Categories / Cars and Bikes, eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s Lotus Esprit S2

Lotus

Here's a car that will turn heads at the petrol station. Indeed, if you buy this 1978 Lotus Esprit S2, you'll probably be spending a lot of time down the petrol station.

It's a car that pretty much screams the 70s, motoring excess oozes from every corner. And with so many sharp edges on the design, that's an awful lot of corners. This second-generation Esprit has a 1,973cc engine, a mileage of just 49,000 and a good amount of work done on it, to the point that it drives well enough, without any 'smoke or rattles', says the current owner. On the downside, it apparently needs painting, some minor bodywork repairs and some work to the windscreen, not to mention new tyres.

So a mixed bag, but if you're prepared to do a bit of work (or to get someone else to do it), this Lotus Esprit S2 could be a car to impress. After all, a first-generation Lotus Esprit was good enough for James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me. Although sadly, this one doesn't turn into a submarine. £1,320 is the current price.

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Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1950s wood and formica plant stand

Plant

A design that really does scream the era – this 1950s wood and formica plant stand.

Perfect for a period home, it has a wooden triangular base with angled leg supports, a larger surface in black formica with a plastic rim, plus four simila,r but smaller coloured platforms, again in formica with plastic rims. Perfect for plants, prefect for anything other ornaments too.

According to seller, it is in 'good' condition, with a couple of chips and age-related marks which 'do not interfere with the overall look of the piece'. If that's good with you, it's up for auction now with a current price of 99 pence plus postage.

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Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: Sharp 5P-12G 1970s space age television

Sharp

How useful it is, I don't know (unless you slip in a digibox in some way), but just as an interesting piece of home decor, this Sharp 5P-12G television is something of a winner.

It's a design I've never seen before, although it's not a million miles from the JVC Videosphere 'space helmet' TV. Made in Japan and described as being in 'near mint' condition by the seller, the TV oozes 70s space age cool and has a 'straight', working antenna. A bonus if you can still get analogue TV in your area.

Like I said earlier, I don't know if these things can be converted to digital via a box. If not, it's just an eye-catching design. But at just £1 on eBay right now (plus postage), that might be enough to justify the price.

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Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s Pieff leather and chrome sofa

Pieff

If you want something interesting, well-made and in many cases, stylish from the 1970s, just type 'Pieff' into eBay and you'll be offered a fine selection of interior design for not a lot of cash. Like this Pieff leather and chrome sofa.

It's a typical 1970s design by the company, mixing chrome and leather for something eye-catching and comfortable, Pirelli underbases adding to the comfort. This one is a three-seater, still with a good dark brown colour with leather that has been 'fed regularly' and chrome that's without rust or pitting.

Just 99 pence right now, which seems like a steal. if you like the look and want something smaller, the same seller has a two-seater too and yes, it's also at 99p.

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Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1960s combined radio and magazine rack

Gazzetta

Interesting combination of home design and home audio – this radio and magazine rack, which is said to derive from the 1960s.

Sadly, the seller is limited with information, but it does have a 'Gazzetta' motif if that means anything to you and might even be as as old as the 1950s. But regardless of that, it has room at the back for your magazines (presumably the Radio Times of old), a mesh (presumably) speaker front and a fully working radio, with stations accessed by a twist of one of those knobs.

Not exactly up there with modern audio kit, but at 99 pence, it's a quirky item that should work in the right room.

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Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: Pierre Paulin Archi armchair for Ligne Roset

Archi

Back in August of last year, we mentioned that Ligne Roset was re-introducing a classic Pierre Paulin design from the 1950s – the Archi armchair. Well, it did re-appear, with prices varying from £1,400 to in excess of £2,000 depending on your choice of finish. Just as well one has appeared on eBay then.

Indeed, this particular chair os something of a steal. Used in a show home, so pretty much hardly used at all, it offers that classic design in a dark red finish (apparently darker than the picture indicates), the upholstery in a 'divina wool' felt fabric, with matt black metal legs for support.

The colour might not be to everyone's taste, but the price should be. Reduced for a quick sale to £650 on a 'Buy It Now' or taking offers.

Find out more at the eBay website