Anybody know Lotus Esprits??

Kirk911SC · 08-16-2006, 05:46 PM

A friend of mine has decided that he needs a new toy, and he's always liked the Lotus Esprit turbo.

I'll ask the Pelican braintrust if they know anything about these cars....which years are recommended, what to look out for, typical problems, etc.

Keep in mind he has no "hands-on" know-how at this point with cars in general. I've advised that an older sports car (ESPECIALLY a British one!) is a commitment.

Thanks.

Kirk

Kirk911SC · 08-17-2006, 04:54 AM

Thanks for the info. I've already steered him away from the '70s cars..........no turbo for starters!

Kirk

ErVikingo · 08-17-2006, 05:31 AM

We had an 88 which was beautiful but kit car "ish". Window mechanisms were really bad (replacement are from a Chevy product), could shake was too much, as well as the turbo lag.

Can't beat its looks though (if you like that style). late 80's turbos go for 20-25K.

Juan

}{arlequin · }{arlequin's Garage

they were nice to look at when i was a kid and didn't know any better. now that i know, i'd probably go in the opposite direction- old school... all the way into the 80's and get the most angular (but clean, no wings...) looking car i could find.

in the JohnPlayerSpecial livery- black w/ gold

serge944 · serge944's Garage

Yeah, I lusted over the esprit s4s when I was younger. British racing green + OZ 3-piece wheels is very nice.

Anything older looks too dated for me and have -ugly- interiors.

epbrown · 08-17-2006, 01:53 PM

Someone on the forum used to race a Lotus. I can't remember his screen name, his real name is Don and he's a fellow Chicago. We bought our 911SCs within days of each other, and he had his old Lotus race car in storage at the time. I'll PM him or e-mail him about this thread if I can dig up his info.

Ronbo · 08-17-2006, 02:44 PM

The last several years of Esprit production were twin-turbo V8s, so it's possible to avoid the 4-cylinders if he wants.

Kirk911SC · 08-17-2006, 03:22 PM

I'll forward this thread to him. Thanks for the input!

Kirk

jyl · jyl's Garage

I have the hots for the later Stevens Esprits (the rounded-off body w/ rear wing) esp the turbo V8s. The angular early cars look rather dated to me. The look hasn't aged well, IMHO.

Mad Mike · 08-18-2006, 08:28 AM

I drove a friends Esprit twin turbo. Lots of power, fast as hell. The ergonomics of the car were that of a 1960's, and this was a 2002 or so. After driving Porsche's all my life. I would not be able to make the change, other than a quick blast down the road.

Cheers

slow&rusty · 08-19-2006, 07:06 AM

I will sell you this car for $2500 comes with a fully brand new built engine..with ZERO miles...if not I am going to crush the car in a few weeks and sell the motor+trans privately.

This is no joke!

Yasin

Kirk911SC · 08-19-2006, 08:00 AM

Any other info on the car? Pics?

ruf-porsche · ruf-porsche's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by epbrown
Someone on the forum used to race a Lotus. I can't remember his screen name, his real name is Don and he's a fellow Chicago. We bought our 911SCs within days of each other, and he had his old Lotus race car in storage at the time. I'll PM him or e-mail him about this thread if I can dig up his info.

Hey EP I see that you got a new stable of cars, did you buy a new house with a garage to store your new toys?

I still have the PORSCHE and brought a BMW 525IT last year to haul the kids around. Got tire of driving the ISUZU and the kids are too small to ride the 911 in the back (car seats doesn't fit).