1998 Lotus Espirit V8 Turbo SE
Enthusiast-owned and maintained to the highest possible standard

Registration – R346 XJW

Chassis No. – SCCDB0824WHC15409

M.O.T. – June 2026

Odometer – 39,600

This cherished 1998 Lotus Esprit V8 turbo is a superb example of the legendary 175mph supercar from Hethel. With just four former keepers, the vendor has owned it for seven years. Finished in Azure Blue metallic, the car comes with a full MOT, along with a complete service history with work from both main dealers and Lotus specialists. Since 2018, it has been cared for by PJS Sports Cars; the firm’s MD, Paul Shipley, knows the car well and, says the vendor, has given express permission for any interested parties to contact him directly with any questions about the vehicle. The vendor says that when they acquired ‘R346XJW’, they spent over £30,000 on it. This included a new clutch, new aluminium fuel tanks, new brake discs and pads all round, and a full set of new tyres. The extensive paperwork file includes invoices for work done over the years, along with the original manuals. The odometer reads just 39,600 miles, with MOT evidence supporting this low mileage dating back to 2006.

‘R346XJW’ is a high-spec SE version of the Lotus Esprit V8. This means it comes with a leather interior, air conditioning and other luxuries – and features a distinctive high-rise rear wing. Complementing its Azure Blue metallic paint is an appealing Magnolia leather interior and Sand carpets. The vendor says the famous engine, plus the transmission, electrics and interior are all in 'excellent’ condition. Crucially, it is also completely original, boosting its investment potential. Factory-fit extras include an air bag and Alpine CD multi-changer. The vendor adds that, being a 1998 model, it also benefits from the comprehensively restyled interior, with updated switchgear and instrument binnacle. A Cobra 6422 immobiliser is fitted, while 1998-on cars also gained a much-improved clutch and gearchange mechanism.

The Lotus Esprit was one of the original supercars. The brainchild of Lotus founder Colin Chapman, it was designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, who surely wouldn’t have foreseen how long-lived the wedge-shaped icon would be. Early models were more about handling prowess than engine power, but turbocharging eventually brought the power it was crying out for. Peter Stevens gave it a superb redesign in 1987, while the Esprit finally got the engine it deserved in 1996, with the launch of the Esprit V8. Boasting two turbochargers, the 3.5-litre motor had a race-bred flat-plane crank and produced 350bhp for 0-62mph in under five seconds. Developed at huge cost, the V8 was said to originally produce more than 500bhp, with Lotus detuning it to protect the gearbox. Today, it is fast becoming one of the most desirable Esprit of all.

In summary:

• Cherished 1998 Lotus Esprit V8 SE
• Less than 40,000 miles and extensive history
• Just four former keepers