Lotus Esprit - The Official Story - hardback - £20 - Jeremy Walton

LOTUS ESPRIT: THE OFFICIAL STORY is the inside story of Britain’s best loved supercar from it’s development in the early 1970’s right through to the 21st century.

This large format 224-page hard back book contains over 550 photographs taken from the archives of Lotus Cars and is a must for any Esprit enthusiast.

That the Esprit ever appeared in the showroom, never mind set a record for British sportscar continuous production from 1976-2004, is a story straight from the Lotus era. How Colin Chapman laboured alongside Italian designer and fellow genius Giorgetto ‘Giorgio’ Giugiaro, to bring the first show Esprit to life, is just one of the stories unveiled by Jeremy Walton’s research.

The Esprit, in all its Lotus Type numbers, and derivatives, from the very first Type 79 (the Esprit Type number - not to be confused with the Lotus Formula One cars which carries the same Type Number!) onwards, is revealed in this seriously comprehensive book.

A total of under 11,000 Esprits were made in it’ 28 year production span, which means that some models had production numbers of less than 100. Supremely agile and rapid Esprits, such as the Sport 300 and V8 350, are examined in all their 160 to 175 mph glories - along with the race track inspired Esprit Turbo SCCA, X180R and Type 114 Esprit GT1. 

As with Walton’s acclaimed Lotus Elise title, this conscientious Esprit production was enabled only by the full co-operation of Lotus Cars, and once again they gave frank access to their archives as well as their employees. LOTUS ESPRIT: THE OFFICIAL STORY contains the reminiscences of the loyalists, and the youngsters, who added to their growing reputations when involved in the concept and design of the Esprit, many who are now famous industry figures following a Lotus apprenticeship. The author’s trusted participation at every stage in the Esprit’s long life, is reflected by the openness of all involved. They tell us the real stories behind the car, leaving us with hope of an innovative new Esprit before too long.

Octane magazine review:

"Given the significance of the Esprit to the survival of Lotus - it was built in various evolutions over a staggering 28 years - it's surprising that no one has previously attempted a tribute on this scale before. Appropriately, the first thing you notice is the slightly 'retro' 1970's design of the book with it's graphics. The author has tracked down many of the Esprit development team's key players; Mike Kimberley, Tony Rudd and Brian Angus. Together with sketches from the design team to compliment the many photographs and work in progress shots. This book is a welcome addition to the Lotus canon and will perhaps accelerate the growth of the Esprit as a true classic".

Call Lotusbits on 01926 633211 and order a copy - a "must" for Esprit enthusiasts!