I know, not the cheapest thing we've featured on the site, but this 1970s twin cam Lotus Europa car really did draw a gasp from us when we saw it up for auction.
Tag: lotus
eBay watch: 1978 Lotus Esprit S2 car
James Bond drive a Lotus Esprit in The Spy Who Loved Me, which you may remember, turned into a submarine. This 1978 Lotus Esprit S2 doesn't do that…at least, not as far as we know.
But it does have one special feature – the power to turn heads. This is 1970s excess on four wheels, the kind of car no one in their right mind would build in 2011. But it was around in the mid-70s, with this example in silver with a red leather interior, fully working, with new bumpers, a new battery and a stainless steel exhaust.
John Lewis summer folk bowls
Wanting to entertain in style once the sun comes out again? Take a look at John Lewis's summer folk bowls. Made from melamine, they're ideally suited for a spot of outdoor entertaining.
However, it's the colour and the design that really attracted us. As their name might suggest, the style looks towards the Scandinavian folk look. More specifically, the pattern is reminiscent of the Cathrineholm Lotus pattern of the 1960s, executed in bright, eye catching colours that are perfect for sunny days.
A large bowl costs £4.80, while you can buy a small bowl for £2.40.
Buy them online
eBay watch: 1980s Lotus Esprit 2.2
Ok, it's not the James Bond variation – no option to go underwater and no firing of missiles here. But you can pick up this Lotus Esprit 2.2 for much less than the movie car thankfully.
This is a later 1988 model, but still with much of the look, perhaps with a few more rounded edges, but still unmistakably the Lotus Esprit. According to the seller, this two-seater has a 2,174cc engine, 65,000 miles on the clock, all the documents and MOT certificates, removable glass sunroof, alloy wheels, electric windows and mires plus modern additions like a 12-CD multichanger.
It's been in storage for two years, so you'll have to take that not account. But on the plus side, you get the personalised plate. £4,000 is the current asking price if you want to turn some heads.
eBay watch: Low-mileage 1980s Lotus Excel SE car
Fancy doing the rounds in an extravagant drive of a bygone era? Check out the Lotus Excel SE that's on eBay right now.
Amazingly, this car has had just two owners since being built in 1986 and has done just 60,081 miles in that time. Emigration means the current owner is looking for a third owner to take it on. Just 100 miles ago, it underwent a £1,000 service, along with new discs, pads etc. It's also currently undergoing re-commissioning work and an MOT and comes with a full service history plus a recent AA/RAC inspection.
Possibly a future classic (they just don't make cars like this anymore), it's available for £3,995 on a 'buy it now' or you can make an offer.
eBay watch: 1970s Lotus Esprit S2
Here's a car that will turn heads at the petrol station. Indeed, if you buy this 1978 Lotus Esprit S2, you'll probably be spending a lot of time down the petrol station.
It's a car that pretty much screams the 70s, motoring excess oozes from every corner. And with so many sharp edges on the design, that's an awful lot of corners. This second-generation Esprit has a 1,973cc engine, a mileage of just 49,000 and a good amount of work done on it, to the point that it drives well enough, without any 'smoke or rattles', says the current owner. On the downside, it apparently needs painting, some minor bodywork repairs and some work to the windscreen, not to mention new tyres.
So a mixed bag, but if you're prepared to do a bit of work (or to get someone else to do it), this Lotus Esprit S2 could be a car to impress. After all, a first-generation Lotus Esprit was good enough for James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me. Although sadly, this one doesn't turn into a submarine. £1,320 is the current price.
