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.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Women's Fashion

Silk and Chiffon Dress from Day Birger et Mikkelsen

Daybluedreams

The floating fabrics and cuts of summer bring a whole new retro aesthetic back into play on both the high street and designer catwalks, moving away from sharp sixties cuts to a more seventies folk and hippy look. This Day Birger et Mikkelsen dress taps into that look to create a vintage silhouette.

The layering of silks and chiffons makes for a rather demure dress, in keeping with the wholesome end of retro folk style. The dress uses an A-line cut combined with button front and sheer three-quarter sleeves to evoke a distinctly English countryside look, both easy to wear and lastingly retro.

Get it online from Matches Fashion for £178.

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Categories / Women's Fashion

Pleated Shoulder Shirt from NW3 by Hobbs

Nw3hobbs

Hobbs has long traded on their talent for a classically English aesthetic, trading on Heritage designs with a wearable modernity. Their NW3 diffusion range features easy and versatile wardrobe fillers that are perfect for retro lovers, like this Pleated Shoulder Shirt.

The cut of this shirt, with a slim high collar, button front, capped sleeves and pleating, creates a classic British style that's ideal for a sixties or seventies luxurious aesthetic. The burnt orange shade fits ideally with a vintage inspired look, while modernity is added with a loose fabric and modern sleeving shape.

Get it online from ASOS for £85.

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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.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Men's Fashion, Sportswear

Adidas Spezial trainers get summer reissue

Spez1

Another classic trainer returns for a summer makeover – the Adidas Spezial.

As regular readers (and collectors) will know, the Spezial was originally a handball shoe from the 1970s, but has had a far longer life as a casual wear classic over the last 30+ years. This new issue is in two limited edition colours, with the suede upper, gum sole with perforations for extra comfort and gold 'Spezial' detailing.

Get a pair while you can, £55 is the price. See the other colourway over the page.

Find out more at the End Clothing website

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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.

Find out more at the eBay website