LOTUS ESPRIT I/II

2-door 2-seater sports coupé.

Sensational Giugiaro-styled mid-engined successor to Europa Special. Like other Lotuses, built around steel backbone frame, with all-independent suspension and all-disc brakes. Wedge-style nose, separate spoiler on S1, integrated on S2, and concealed headlamps. 125-135mph from 160bhp engine, Lotus claimed, with amazing roadholding, plus 'image'. Glass-fibre body shell, of course. Same basic car built to 1987, with 210bhp Turbo version introduced in 1980.