Lotus Esprit Turns 50 | Celebrating the Iconic Supercar with VINTTRO Cover

As we have just insured another iconic car, the Lotus Esprit, we realised that this month marks a milestone: the Lotus Esprit turns 50 years old. Half a century since its debut, the Esprit remains one of Britain’s most daring and distinctive sports cars, a wedge-shaped masterpiece that defined style, performance and individuality for generations of enthusiasts.

First unveiled at the 1972 Turin Motor Show as a concept and launched in production form in 1976, the Esprit embodied bold British engineering and Italian design flair. Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, its sharp, futuristic lines captured the imagination of car lovers worldwide, and it wasn’t long before the Esprit’s dramatic looks caught Hollywood’s attention too.

The Lotus Esprit became a cinematic legend thanks to its unforgettable appearances in major films. Most famously, it starred alongside Roger Moore in the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, where the sleek white Esprit transformed into a submarine, cementing its place in pop culture history as one of 007’s most memorable cars.

Its Hollywood career didn’t end there. The Esprit also made stylish appearances in Pretty Woman (1990), where Richard Gere’s character arrives in a gleaming white Esprit SE Turbo, and in Basic Instinct (1992), where Sharon Stone’s character drives a striking silver version. Each on-screen moment reinforced the Esprit’s image as a symbol of sophistication, allure and understated power.

Beyond the glamour, the Lotus Esprit has always been about the driving experience. Lightweight, agile and beautifully balanced, it embodied Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s philosophy of “simplify, then add lightness.” From the early 2.0-litre models to the later V8 twin-turbo versions, the Esprit evolved with each generation, but it always stayed true to its purist roots.

The Esprit was never about straight-line numbers alone, it was about connection, precision and handling that few cars could rival. Even today, owners celebrate its analogue feel and the way it rewards a skilled driver, the very qualities that make it a prized addition to any classic car collection.

If you’re a fan of the Lotus Esprit  you absolutely have to check out Soup Classic Motoring on YouTube. The owner is currently undertaking a full restoration of a Series One Lotus Esprit and his channel documents every twist and turn of the process: the challenges, the triumphs, the raw mechanical artistry. It’s a must-watch for enthusiasts, blending technical insight with genuine passion, and offering a rare behind-the-scenes look into resurrecting one of Britain's most iconic sports cars.

Fifty years on, the Lotus Esprit still turns heads and commands admiration, not only as a collector’s piece but as a genuine driver’s car with a storied past. Insuring one of these legends is more than just covering a vehicle, it’s about protecting a piece of motoring history.

At VINTTRO Cover, we understand the value and passion behind cars like the Lotus Esprit. Whether you own a rare classic, a supercar, or a performance investment vehicle, our bespoke policies are designed to give you complete confidence on the road, and peace of mind off it.

Protect your passion with VINTTRO Cover.
Speak to our specialist team today on 0333 4042 007 about tailored insurance for your classic, supercar, or collector’s car.