Modified 1989 Lotus Esprit SE Turbo Project

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

For Hagerty's first-ever RADwood Build Challenge, we tasked three well-known builders and YouTube personalities with finding and modifying their dream '80s and '90s cars and trucks into the most RAD builds they could imagine. The builds were led by Vin Anatra, Mike Burroughs, and Larry Chen in a six-part YouTube series hosted by Jason Cammisa, with the completed builds showcased at RADwood NorCal in Alameda, California on October 24th, 2026.

Each competitor picked a vehicle reflective of their personality and worked within the same budget to RAD-ify their ride. They're competing for a winner-take-all $100,000 prize, split between the builder and the charity of their choice. RADwood NorCal attendees vote for their favorite build to determine the winner, and all three vehicles are being auctioned on Hagerty Marketplace with NO RESERVE. Now is your chance to take home your own RAD ride!

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Perhaps the most iconic model the brand ever built, the Lotus Esprit brought new life to the historic Norfolk-based operation. Produced across a staggering 28-year production run from 1976 to 2004, the Esprit donned wedge-shaped bodywork penned by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro. Much like some of its similarly-angular Italian competitors, the Esprit design got larger over time, adding rounder front and rear valances, upgraded aero kits, and fender flares by the end of production. Thanks to its timeless design and several appearances in the James Bond franchise, the Esprit remains a tentpole of British automotive history.

Mike Burroughs is the owner and operator of StanceWorks, a workshop and automotive media powerhouse based in California that specializes in radical custom builds based on high-end European cars. Having designed and built everything from Model As to F40s, Mike and his team can tackle any vision, no matter how unorthodox.

This customized Lotus Esprit SE Turbo was retrofitted by Mike at StanceWorks with purpose-built H&R coilover suspension, a custom-fabricated 3 1/2-inch stainless steel exhaust, and fender flares. It currently wears a retro Sony-inspired wrap professionally installed by All City Wraps of Santa Ana, California, over Recaro sport bucket seats recovered in Recaro Gradient fabric.

As part of the build challenge, the turbocharged, dual overhead-cam 2.2L inline-four was serviced, as was the factory 5-speed manual transmission. The car now sits on custom HRE 935 wheels wrapped in Goodyear tires.

The builder states that the car is a project that runs temperamentally but should not be driven in its current state due to its engine operation and its lowered suspension.

This 1989 Lotus Esprit SE Turbo is now offered at no reserve by a Broad Arrow specialist in California with a clean title.

Highlights

• Custom build by Mike of StanceWorks for the 2026 Hagerty RADwood Build Challenge

• Professionally-installed body kit and wrap

• Custom suspension

• HRE 935 wheels

• Displayed at RADwood NorCal 2026 and Hagerty Garage + Social in Van Nuys, California

Modifications

• Exterior

  • Sony VHS-inspired wrap professionally designed and installed by All City Wraps, over burgundy paint

  • GT2-style fender flares and body work

  • Purpose-built H&R aluminum coilover suspension with 60mm ID race springs

  • Custom-made powder-coated HRE 935 performance 3-piece wheels with forged barrels and lips; 17” front, 18” rear

• Interior

  • Recaro SPG sport bucket seats finished in Recaro gradient fabric

  • Recaro gradient steering wheel

  • Black leather interior, headliner, and dashboard

  • Radio and air conditioning delete plate

  • Custom-fabricated powder-coated aluminum floor plates

  • Reupholstered trunk

• Powertrain

  • 2.2L dual overhead-cam turbocharged inline-four

  • Bosch fuel injection

  • 5-speed Renault UN-1 manual transmission

  • Custom 3 ½-inch stainless steel exhaust

Known Imperfections

Please note that this car is to be considered a project and is not in drivable condition. Detailed images showing the vehicle's condition can be found in the photo gallery. Footage documenting the vehicle’s condition prior to the modifications can be seen in the included RADwood build challenge videos. Selected Known Imperfections include:

• Engine has overheated in the past and is reported to run temperamentally

• Stock wheel arches have not been cut beneath the fender flares; due to the lowered suspension, the wheels and tires will rub against bodywork

• The aftermarket wheels and lowered suspension present turning, drivability, and fitment issues

• Flaws present in the paint underneath the current wrap

• Wear on various interior surfaces

• Carpets have been dyed and imperfections are visible

• The provided CARFAX Vehicle History Report documents the following:

  • September 2007 – Accident reported, damage to driver’s side

Ownership History

The current owner acquired the car in 2026, and the included CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows registration history in Texas, Illinois, Ohio, and Colorado.

Additional Information

Due to the modifications on this vehicle, it may not pass emissions testing in some areas. As always, bidders are responsible for confirming all registration and emissions requirements in their area before placing a bid.

Hagerty has an ownership interest in this Lot in whole or in part.

Please note that the title is in transit for this vehicle.

Please note that this car is a project and cannot be driven in its current state.

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this listing. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Will Fichman Phone: 845.558.2983 Email: wfichman@hagerty.com