Lotus Esprit X180R?

One for sale near me. Been for sale for some time now. What's so special about it? (other than the 1 of 20 produced...)

Any way to tell if it's actually a X180R?

This site has the highlights:

http://www.supercars.net/cars/2089.html

I'm sure Dr. Hess can give you the nitty-gritty.

http://www.lotusespritturbo.com/Lotus_Esprit_X180R.htm had some info.

I've seen the car around for years, surprised it's being sold.

The X180R was a very special Esprit. It was a full race car, made for some super car race series. Based on the 1989 Esprit Turbo, like mine, and the same color scheme (Monaco White and Seal Grey,) total development from that street car into a full on race car was done in something like 6 weeks or so. BIG turbo, charge cooler, misc. other upgrades. People who own them say they are a bit difficult to drive on the street, as you're not spooled up so you're not making the massive power in around town driving.

As for if it is an original X180R or not, well, all these cars have history. Ask the owner. Just curious: What's he want? I haven't seen this mentioned on The List. (yahoo's turboesprit mailing list.)

Sites like LotusEspritWorld.com should have plenty of info.

I remember the Phoenix Lotus dealer had one around for a couple years back then. Brand new, couldn't find a buyer. $80,000. I was a college kid so didn't have $800 let alone $80,000 but I figured it would be worth all that and more some day. Just like the new Ford RS200s languishing in a warehouse for years.

It's funny how a thirty-year-old race car is worth so much more than a three-year-old race car.

David

Well, I stopped and looked at it, 1993, 58K miles, and asking $23,500 for it. Looks pretty nice, though it looks like it has aftermarket wheels.

I guess it's not a real x180 though, from the articles 1993 would have been a 190R

I have the phone number and vin if anyone is interested....