1979 Lotus Esprit S2 - John Player Special

KEY FACTS

• This Lotus Esprit S2 ‘John Player Special’ is a particularly rare limited-edition modern classic British sports car, offered from long-term ownership.
• It is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre inline-four, delivering around 160bhp to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
• This original UK-market example was first registered in March 1979 and has been with the seller for 10 years.
• This Esprit S2 ‘John Player Special’ is understood to be one of just 94 UK-market examples produced.
• The odometer indicates 23,014 miles, though the speedometer was changed in 1988 at around 54,118 miles, so the true mileage is believed to be around 77,132 miles.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The Esprit S2 ‘John Player Special’ was a special-edition model produced to celebrate Lotus winning its seventh World Championship title, and featured a JPS-inspired colour theme with gold ‘World Champion’ side decals, a wreath decal around the front badge, ‘Commemorative Edition’ logos on the C-pillars, gold-effect windscreen and rear screen trims, gold-effect interior upholstery and trim, a Team Lotus JPS-branded gear knob, and a Momo three-spoke steering wheel.
• As with all JPS commemorative edition models, this example is finished in a timeless shade of black, over a black leather and gold-effect corduroy cloth-trimmed interior, featuring gold-effect trim.
• It rides on a set of 14-inch Speedline four-spoke alloy wheels finished in gold, and shod in Nankang Noble Sport tyres.
• Equipment includes pop-up headlights, a heated rear screen, Smiths gauges, and electric windows.
• This example has been fitted with a Kenwood CD stereo and Pioneer door card speakers.
• The original steering wheel features the signature of Mario Andretti.
• The car comes with two keys with immobiliser remotes, the owner’s handbook, the car alarm manual, and an A4 folder containing a large collection of maintenance invoices, MOT certificates and old tax discs.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: some age-related stone chips and blemishes, some crazing to the paintwork around the headlights, slight fading on the gold-effect interior cloth upholstery, and an age-related patina on the dials and gauges.
• The most recent MOT test was on 25 March 2025 at an indicated 23,014 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with an advisory for the offside front service brake binding but not excessively.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The last maintenance was carried out in March 2026 by Max 500 and included exhaust repairs, replacement of the brake mast cylinder and brake fluid, and a repair to the windscreen wash system.
• The seller notes that a new battery has been fitted and the fuel tanks have been flushed and cleaned.
• Prior maintenance was performed in February 2025 at around an indicated 77,081 miles by Lotus specialist Max500, which consisted of a major service, including the cam belt tension assembly being overhauled, the air box repaired, the carburettors cleaned and overhauled, the carburettor fuel supply line replaced, the throttle return spring replaced, a fire damaged distributor assembly replaced, the engine wiring harness being stripped, inspected and repaired, a new coil assembly fitted, a new clutch hydraulic hose, the clutch slave cylinder replaced, the alloy heater pipes throughout the chassis replaced, a new starter motor fitted, and a new rear carburettor accelerator pump push rod fitted.
• An engine rebuild was carried out in 2016.
• The seller notes that the car was maintained by Chris Foulds Motors between 2000 and 2009, by Paul Matty Sports Cars in 2014, and by Max Hurst from 2016 onwards.
• The seller also reports that circa £10,000 has been spent on maintenance during the last year.

SUMMARY

This Lotus Esprit S2 ‘John Player Special’ is a particularly rare limited-edition modern classic British sports car, offered from long-term ownership and with a well-documented history. Understood to be one of only 94 UK-market examples produced, with a stylish JPS-inspired colour scheme and angular Giugiaro-penned styling, it would make a notable addition to any marque enthusiast’s collection.

Descriptions are provided by the seller and, to their knowledge, are accurate and not misleading. Buyers must satisfy themselves of the description’s accuracy, and independent research is strongly advised. Enquiries should be raised in the comments section and any inspections arranged before bidding.

Classic and collectible vehicles may have had cosmetic or bodywork repairs that are not visually apparent. Photographs may not accurately reflect colour or condition, so buyers should confirm key details directly with the seller. Unless stated otherwise, vehicle registrations may not be included. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.