By Steven Symes 
Some say the glory days of Lotus are gone forever as the iconic British brand is now owned by a big Chinese company which doesn’t honor the legacy. Perhaps no other road-going car embodies the “simplify, then add lightness” principle than the X180 Esprit. That alone might make this 1989 Lotus Esprit Stevens Edition worth the asking price of $19,500.
Someone took it upon themselves to cut down a highly profitable speed enforcement camera.
Just like the brand, this car has seen better days. But restoring it should prove far less problematic. Famous for being featured in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only and Pretty Woman, this thing could really turn heads once it’s all buttoned up.
The seller says that all the exterior trim, emblems, lights, and weatherstripping was professionally removed as part of an ongoing restoration. The fiberglass body has had the factory paint removed, plus it’s been primed, blocked, and sanded, so it’s ready for a professional paint job. This is where you, the new owner, would pick things up and run with it.
Also noted in the listing are two blemishes on the body. One is on the rear bumper cover, the other on the spoiler.
This is advertised as a numbers-matching Esprit Turbo with the factory-original engine and transmission. It’s not mentioned if the car runs, a key detail we would definitely ask about, but a mountain of new parts not yet installed is included with this ride.
What’s more, you get the window sticker, total history of the car, owner’s manual, and other documentation. This could be a real treat for the right Lotus nut.
Named after Lotus Chief Designer Peter Stevens, the Steven Edition X180 constituted a complete redesign of the iconic mid-engine British sportscar. Not only did the form of the vehicle change, both outside and in, so did all around performance.
The big question you have to answer is if this is a good deal for a 1989 Lotus Esprit Turbo or not? For someone, if not multiple someones, the answer could be “yes.”
See this car’s online listing here.
Images via Kenneth Dean Russell/Facebook Marketplace