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  • Lotus Esprit S1 (1976-1979)

Lotus Esprit S1 First generation

  1976 to 1979
Lotus Esprit S1 (1976-1979)
Overview
Production 1976–1979
Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L type 907 I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase 96 in (2,438.4 mm)
Length 165 in (4,191.0 mm)
Width 73 in (1,854.2 mm)
Height 44 in (1,117.6 mm)

 

The Esprit was launched in October 1975 at the Paris Auto Show, and went into production in June 1976, replacing the Europa in the Lotus model lineup. These first cars eventually became known as S1 (or Series 1) Esprits. With a steel backbone chassis and a fiberglass body, the Esprit was powered by the Lotus 907 4-cylinder engine, as previously used in the Jensen Healey. This engine displaced 2.0 L, produced 160 bhp (119 kW; 162 PS) in European trim 140 bhp (104 kW; 142 PS) in US/Federal trim, and was mounted longitudinally behind the passengers, as in its predecessor. The transaxle gearbox was a 5-speed manual unit, previously used in the Citroën SM and Maserati Merak; it featured inboard rear brakes, as was racing practice at the time. The Series 1 embodied Lotus' performance through light weight mantra, weighing less than 1,000 kg (2,205 lb).

The original Esprit was lauded for its handling and is said to have the best steering of any Esprit. However, it was generally regarded as lacking power, especially in markets such as the United States where the engine was down-rated for emissions purposes. Lotus' claim of 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 138 mph (222 km/h) may be thought of as optimistic - actual road test times indicated 0-60 mph in 8 seconds and a top speed of around 133 mph (214 km/h).

The S1 Esprit can be distinguished from later Esprits by a shovel-style front air dam, Fiat X1/9 tail lights, lack of body-side ducting, and Wolfrace alloy wheels. Inside the car, the most obvious indication of an S1 Esprit is a one-piece instrument cluster with green-faced Veglia gauges.

The car gained fame through its appearance in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) where it was featured in a long chase sequence, converting into a submarine. The Perry Oceanographic-built submarine was sold at auction for £650,000 in September 2013 by RM Auctions at Battersea Park, London.

  • Esprit – 1976–78
  • Esprit S2 – 1978–81
  • Esprit JPS (John Player Special) – 1978–79
  • Esprit JPS ("JPS Mario Andretti Edition") - 1979

 

James Bond film lotus s1

James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me Lotus Esprit S1

The Spy Who Loved Me Lotus under water 007

The Spy Who Loved Me Lotus under water
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Lotus
British Automotive 1970s | Vehicles launched in 1976 | British Sports cars | 70s Film Cars | Lotus Esprit | Giorgetto Giugiaro | James Bond | Fibreglass cars | Sports Cars

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