1990model Lotus Esprit X180 2.2L Naturally Aspirated

The total mileage over 30 years stands at 47,943 miles.
Reading the chassis number SCC085912LHD13678, this example is identified as a Lotus Esprit X180 2.2L NA (08591), built by Lotus Cars (SCC) in 1990 (L) at the Norfolk factory in the UK (H), carrying serial number D13678 and finished in the New Shape X180 style.

In the late 1980s, after twelve years of continuous production from S1 through S3, Giorgetto Giugiaro’s beautiful wedge-shaped design faced an inevitable turning point. Increasing demands for aerodynamic performance, new safety regulations, and the production realities of FRP bodies all converged at once. Much like Ferrari’s transition from the 308 to the 348, Lamborghini’s evolution from the LP400 to the Anniversary, or Porsche’s shift from the 930 to the 964, the era had reached a point where “design renewal was essential to remain relevant.”

To solve this, Lotus preserved the core character of the original Esprit while addressing these challenges. Retaining the fundamental wedge silhouette defined by Giugiaro, Peter Stevens thoroughly reworked the surface flow and aerodynamics, implementing a comprehensive redesign. In 1987, the “New Shape X180” was finally born.

Peter Stevens—later renowned for designing the McLaren F1 in 1993 and one of Britain’s most distinguished automotive designers—paid deep respect to Giugiaro’s design philosophy. At the same time, he meticulously re-engineered the way air flowed, the tension of each surface, and even how light played across the body. He succeeded brilliantly in guiding the Esprit into a modern form that allowed air to flow smoothly, while preserving the razor-sharp tension that had always defined it. At a time when the supercar world was rapidly embracing roundness and aerodynamics, Lotus chose not to let the Esprit fade as a relic of the past, but instead evolved it and sent it forward into the next decade. Unveiled in 1987, the X180 opened the second chapter of the Esprit as the “New Shape.”

This particular car, identified by its chassis number, is a 1990 model. At the time, there was no major official Lotus importer in Japan, but records show that very small numbers were privately imported, and this example was first registered domestically in 1995.

For the subsequent 30 years, this final carbureted 1990 Lotus Esprit X180 was owned by a single individual who never once let it go. From new, it quietly stood at the back of the owner’s garage—remarkably equipped with a service pit—maintaining its form while being protected by time and silence, a truly “never-for-public-release” example.

The mileage accumulated under this one owner totals 47,943 miles at the time of our interview. According to explanations from the family members who contacted us, although the owner led a busy life as an aviation engineer, he cherished this Esprit deeply. The limited opportunities to drive it are reflected in this modest mileage.

This was an owner who pursued an “endless dream” within his own garage. The way he engaged with the car over 30 years—inside a pit-equipped home garage—reflects an engineer’s approach to further refining the Esprit. While preserving originality, he introduced tasteful, well-considered modifications in key areas.

Let us first outline those changes.
The Esprit-specific Type 912 2.2L engine was originally equipped with Dell’Orto DHLA carburetors as standard. In this example, however, to enhance driving dynamism, large-diameter 42mm Weber side-draft carburetors have been installed, elevating the car’s character into something far more dynamic.

Next, while the original wheels have been carefully stored in the garage, the car has been fitted with German-made RH Alurad wheels—17 inches at the front (215/40R17) and 18 inches at the rear (245/40R18). These are paired with modern Dunlop low-profile tires (DIREZZA D101). To match the visual balance of the lower-profile stance, adjustable coilover dampers were installed. Ground clearance is still properly maintained, yet the Esprit has been beautifully transformed into a wider, lower, more assertive presence.

Originality does not extend to the exhaust, but this is hardly a drawback. A custom-made, hand-fabricated and welded exhaust system has been fitted, producing a powerful mid-range punch and an exhilarating exhaust note. Together with the original Type 912 2.2L NA engine and twin Weber 42 side-drafts, it significantly enhances performance and delivers an exciting rear view as well.

The final change from original specification is the steering wheel. Unfortunately, the whereabouts of the original wheel are currently unknown, but it has been replaced with a MOMO “Race” wheel in place of the factory Lotus A082H4035F. This was a common and well-accepted upgrade among British lightweight sports cars of the era, enhancing both driving feel and visual sportiness.

These are the only deviations from stock.
The engine number on this car aligns perfectly between the assembly number shown on the sticker beneath the front lid and the number stamped on the engine block, confirming that the original factory-installed engine is still retained. Consistency with the chassis number further supports this conclusion. Among the very limited production of Esprit X180 2.2L NA models, this is an example that preserves a remarkably high degree of originality.

The exceptional condition shaped by 30 years under a single owner is immediately apparent the moment you stand before the car. The FRP body shows none of the distortion, shrinkage, or Lotus-typical body cracking one might expect from its age—virtually none at all. The tension and gloss that only long-term pit-equipped garage storage can preserve remain astonishingly intact, leaving viewers in genuine disbelief.

The exotic Esprit body lines change expression continuously depending on angle and eye level. Gazing at these beautiful lines—ones you could admire forever—you see light glide smoothly across the surfaces, renewing your admiration for its exotic presence. Despite its relatively small displacement, the Esprit was often compared with European supercars, particularly from Italy, and this was Lotus’s next-generation flagship that radiated overwhelming presence. Standing before it, one is reminded anew of that history.

Looking at the Esprit before us, even when viewed from the angle where winter light strikes it most beautifully, the flowing surfaces never lose clarity. Here, the true form of the New Shape X180 emerges honestly and vividly.

The “New Shape” crafted by Peter Stevens—fully sublimating Giugiaro’s original design—is undeniably captivating. Giugiaro’s structural essence remains perfectly intact, while the way light plays across each panel, the paths through which air escapes and is drawn in—simply watching it fills one with excitement. At the same time, the wedge line retains a tension absent from modern cars, wrapped in a sense of elegance that belongs to its era. This example, rich in originality, naturally and faithfully conveys the beauty that the “second chapter” Esprit possessed, even after 30 years.

This car has also recently undergone thorough maintenance. Although it is currently under temporary deregistration, a temporary plate was fitted at the time of our visit, allowing us to enjoy a powerful drive around the local area for video filming.

Engine type: CA912.
Just behind the driver sits the Lotus-developed 2.2L DOHC inline-four “Type 912” naturally aspirated engine, equipped with twin large-diameter Weber carburetors—an intoxicating sight for any carburetor enthusiast. Designed exclusively for the Esprit from the S2 onward, this mid-mounted, low center-of-gravity unit is characterized by its exceptionally low-profile DOHC design, with careful attention paid to cam cover height and intake/exhaust layout.

Opening the large rear engine lid and removing the rare original engine cover reveals a truly breathtaking view. The engine bay—visible even from behind the driver—is unmistakably exotic, inspiring dreams of driving with the cover removed and listening directly to the dynamic intake roar of the carburetors.

Combining a cast-iron block with an aluminum head, and incorporating a unique thermal management philosophy to mitigate heat effects from the FRP body, this masterpiece rewards revs with sharp response and delivers the linear, honest character unique to a naturally aspirated engine. Equipped with twin 42mm Weber side-drafts—chosen to suit the owner’s taste—it offers racing-machine-like throttle response and a vivid, granular intake sound. This is that unmistakable sensation of a machine truly breathing—something electronic control can never replicate.

Now, let us regain composure and turn our attention to the interior.

Here too, time carefully cherished has been quietly etched in. The Esprit is known for interior materials that tend to deteriorate easily due to prolonged exposure to sunlight through its steeply raked, expansive windshield. Yet thanks to long-term garage storage, the structural integrity of the materials remains intact throughout this example. Even the ivory-colored seats—where aging usually shows most clearly—remain in remarkably good condition. The darkening visible in photos, particularly on the seat bases, is due to the original leather being dyed with leather pigments at the factory; re-dyeing would readily restore their original brilliance.

Imagining the owner performing maintenance while working in the pit beneath his home garage, one cannot help but feel a sense of admiration. Looking underneath, the traditional Lotus steel backbone chassis remains in astonishingly sound condition. Areas prone to corrosion from mud and water exposure during wet driving also remain exceptionally healthy.

This is undoubtedly the benefit of pit-equipped garage storage. The transmission directly coupled behind the 912 engine, along with mounts, bushings, and even the coilover dampers—which still appear almost new—all shine with freshness. You can feel the reassurance that comes from an owner who consistently inspected the unseen parts, directly reflected in the car’s overall health.

The owner, we are told, was an aircraft design engineer who traveled extensively across the country. Beyond cars, he had many interests—guitars, audio equipment, leathercraft—and was someone with an exceptional sense for treating objects with care. Under such a person’s stewardship, this Esprit was loved for 30 years, and the meticulous way it was handled is clearly expressed in its overall presence. It was quietly protected by family members in the owner’s cherished, pit-equipped garage, where it remained a source of pride throughout his life.