To celebrate the British International Motor Show this year we picked our 100 best British cars. Check out our selection to help you choose your favourite home-grown motor.
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38 Lotus Esprit (page 13 of 25)
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The Giugiaro-designed mid-engined wedge was based on the Europa, with many Elite components, plus the Citroen-Maserati gearbox from the ill-fated SM, and tail lights from the Fiat X1/9. It had true supercar looks, even if the 1,973cc engine produced only 160bhp in standard tune; Turbo models had a rather more impressive 210bhp, with the last of the line managing 148mph. Aerodynamic and ultra-modern, the Esprit drew comparison with contemporary Ferraris and Porsches, but cost a lot less, at least at first. Hampered by poor build quality and cheap bought-in components, the 1976-87 Esprit is nonetheless a symbol of an era in British sports car-making. Driven by James Bond, too, on submarine duty&
