A stalwart of the Lotus lineup for roughly three decades, the Esprit transformed through the various series from a simple, lightweight four-cylinder-powered mid-engine sports car to a fire breathing V-8 speed machine.

One model, however, stands out as the most desirable Esprit of them all. Built for the last model year, the Final Edition represents the ultimate development of this legendary Lotus. Utilizing the turbocharged V-8 Series 4 platform, the performance envelope of the car was increased thanks to a number of modifications. Adjustable Bilstein dampers were paired with Eibach springs and AP racing brakes allowing the Esprit to navigate winding roads with supreme precision. Mounted midship, a 3.5-liter V-8 engine produces 350 horsepower while only weighing 220 kilograms (approximately 485 pounds), a feat that would delight the company’s founder Colin Chapman. This combination results in a still-impressive low-four-second 0–60 time.

In addition, the exterior received a number of styling revisions. The front mesh grills received silver-finished stainless steel inserts, matched at the rear by the silver-finished lower valance. The interior is perhaps the most luxurious of all Esprits. Quilted leather seats are complemented by perforated leather on the door cards, and the dashboard is furnished with aluminum climate control knobs. Lastly, a shorter brushed aluminum gear knob provides the driver with a wonderfully tactile connection to the drivetrain. Just 79 Esprits were built for the world to this specification, making these examples a sought-after commodity in the world of automotive enthusiasts.

The example on offer was completed in September 2003 and is the third of four Final Editions finished with solid Black paint for this model year, according to the Lotus Certificate of Vehicle Provenance. The document further confirms the car left the factory with Magnolia leather with Black piping—although the seats have since been retrimmed in black—and includes the optional glass roof to accompany the color-matched standard roof.

Delivered through a Lotus dealership in Georgia, The Esprit was first registered in the Atlanta area before eventually making its way to California according to the Carfax on file. Accompanying receipts further illustrate the level of care devoted to the car over the years and today, with just under 12,020 miles showing on the odometer at the time of cataloging, this Lotus presents in truly exceptional condition.

Offered from a collection of coveted modern supercars, the Esprit is a beloved sports car by many. The Final Edition on offer is a spectacular example of a truly rare automobile.