A pre-production sample of the 1980 Lotus Esprit with active suspension was put up for auction (8 photos)

A unique 1980 Lotus Esprit has been put up for auction by Anglia Car Auctions. This is a pre-production sample on which the active suspension system was tested. The car has undergone a complete restoration, except for its main element. Experts estimate the potential cost of the car from 90 to 120 thousand pounds sterling.





Lotus was one of the first to use active suspension in Formula 1. In particular, the 1983 car used a hydraulic suspension with ride height control. The system was banned by regulation in 1994.

The Esprit for sale served as a test prototype for formula suspension. Accelerometers tracked body movement in each of three directions. The pump received the appropriate commands and pumped up pressure in a hydraulic piston installed near each wheel.

According to official information, the Lotus Esprit with a unique suspension could corner with zero roll with a lateral overload of up to 1.5 G. At the same time, it was equipped with regular road tires. In addition, the chassis had the function of tilting the body inward during a turn (as when riding a motorcycle).

It is reported that the prototype was literally saved from being sent to a landfill several times. In 2015, it came to a competent connoisseur. Moreover, the supercar actually had to be carried out by hand from its last storage location. After this, it underwent a complete restoration. But there is a nuance: the unique suspension was not restored. This is not possible without doing all the setup and engineering work from scratch. And for this we need appropriate factory specialists.

In addition to the unique technology, the coupe is painted in black and gold. A similar livery was worn by Formula 1 cars of the Lotus team in those years.