in Dublin has an amazing channel where the core subject is his DIY, I-have-no-experience restoration of a S2 car. He really opens up the kimono on what you’re taking on with a 70’s era Lotus.
https://youtube.com/@soupclassicmotoring
I like the looks of the early cars the best. The more photos i see the worst it gets. No Bond babe is going to get in this.
Some assembly required….
As noted above the frames on these are prone to rust out and then it’s body off to replace it. Yes, all the parts are there, but most of the interior is roached and the wiring is shot
. The engine has to come out and when you take the transmission out the rear suspension collapses, so you need some kind of dolly to move it around the shop while the motor and trans are out. Might be a candidate for an engine swap, but the transmissions are so weak that you have to swap that too, and then put in an S2 rear suspension and add some framework to hold that in place. Lot and lots of work here and when you’re done you’re going to be underwater big time… The only thing that is decent is the exterior bodywork and that’s only driver quality. Needs too much to justify that price.
Must be a typo in the price – – – one too many zeroes.
Fell in love with these as a kid after seeing “The Spy Who Loved Me” in the theatre back in 77′. I still have the ad for a really beautiful looking one I cut out of a Auto Hunter magazine back in 99′ and he was asking like $7K for it. I know it’s 2025 but like others have mentioned, the overall condition and amount of work that this car would need I think makes that asking price null & void.