The Lotus Esprit Turbo, an iconic vehicle in British automotive history, was introduced in 1980 as part of the second generation of the Esprit. The Lotus Esprit was a remarkable example of British automotive design and technical prowess, originally designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, a renowned Italian car designer. The second generation, which includes the Lotus Esprit Turbo, represented a significant evolution from its predecessors. The Turbo, powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged engine producing 210 horsepower, accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in just under 6 seconds and achieved a top speed of around 245 km/h (152 mph).
This 1/18 scale model from the Autoart James Bond Collection portfolio is a precise and detailed replica of the Lotus Esprit Turbo. Made from diecast material, the model offers a special robustness and level of detail appreciated by collectors worldwide. The vehicle model stands out with its striking red paintwork with gold accent stripes, capturing the classic look of the original vehicle perfectly. The model also features gold BBS wheels, along with Goodyear tires, providing an authentic appearance akin to the real version of this vehicle. Visible details include the carefully replicated interior with cream leather seats and a detailed cockpit area.
The second generation Lotus Esprit Turbo boasted innovative technical features for its time. It was equipped with a range of advanced technologies, such as a turbocharging system that provided a significant boost in performance. The engine was state-of-the-art at the time, offering 210 horsepower. The production of the chassis and body took place under strict quality control in the British manufacturing plant. At the same time the Lotus Esprit Turbo debuted, significant events were happening worldwide to capture the temporal context: In 1980, Ronald Reagan was elected President of the United States and Pink Floyd's song "Another Brick in the Wall" topped the charts. These historical events help to understand the vehicle's era and time frame better.
The Autoart James Bond Collection 1/18 scale model is a valuable addition to the collection of model car enthusiasts. The attention to detail is evident in the exact replica of the bodywork, accentuated by the striking red paint and gold stripes. Model owner "LuxuryVJ" has a special piece with additional details, such as the stylized antennas on the roof, giving the model a distinctive and unique character. This precision and attention to detail make miniatures like this highly sought after by collectors, as they reflect the elegance and technical prowess of the original vehicle in a smaller scale. The authentic representation of the "turbo esprit" lettering on the vehicle sides also adds to the model's historical heritage.