1976 Lotus Esprit S1

Known for its incredible performance, the 1976 Lotus Esprit S1 is a remarkable sports car. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Alex Horowitz, Berkley One’s Vice President, National Relationships, tells us why he loves the 1976 Lotus Esprit S1.

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The Car

The 1977 Lotus Esprit S1 is a remarkable sports car known for its innovative design and performance. With iconic styling, the S1 features a futuristic, wedge-shaped design created by renowned designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The lightweight fiberglass body enhances performance and fuel efficiency, which may be of little concern for those looking to get behind the wheel of this performance car. With a 2.0 liter inline four engine, the S1 is capable of a top speed of 138 mph and acceleration from 0-60 mph in about 8 seconds. The mid-engine configuration enhances balance and handling, and the sporty cockpit and minimalist dashboard provide a thrilling driving experience.

The Collector

Pop-up headlights, unique color options and ties to the James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me” make this car a must for any serious collector of movie and auto memorabilia. While not the actual version you might be able to purchase today, the car featured in the Bond film could transform into a submarine. In this mode, it was equipped with anti-aircraft missiles. This car is on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, UK. As for the Lotus Esprit S1 featured in “The Spy Who Loved Me,” it has an interesting story. Upon completion of filming, the S1 went on a promotional tour. Afterwards, it was shipped to Long Island, New York and placed in storage. The storage unit was prepaid for 10 years. At the end of the lease, no one claimed the contents, so the unit was placed on auction. The buyers paid less than $100 for the unit without knowing what was in it. From 1989 until 2013, the owners occasionally exhibited their surprise acquisition and restored the exterior. In September 2013, the supercar sold at auction in London to Elon Musk who stated that he plans to fully convert it into the functional car/submarine from the film and use Tesla Motors electric drive train to make that conversion a reality.

The Love

Bond. James Bond. I always expected to see the most innovative technology in 007 movies and this was no different. I remember watching “The Spy Who Loved Me” and seeing the Lotus Esprit S1 turn into a submarine. This is the type of technology that expanded the mind. And while the real version should not go anywhere near salt water, the feeling that anything is possible in this car holds true today.

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Contributed by Alex Horowitz

Photo: Alamy

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here:

Spotlight #1, Spotlight #2, Spotlight #3, Spotlight #4, Spotlight #5, Spotlight #6, Spotlight #7, Spotlight #8, Spotlight #9, Spotlight #10, Spotlight #11, Spotlight #12, Spotlight #13, Spotlight #14, Spotlight #15, Spotlight #16

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.