Some argue Lotus’s glory days are gone for good now that the storied British brand belongs to a large Chinese company many feel disregards its legacy. Few road cars embody the famous simplify-then-add-lightness ethos better than the X180 Esprit.
For enthusiasts who cherish that lightweight philosophy, this 1989 example offers a tempting slice of classic Lotus character. Whether it is worth the gamble depends on one’s appetite for the quirks and rewards of owning a vintage British sports car.