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From the collection of the late, the Hon. John Dawson-Damer…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
13-Nov-2010
Lot No.
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Description:
From the collection of the late, the Hon. John Dawson-Damer 1979 lotus Esprit S2 Jps edition Chassis no. 79100223J engine no. FC907790115037, Project M70, Hethel's codename for the new Esprit, was unveiled to the public at the Turin motor show in November 1972. De signed by Giorgetto Giugiaro's fledgling Ital design Studio in his hallmark razor-edge style, the low-slung show stopper was every bit the supercar Colin Chapman had envisaged. Based on a modified Europa twin Cam platform, the Esprit followed typical lotus practice under the Grp exterior, with 160bhp extracted from a twin-overhead camshaft, 16-valve 2-litre engine, mated to a five speed gearbox lifted from the Citroen Sm, the suspension followed typical racing practice, steering was a rack and pinion system and disc brakes were inboard at the rear. It took until 1976 for production of the Esprit to get underway, largely due to developmental and financial constraints. Designated the type 79 in lotus nomenclature, the Esprit was well received by the press and public alike and more than 700 found buyers in the first two years of production. Colin Chapman, ever keen for publicity, kept the Esprit in the public eye through a series of special editions and careful product placement (the Esprit will forever be associated with Roger Moore's underwater exploits in the Bond movie, the Spy Who Loved Me), the association with lotus' Formula one activities was also fertile ground for brand building and was instrumental in promoting the S2 version launched in November 1977. External changes included air-intakes behind the rear quarter windows, new Speedline wheels, a tail light assembly cribbed from the Rover SD1 but mechanical improvements were relatively minor, with a new camshaft the biggest difference, bringing with it a useful lift in mid-range torque. Lotus unveiled a special edition of the Esprit S2, the John player special model, at the Nec show in October 1978, announcing a series of 100 units to be finished in the signature black and gold colour s. Celebrating Mario Andretti's world Championship victory in the 1978 Formula one driver's Championship, and the Constructor's cup, 100 Jps Esprits were earmarked for the home market, 100 for the US and Canadian markets and a further 100 were designated as row (rest of the world) but the true production figure is felt to be much lower, with under 150 ever completed, the first two were earmarked for world Champion Mario Andretti and team-mate Ronnie Peterson, but of course the Swede's tragic death following the Italian grand Prix meant he never took delivery. Offered here is build number 002 (row) delive
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Motor Vehicles: Motor Cars