1990 Lotus Esprit SE

Every aspect of this 1990 Lotus Esprit SE has been properly maintained, upgraded, and continuously improved over the years. Nearly all of the common Esprit problem areas have already been addressed, and the level of documentation accompanying this car is exceptional. This is quite honestly one of the most extensively maintained and best-documented Lotus Esprits we have ever come across, and we encourage all prospective buyers to take the time to review the extensive service and repair history.

The car runs and drives exceptionally well, with no known mechanical issues. Having driven many Esprits over the years, the performance improvements on this example are immediately apparent. The S4S performance chip upgrade is very noticeable this Esprit is seriously fast. In addition, the clutch and flywheel have been upgraded to S4S specification, and the transaxle and clutch operation feel excellent. The steering linkage has also been refurbished, providing more precise and predictable shifting.

The engine starts immediately and maintains excellent oil pressure, even at full operating temperature. During a prior head gasket replacement service, the engine bores were inspected and described as looking like a new engine. The air conditioning system has been converted to R134a, and the suspension has been properly maintained over the years as needed, including upgraded adjustable Spax shocks at all four corners. The exhaust note is excellent thanks to a Magnaflow muffler, providing a sporty but refined tone.

The car sits on three-piece HRE wheels and has recently been fitted with new Yokohama Advan A052 tires, dated late 2023.

Cosmetically, the paint and body present extremely well, finished in the original Calypso Red. The paint has deep gloss and shine with only a few minor blemishes visible (see photos). The glass is Triplex all around. A clean Carfax report is on file, and there are no signs of prior accident damage.

The interior is in good overall condition. The seats have been professionally recovered in black leather, as a suitable matching material could not be sourced to match the original interior color. They are very comfortable and supportive, making the car well-suited for longer drives. There is some delamination occurring on the wood dashboard fascia and minor wear on the drivers door armrest, but otherwise the interior presents very well with no major flaws. All exterior lighting and interior gauges are operational.

Known Issues

Dash gauge lights are not working

Horn is not working

Drivers door passenger window switch is not working

VIN: SCCFC20B2LHF65452

Master Service History Timeline

Mileage Range Documented: 40,332 72,233 miles

06/02/2000 Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 40,332
Total Paid: $6,034.49
Major Work Performed:
Head gasket replacement
Timing belt service
Cooling system work (impeller, thermostat, hoses)
Wastegate/turbo output adjustment
Front/rear suspension work (struts/shocks)
Clutch hydraulics (line + slave cylinder replacement and bleed)
Shifter repair / new cables
Stereo troubleshooting
Exhaust manifold welding repair

12/19/2000 Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Total Paid: $1,398.86
Major Work Performed:
Diagnose/repair water leak with A/C running
Reseal evaporator housing and lines
Replace front struts
Replace left upper ball joint
Replace left outer tie rod
Replace rear shocks/struts
Replace window motor
Remove rear valance panel for repair

03/28/2001 Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 44,139
Total Paid: $2,120.30
Major Work Performed:
Replace starter (updated unit modification)
Install new tires
Set ride height + adjust damping/rebound
Adjust timing belt tension
Troubleshoot windshield washer pump wiring

07/30/2001 Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 44,130
Total Paid: $2,036.91
Major Work Performed:
Diagnose turbo no boost condition
Replace exhaust manifold and gaskets
Setup wastegate / backpressure relief valve
Replace headlight
Added heat protection wrap near EVAP system

03/27/2002 Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 46,544
Total Paid: $40.89
Major Work Performed:
Oil and filter change (synthetic)
Notes:
Steering rack noted with play / rack bushings recommended

12/06/2002 Autobahn Exotics (Carrollton, TX)
Mileage: 48,339
Total Paid: $5,310.57
Major Work Performed / Parts Purchased:
Steering rack rebuild parts
Brake discs and pads
Gearbox oil service
Spark plugs, air filter, belts
Clutch hydraulic components
Outside radio repair
Labor: approx. 34 hrs

05/05/2004 Autobahn Exotics (Carrollton, TX)
Mileage: 49,427
Total Paid: $989.99
Major Work Performed:
Oil service (Mobil 1)
Upper ball joint replacement
A/C service and Freon
Heater tank blanking cap
Notes:
Speedo trips not working

01/17/2005 Autobahn Exotics (Carrollton, TX)
Mileage: 49,427
Total Paid: $1,229.97
Major Work Performed:
Front brake pads installed (EBC)
Oil service
Various vent/overflow hoses replaced

05/09/2007 Autobahn Exotics (Carrollton, TX)
Mileage: 49,467
Total Paid: $7,651.33
Major Work Performed:
Gearbox removed and clutch replacement
S4S clutch kit + flywheel replacement
Rear crank seal replacement
Turbo gasket / manifold gasket service
Exhaust manifold studs and hardware replaced
Chargecooler service kit + system flush
S4S power chip upgrade
Spark plugs replacement
A/C dye + recharge
Speedometer repair
Labor: 72.5 hrs

06/25/2008 Autobahn Exotics (Carrollton, TX)
Mileage: 50,360
Total Paid: $4,453.10
Major Work Performed:
Timing belt service
Cooling system service (thermostat, hoses, sensor, coolant)
Fuel filter replacement
Spark plugs replacement
Belt service (alternator/A/C/water pump belts)

08/29/2013 Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 55,614
Total Paid: $5,796.96
Major Work Performed:
Reseat cam towers (oil leak onto exhaust)
Replace timing belt and tensioners
Replace drive belts
Replace chargecooler pump impeller
Replace spark plugs and ignition leads
A/C service and recharge
Tire balance
Notes:
Minor steering play traced to steering shaft joints (not rack)
A/C leak noted at metal line (sweating through tape)

11/29/2013 Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 55,744
Total Paid: $1,095.99
Major Work Performed:
Replace failed vacuum pump

02/08/2014 Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 55,959
Total Paid: $1,560.24
Major Work Performed:
Diagnose no-start
Replace fuel pump and fuel filter
Repair incorrect relay wiring

10/09/2015 Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 57,084
Total Paid: $2,038.10
Major Work Performed:
Replace driver rear trailing arm
Replace driver-side shocks
Replace driver front spindle
Four-wheel alignment

04/07/2016 Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 57,417
Total Paid: $4,746.92
Major Work Performed:
Replace fuel tanks
Replace sending unit
Replace fuel pump
Replace fuel hoses
Replace dash light rheostat

11/11/2016 Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 58,700
Total Paid: $502.57
Major Work Performed:
Replace clutch master cylinder
Replace clutch slave cylinder
Bleed clutch system

03/31/2018 Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 61,828
Total Paid: $3,930.71
Major Work Performed:
Replace axle seal and top off transaxle
Repair intercooler bleed line leak
Replace coolant expansion tank and cap
Bleed cooling system
Fabricate A/C lines for R134 ports
Install Sanden A/C compressor
Touch-up paint work
Interior/exterior detail (clay bar)
Clean K&N filter

01/24/2019 Sports Car World (Dallas, TX)
Mileage: 64,034
Invoice #27 Total Paid: $4,243.07
Major Work Performed:
Refurbish/adjust shift mechanism (Renault linkage repair kit, reverse baulk block)
Gear oil service
Replace RF wheel bearings
Timing belt replacement
Spark plugs replacement
Replace idle air control valve and adjust fuel pressure
Replace driver door weatherstrip
Install ESPRIT quarter window badge
Mount/balance tires (BFGoodrich Sport Comp 2)
Passenger window motor/regulator service
Front alignment
Blow out A/C drain tube

06/04/2019 (printed 08/06/2019) Sports Car World (Dallas, TX)
Mileage: 64,034
Invoice #179 Total Paid: $1,779.73
Major Work Performed:
Diagnose fuel cut-out/backfire/rough running
Replace fuel pump and fuel filter
Replace fuel pressure regulator
Replace TPS sensor
Replace one-way vacuum check valve
Replace ECM with reman unit, transfer performance chip
Oil change due to fuel contamination
Brake fluid flush/bleed
A/C recharge

12/19/2019 Sports Car World (Dallas, TX)
Mileage: 64,034
Invoice #467 Total Paid: $2,651.10
Major Work Performed:
Replace leaking fuel line near turbo housing
Shift linkage inspection and gearbox oil flush
Repair tailgate strut with electrical feed for third brake light
Mirror repairs
ARB bushing work
Rebuild LH headlamp motor
Install steering wheel boss + horn parts

06/11/2021 Sports Car World (Dallas, TX)
Mileage: 64,034
Quote #1051 PAID: $835.30
Major Work Performed:
Replace refrigeration temperature switch (NOS)
Address steering wheel horn issue
A/C charged

01/31/2022 Sports Car World (Dallas, TX)
Mileage: 68,056
Invoice #1264 Total Paid: $4,610.12
Major Work Performed:
Replace steering rack + bushings
Alignment
Seal RH fuel tank pump cover (fuel smell repair)
Replace A/C receiver/drier and expansion valve + recharge
Replace brake master cylinder + flush system
Shift cable adjustment
Idle correction work
Paint work (9 hrs)

09/12/2023 Sports Car World (Dallas, TX)
Mileage: 68,056
Invoice #1692 Total Paid: $147.00
Major Work Performed:
Purchase of window switches (3x) + shipping

02/28/2024 (Approved 03/07/2024) Blue Chip Management & Paint Protection
Mileage: 70,012
Repair Order #1548 PAID: $16,059.58
Major Work Performed:
Three-stage paint correction
Paint sealant
Touch-up paint
Full detail (interior, exterior, engine bay, wheels, leather treatment)

06/27/2024 Blue Chip Services (Englewood, CO)
Mileage: 69,958 70,012
RO #3158 PAID: $16,059.58 (mechanical recommissioning)
Major Work Performed:
Full inspection
Major suspension refresh (control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rods, rear adjustable links)
Braided stainless brake hose upgrade + fluid flush
Wastegate actuator replacement/adjustment (Forge Motorsport customer supplied)
Belts replaced
Cooling hose replacement + flush
Spark plugs and ignition cables replaced
Engine oil service (Motul 10W60) + oil analysis
A/C service recharge
Battery replacement + terminals
Reverse light switch replacement
New tires installed (Yokohama Advan A052)
Alignment performed (noted alignment limitations due to chassis condition)

01/07/2026 (printed 01/29/2026) Blue Chip Repair (Englewood, CO)
Mileage: 72,231 72,233
RO #4706 BALANCE DUE: $2,027.15
Major Work Performed:
Diagnose overboost / wastegate actuator binding issue
Repair mirror movement (customer-supplied parts)
Brake fluid flush (Motul DOT 5.1)
Instrument binnacle tightened
Cluster lighting diagnosis (recommended removal of aftermarket alarm due to wiring issues)