Lotus Esprit JPS Number 24
The Lotus Esprit JPS S2 limited edition “John Player Special” was made in 1978 to celebrate the victory in the F1 World Championship. Around 100 JPS were made for the UK market, all numbered and with Colin Chapman signature on the dashboard: the one in this pictures is number 24.
The JPS number 24 was left unused and unloved in a barn during the 1990’s, until its previous owner carried out a complete restoration from the ground up and transformed it into an immaculate original example.
Gary, it’s current owner, enjoys taking the Esprit to local motor events and if you’are lucky enough you could see them later this year.
Thanks to Brian Gibbs for the pictures and to Gary B. for the information about number 24.
Lotus Esprit JPS: overview from http://www.jpsesprit.com
In October 1978, at the British Motor Show, Lotus released a limited edition of the S2 Esprit to commemorate Mario Andretti winning the 1978 Formula 1 Constructor and Driver championships. Two cars (0491G & 0495G) were on display, they were finished in the black and gold colours of their F1 sponsor JPS; unfortunately once the cars were ready for sale JPS no longer sponsored the team so they could not be called JPS Esprits. Unnoficially they have become known as the “JPS”; however their correct name is the “World Championship Commemorative Model”.
Each is individually numbered from 1 to 100 with 3 groups of cars built, one for the “Domestic” UK market, another for the “USA” and the remaining for the “Rest of World”. “JPS” Esprits are easily distinguished by their gold wheels and “World Champion” stickers, along with gold window trim. Each car’s “Commemorative Edition” number can be found on the rear upper quarter panel.
The interior features black leather with gold corduroy inserts on the seats, door panels and center armrest. A small plaque is fitted to each car; USA: on the glovebox lid and features Mario Andretti’s signature, Domestic and Rest of World: just below the radio on the console with Colin Chapman’s signature. All cars have a 3-spoke Momo wheel with Mario’s name on it. Additionally all Federal spec cars have AC.
