1. Photos
  2. Lotus
  3. Lotus Esprit
  4. I (Type 79)

Lotus Esprit I (Type 79) gallery (1976–1978)

The first generation of the mid-engine Lotus Esprit supercar featuring iconic wedge styling designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro.

All photos 26 I (Type 79) 0 1976–1978 II (Type 82) 0 1978–1981 III (Type 85) 0 1981–1987 IV (X180) 0 1987–1993 V (Type 114) 5 1993–2004

The first generation Lotus Esprit (factory designation Type 79), also referred to as Series 1 or S1, was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1975, with full series production launching in June 1976. Built on Lotus's signature steel backbone chassis with all-independent suspension and a lightweight fiberglass composite body produced using the patented VARI vacuum-assisted resin injection process, the car showcased radical 'folded paper' wedge styling penned by renowned Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign. Power came from a mid-mounted 2.0-liter all-aluminum naturally aspirated DOHC 16-valve Lotus Type 907 inline-four engine equipped with twin Dell'Orto carburetors, delivering 160 hp in European specification and 140 hp in federalized trim for the North American market. The engine was mated to a five-speed manual transaxle sourced from Citroën (C35), which was also used in the Maserati Merak, driving the rear wheels. Inboard rear brakes were fitted to reduce unsprung weight, and the car featured distinctive pop-up headlights and green Veglia instruments. The S1 achieved instant worldwide cultural fame after appearing as a submersible vehicle in the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. Production ceased in 1978 with 714 units built.