Roger Moore 007 James Bond ‘ For your eyes only ’
THE LOTUS ESPRIT TURBO :
AN ICONIC MOVIE STAR CAR by Aidan Fitzsimmons
In this issue we have an absolute 80 ’ s Icon a car that was on every child ’ s bedroom wall . Yes , you guessed it the one and only Lotus Esprit Turbo . Usually , we would write an article about Lotus themselves and the background of the vehicle but instead we will look briefly at this and look more into the owner of the vehicle and find out what made him choose the Esprit Turbo .
History of the Lotus Esprit : The 1985 Lotus Esprit Turbo is an iconic sports car that captivated enthusiasts with its sharp design , thrilling performance , and association with popular culture . This British masterpiece , designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro , is a quintessential example of 1980s automotive flair .
The car ’ s angular “ folded paper ” design , low stance , and pop-up headlights make it instantly recognizable . Under the hood , the Esprit Turbo boasts a 2.2-Litre inline-four engine , delivering 215BHP , a significant amount for its time . This power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox , enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds and reach a top speed of 150 mph . The car ’ s lightweight chassis , paired with Lotus ’ s expertise in handling , provide a driving experience that was both exhilarating and precise .
The Esprit Turbo ’ s popularity soared when it was featured in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only ( 2 actually - one white , as a nod to the previous ’ submarine ’ version and the bronze one with the skis on the back that we all had as little kids ) cementing its status as a cultural icon . The Red 1985 model , however , stands out for its particular charm , representing the height of the Turbo ’ s evolution before the car underwent significant redesigns in later years . For car enthusiasts , the 1985 Lotus Esprit Turbo is more than just a sports car , it ’ s a symbol of an era when design , performance , and pop culture intertwined . It remains a sought-after classic , celebrated for its unique blend of style , speed , and heritage .
The Owner and why he chose the Esprit : Chris Farrell , owner of BMWirral in Hoylake , is a respected figure in the motor trade . With years of experience and a passion for excellence , Chris has built a reputation for outstanding customer service . His leadership and dedication have made BMWirral a trusted name in the industry . So why has he chosen the Lotus Esprit Turbo ? Farrell ’ s passion for cars was evident from the moment he left school , with the car bug firmly embedded in his veins . His journey began at Tyrrell Engineering , a garage in Wallasey , where he took on his first job in the motor trade . In those early months , he was eager to learn the ropes , absorbing everything he could about the world of cars . Then , about six or seven months in , a silver Lotus Turbo Esprit rolled into the garage , a car that would become a pivotal part of his story . He can ’ t quite recall whether the Lotus was in for a service , cambelt replacement , or clutch work , but what remains crystal clear is what happened after the repairs were done . The owner , clearly recognizing Chris ’ s enthusiasm , invited him for a drive . That drive turned out to be nothing short of life-changing .
As Chris slipped into the sleek , low-slung seat of the Lotus , he felt like a million dollars . The car was everything he ’ d dreamed of — fast , smooth , and exhilarating . The roar of the engine , the thrill of the acceleration — it was EPIC , as Chris later described it . From that moment on , he was hooked , not just on the Lotus , but on the world of performance cars that would shape his future career .
Many years later , Chris finally fulfilled his dream of owning a Lotus , and the thrill remains just as intense as that first drive . While he originally wanted a silver model to match his early experience , he found the perfect 1985 Toronto Red Lotus — completely genuine and as original as possible . For Chris , it was the right car at the right time . Every drive takes him back , rekindling the passion that sparked his lifelong love for the Lotus .
Summary : On the day of photographing his cherished 1985 Toronto Red Lotus , the car had been professionally detailed by Rob Pollard , owner of “ Car Valet Kings ” in Hoylake . Rob ’ s expert touch brought out the car ’ s stunning finish , making it camera-ready . For those seeking a top-tier valet , you can reach Rob at 07557 147028 . And for all your BMW needs , Chris Farrell and his team at BMWirral are ready to assist — just give them a call at 0151 345 3564 .
Valued from £ 25,000 to £ 60,000
If you ’ d like your pride and joy reviewed in Wirral Life , Contact AFCS : Aidan Fitzsimmons on 07730 193380
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