Special Colin Chapman Turbo Esprit?

[MullerG]

This week I spotted this Lotus Turbo Esprit:

I googled it, but couldn't find anything about a Colin Chapman edition for the Turbo Esprit. I wondered whether you people could tell me more about this particular edition.

[Kimbers]

To the best of my knowledge that is just someones attempt at making their car unique! The hideous graphics aside, the signature looks nice on the back.

[MullerG]

That's what I at first thought too, but the thing is.. Someone I know has spotted a Turbo Esprit with exactly the same striping, but it's a different car.

[gghc87]

There was an Red Excel in the car park at Donny on Sunday with French Plates that had that signiture on it but it was on the side at the rear of the rear window.

Anyone know if this was added later or put on by the factory as this is two now with it on.?

[peter_england99]

Wasn't there a S2 made for Colin Chapman. I think it was the 1st Esprit with Air Con. I'm sure it was a RHD car.

[Kimbers]

It may have been made for him but could you seriously see him driving around with those Logo's on it....and his own signature????? not his cup of tea at all.

[JPL76]

I heard of an early esrpit being made for Chapman with Aircon and power steering before they became options/standard.

BTW. Do I need my eyes testing? where on earth is the signature. I can't see a thing!

[Bibs]

Colin's Esprit was at Donny, it's for sale.

Signature is on the rear right of the car above the light cluster in gold lettering.

[dodgey_rog]

Looks like they've taken the decals from a design study i saw in the Esprit book.

They look in too good condition to be original.

[Loose Cannon]

Do you think those Julian Thompson pics were in circulation before the book? The guy would have to be quick off the mark to replicate them...one vote for original.

BTW how much is Colin Chapmans silver GTurbo going for????

[esprit350]

someone in the trade told me the chapman esprit with the power steering was actually for a lady friend who was not his wife

[CAM79]

After seeing that pic in the new Esprit book, I quite fancied replicating that, but now I've seen it in the photos I'm not so sure...

[Franky]

It's in french, but it explains a little bit about the Special Esprit made for him and it has few little pictures

http://lotusespritaddiction.unblog.fr/tag/...-colin-chapman/

[Mark Blanchard]

I've got that rendering too, in a book entitled "Supercars - Lotus Esprit Turbo" by John Simister, page 20 and 21, it says it was rendering showing how a John Player Turbo might have looked. So my guess is someone copied it.

[nello]

I've got that rendering too, in a book entitled "Supercars - Lotus Esprit Turbo" by John Simister, page 20 and 21, it says it was rendering showing how a John Player Turbo might have looked. So my guess is someone copied it.

Nice one Mark - Thought I recognised those graphics - I have that book too - yes seems they must have used that photo....different I suppose - Looks like a HC Turbo too! Actually quite like the signature sticker - anyone know where I can get one from?!

Colins Turbo as Bibs mentioned was at Donnington - Was the only car with Power Steering - I too would be interested in hearing of its asking price ? ...............

...................I 've been wishing for years that I could come across any photo of my car ('87) being driven by a certain '87 Team Lotus South American driver...........imagine the premium that would put on a car!!!!!!

Edited April 10, 2008 by nello

[matk]

More info......

http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EOwners/mikeford.html

[Remy25]

In fact, special Colin Chapman Turbo Esprit exists.

It is a limited edition Esprit Turbo SE called Esprit Turbo SE "Colin Chapman limited edition".

This edition was produced and sold by Lotus France in 1992 to commemorate the founder of Lotus Cars. It was an idea of the famous Gerard Crombac. There were 10 cars of this limited edition.

To distinguish a Colin Chapman edition : Revolution wheels and wing taken from the 1990 Esprit SE "X180-R replica" , commemorative plate on the dashboard, Chapman signature on the body and commemorative inner door sill. No specific body or interior colour for these 1990 Esprit SE. No ABS.

See the link :

Lotus Esprit SE Colin Chapman edition

Edited April 11, 2008 by Remy25

[nello]

learn something new everyday! cheers