Lotus esprit

I picked up another Esprit this week. I'm a sucker for cool cosmetic packages and the JC car fits the bill! I believe they made about 20. Hoping to have it home soon.
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My '89 was a brilliant car. Fast, reliable, great gas milage, amazingly comfortable...... just a bit under braked.
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Wow,very nice!! I'm sort of looking for a last generation Esprit myself.

 

I love Lotus cars so much. I think it all started with the Black and Gold John Player Specials with me. But the Esprit holds a special place in my heart as well. If the right one at the right place and time for the right price happens along I will jump! I think Lotus and Ferrari have dominated me since childhood.

 

Anyone else notice the Esprit Market moving these days?

Here are a few recent sales:




This 87 HCI one seems like a very good deal at $42,500. Said to be original paint and interior. Decals were not original to the car. Very nice overall.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/282735415841

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Ask on this one was $55k and was told it sold very close to that. Decals were not original to the car. Claimed to be original paint and interior.


https://www.championmotorsinternational.com/1985-lotus-turbo-espirit-c-962.htm

 

Image Unavailable, Please Login This modified S1 had an ask of $69k IIRC. Don’t know what it ultimately sold for, but far from original.

http://www.kastnersgarage.com/mobile/pastinventorydetail.php?id=105

 

Here’s an old Motor Week road test of an ‘89 SE. 4.5 sec 0-60 was seriously fast in 1989. Did anyone else wake up early on Sunday’s to watch MW as a kid?

http://youtu.be/Q792jTJUqbE

 

In rare form:

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My personal favorite.....

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Okay, maybe the wing is a bit too much.

 

Yes, a bit too much. At one point, a number of these were offered without a wing and that is my all-time favourite Lotus design.

 

As the owner of a 94 I'm biased, but IMO the 94-95 wing works very well with the car. The V8 wing is out of proportion

 

Perhaps someone can explain why such an obtrusive wing was added to the V8. This model, without a wing, had a lip on the boot.

The earlier versions which Meister refers to managed well with a more proportionate wing, whenever it was added.

 

Here is a quick Road and Track piece on the S1:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/a13859195/you-must-buy-this-1977-lotus-esprit-s1/

 

Here’s another recent Road and Track piece on the SE:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/a13900015/thank-lotus-for-more-speed-at-half-the-ferrari-money/

 

You can never have too much wing!

Ok those are a bit much but for the V8's but I would want a V8 with the wing myself............. I like wings though.

 

I was bidding on that one and emailed the owner asking if I could take a look at in person if the winning bidder bailed out. Didn't hear anything back so I guess it sold. Nice looking car.

 

I need one of these...

 

Best looking Lotus Esprit. Free of wings, spats and spoilers. 1st year with the new side mirrors and logo. 228 bhp and other enhancements. When it comes to dream cars, this one's pretty good.

IMHO

Joe

 

I just picked up this 1978 Lotus Esprit S2. She is in great shape for her age, but we will be restoring her and doing a euro conversion. I'm so enamored with her. Undeniable racing pedigree, ultra light weight, purpose built...what's not to love. Don't even get me started on the styling. Even in her unrestored state, she is so damn pretty.
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Congrats! Looks like a great car! Keep us posted on the restoration.

 

You are making me want to find another!

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Where did everyone go? Xmas day in Central London
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So, may I assume that you tired of the Lancia experience? Looks like you cleaned house.

Good luck with the Lotus restoration project...do you plan on repainting the car in a different color?

 

Ya...after being invited to the 100 cars of Radnor Hunt, I felt like I took her as far as I could. I'm much more interested in being on the water these days and am in the process of downsizing. Next to go is the i8 in the Spring and eventually I will replace the BMW 535 and the truck with a Tesla Model X or something. Still mulling it over.

As for the Lotus, she is in surprisingly good shape but I want to do a complete overhaul. Jay and I are beginning with a thorough mechanical restoration, it would be easier to list what we are not replacing than what we are. In broad strokes, we are yanking the engine and transmission next week. The Engine is getting blueprinted as well as a 2.2 conversion with higher compression pistons, hotter cams, the works. I am looking for a somewhat hotter engine, but preferably just under 190hp to insure transmission longevity. The Transmission is getting resealed and certain prophylactic modifications are being made, as recommended. She is also getting an entirely new suspension, steering rack rebuild, radiator, brake system, clutch system, all new hoses and lines, and fuel system is being overhauled. Once that is completed I intend to drive her for a couple of months to shake things out, then depending on what we find, we will either do a repaint next or a new interior. The functioning of the electrics will dictate the next move. If they prove spotty, we will attack the interior next so we can replace the wiring system, as it is now 40 years old. The car has a new interior but I don't like the dash material anyway so I was planning on redoing it in butterscotch leather with contrast stitching to match the light tan seats. If the electrics are fine, I will do the exterior first. It will be repainted in white. I have already ordered all new exterior trim, euro bumpers, etc. Basically, I have essentially a new car in parts in storage right now!

 

I wouldn´t worry about the transmission with a naturally aspirated Esprit. I have an Esprit S2 with high compression 2,2-litre engine that has Lotusbits 4-2-1 exhaust system. When you consider that the same transmission was in an 215 hp Esprit Turbo and the 3-litre, 220hp and 1350kg Maserati Merak, it should handle 200+ hp naturally aspirated 2,2-litre engine with no difficulty.