DVLA verified
MOT valid
Tax valid

LOTUS ESPRIT1981 · 2.2L PETROL

LDP 136W

Vehicle Insight Summary

Free vehicle summary for LDP 136W: 1981 LOTUS ESPRIT (BLACK, PETROL). Mileage: 39,287. MOT: valid. Tax: taxed.

MOT
Valid
Expires 09/09/2026
Tax
Taxed
Expires 01/09/2026
Fuel
PETROL
Year
1981
Engine
2174cc
Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
Based on the history, this Lotus Esprit passed its most recent MOT in September 2025, but the mechanical trend is concerning. The vehicle has covered roughly 870 miles per year, which is very low for a 45-year-old car. This low usage often leads to deterioration from standing still rather than wear from driving, specifically regarding rubber components and corrosion. The 2024 test revealed a spike in issues, including corroded front coil springs, corroded suspension arms, and worn bushes on both sides. While the 2025 test showed fewer defects, the tester still noted an oil leak and poor headlamp output. The presence of corrosion on critical suspension parts in 2024 suggests the car may have been stored in a damp environment or neglected. The condition trend appears to be worsening regarding structural integrity, moving from clean tests in 2022 and 2023 to significant corrosion advisories in 2024. Although the mileage is low, the drivetrain and suspension components are showing age-related wear, such as the nearside drive shaft joint noted in 2024. When inspecting this car, prioritize a thorough check of the front suspension. Look closely at the coil springs and anti-roll bar for the corrosion mentioned previously, as this can affect safety.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

Free vehicle health score

90
/ 100 · Excellent

Public record health check: Excellent.

Based on free DVLA & DVSA signals. Premium checks for stolen/finance/write-off history are locked below.

✓ Valid MOT
✓ Taxed
✓ Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
! Older vehicle
A score of 90 doesn't mean it's safe to buy. Private markers don't appear in public data.
Verified Experian Data

Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for LDP136W

Data provided by Experian
Stolen
Locked
Finance
Locked
Write-off
Locked
Salvage
Locked
Imported
Locked
Exported
Locked
Scrapped
Locked
Destruction
Locked
V5C Logbook
Locked

Premium Data Locked

Unlock the full Experian-powered report to reveal outstanding finance, write-off history, stolen status, and more.

Data provided by Experian

Technical Specifications

AI Intelligence

What's this car worth today?

Get an instant, AI-powered valuation based on live market data, this exact model, and recent auction results.

Full MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: Jun 15, 2026, 08:03 PM
Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
Based on the history, this Lotus Esprit passed its most recent MOT in September 2025, but the mechanical trend is concerning. The vehicle has covered roughly 870 miles per year, which is very low for a 45-year-old car. This low usage often leads to deterioration from standing still rather than wear from driving, specifically regarding rubber components and corrosion. The 2024 test revealed a spike in issues, including corroded front coil springs, corroded suspension arms, and worn bushes on both sides. While the 2025 test showed fewer defects, the tester still noted an oil leak and poor headlamp output. The presence of corrosion on critical suspension parts in 2024 suggests the car may have been stored in a damp environment or neglected. The condition trend appears to be worsening regarding structural integrity, moving from clean tests in 2022 and 2023 to significant corrosion advisories in 2024. Although the mileage is low, the drivetrain and suspension components are showing age-related wear, such as the nearside drive shaft joint noted in 2024. When inspecting this car, prioritize a thorough check of the front suspension. Look closely at the coil springs and anti-roll bar for the corrosion mentioned previously, as this can affect safety.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

AI Analysis · MOT Narrative

This 1981 Lotus Esprit (LDP 136W) has a recorded MOT history spanning from August 2021 to September 2025, with 5 MOT tests on record.

Across its entire MOT history, this Lotus has a 100% success rate (5 passes and 0 fails). The car boasts an impressive record, which typically reflects a conscientious ownership history.

The most commonly flagged areas across all MOT tests are: Suspension (6 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). These areas are worth paying attention to when inspecting this vehicle.

There are 18 advisory notices in the MOT history. Advisories are not failures but indicate areas that may need attention in the future.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY