Can of worms, which is the best Esprit?
Discussion
Good Morning Lotus people!
I'm been humming and huffing about an addition to or replacement for the TVR for a few months, pretty much decided I cant bring myself to buy anything that's not British (for various reasons), which makes the choice a bit easier, Vantage, F-Type, Different TVR, Lotus (and a few outside/left-field choices which I've already discounted)...
Which after much thought, lead me back to the Esprit, it's been ages since I looked at them, but I've always loved the shape, a true classic in all it's guises.
So... Esprits then... From what's in the classifieds they all seem a bit of a bargain. I could run all the way to a minty, late model V8 (there's three lovely looking yellow ones in there now), but that also gets some very nice and some would say better looking earlier cars too.
Leaving the aesthetics aside as that's all in the eye of the beholder, which one(s) are the best to drive? most well rounded fast road cars?
I've a feeling it'll be the Late v8, pinnacle of the models development etc...
Any other thoughts or ideas? I love the thought of an 80's Turbo... concerned about fragility (coming from a TVR owner that's a big concern!)
Are there any specialists in Oxfordshire/West Berkshire (or further afield) I could be having a chat with? (Thinking along the lines of Str8Six for the TVR equivalent, highly regarded and only deal in the best cars)
Finally, what's the current thinking on gearbox upgrades/strengthening for the V8's? I've read a lot of (very old, 6-10 years) stuff on the Internet about potential upgrade paths. Is this still something many are doing? Or is it just a case of "dont launch it"..
Sorry for all the questions.
Cheers
Dave
I'm been humming and huffing about an addition to or replacement for the TVR for a few months, pretty much decided I cant bring myself to buy anything that's not British (for various reasons), which makes the choice a bit easier, Vantage, F-Type, Different TVR, Lotus (and a few outside/left-field choices which I've already discounted)...
Which after much thought, lead me back to the Esprit, it's been ages since I looked at them, but I've always loved the shape, a true classic in all it's guises.
So... Esprits then... From what's in the classifieds they all seem a bit of a bargain. I could run all the way to a minty, late model V8 (there's three lovely looking yellow ones in there now), but that also gets some very nice and some would say better looking earlier cars too.
Leaving the aesthetics aside as that's all in the eye of the beholder, which one(s) are the best to drive? most well rounded fast road cars?
I've a feeling it'll be the Late v8, pinnacle of the models development etc...
Any other thoughts or ideas? I love the thought of an 80's Turbo... concerned about fragility (coming from a TVR owner that's a big concern!)
Are there any specialists in Oxfordshire/West Berkshire (or further afield) I could be having a chat with? (Thinking along the lines of Str8Six for the TVR equivalent, highly regarded and only deal in the best cars)
Finally, what's the current thinking on gearbox upgrades/strengthening for the V8's? I've read a lot of (very old, 6-10 years) stuff on the Internet about potential upgrade paths. Is this still something many are doing? Or is it just a case of "dont launch it"..
Sorry for all the questions.
Cheers
Dave
I think you will get two answers, S4s or final V8.
The S4s is the lower maintenance option but neither will be especially cheap to run. If you can find one, the Sport 350 is really quite an animal and possibly the best handling. A final edition V8 is pretty close.
The S4s is a different character with a 4 cyl turbo, likes to rev, spectacular turbo boost and not much slower.
Anyhow the best Esprit is the one with the best service history that passes any independant inspection.
The S4s is the lower maintenance option but neither will be especially cheap to run. If you can find one, the Sport 350 is really quite an animal and possibly the best handling. A final edition V8 is pretty close.
The S4s is a different character with a 4 cyl turbo, likes to rev, spectacular turbo boost and not much slower.
Anyhow the best Esprit is the one with the best service history that passes any independant inspection.
Any owner will tell the best Esprit is the one he/she actually owns (mine's a late V8-GT). But coming at it fresh and putting the G-Car, S-Car, C-Car arguments to one side as shape/style is very much subjective, probably the best in terms of performance/handling/balance is the GT3, preferably a late model with the updated interior. Its a very quick car for a 2.0l but personally, once I'd test driven a V8, I was smitten.
There's plenty of advice out there at Lotus Esprit World, The Lotus Forums etc. and many owners will happily help you out with advice, rides, inspections etc. Get yourself along to a few local meets, its a very friendly community and its best to buy a known car from within that community as many wannabee supercar owners see the initial bargain but don't realise the expense in keeping it on the road, so there some very sad, neglected examples out there. Complete history, service records and a comprehensive inspection by someone knowledgeable are an absolute must.
Your problem is the best one's are usually spoken for and we ain't selling.......
There's plenty of advice out there at Lotus Esprit World, The Lotus Forums etc. and many owners will happily help you out with advice, rides, inspections etc. Get yourself along to a few local meets, its a very friendly community and its best to buy a known car from within that community as many wannabee supercar owners see the initial bargain but don't realise the expense in keeping it on the road, so there some very sad, neglected examples out there. Complete history, service records and a comprehensive inspection by someone knowledgeable are an absolute must.
Your problem is the best one's are usually spoken for and we ain't selling.......
my two pence worth.
I was told that the earlier cars go wrong more often but cost less, the latter cars (S4) onwards I guess, go wrong less but cost more !. . . not much of a choice I suppose.
I test drove 3 and a V8 and ended up with a 98 GT3 which for me was the best of the bunch. and suits my ownership blend of not needing it everyday and its fun to drive.
Its such a subjective thing of course but I was warned about the running costs particularly of the V8. . .which as you might imagine is bloody quick. So if speed is your thing then none are slow, but the V8 will be a good choice.
What I have learned and others may comment on is that the Esprit likes to be driven, so if your using one every day as one of the previous owners of my car did then you may not experience some of the garage queen issues I have read about. But of course the trade off there will be servicing costs.
I got my car checked over by Max at Lakeside Engineering in Surrey, and I would politely suggest that you seek out a similar specialist if you can. (Max is a top guy)
Others on here may be able to offer their own specialist experiences for you.
I was told that the earlier cars go wrong more often but cost less, the latter cars (S4) onwards I guess, go wrong less but cost more !. . . not much of a choice I suppose.
I test drove 3 and a V8 and ended up with a 98 GT3 which for me was the best of the bunch. and suits my ownership blend of not needing it everyday and its fun to drive.
Its such a subjective thing of course but I was warned about the running costs particularly of the V8. . .which as you might imagine is bloody quick. So if speed is your thing then none are slow, but the V8 will be a good choice.
What I have learned and others may comment on is that the Esprit likes to be driven, so if your using one every day as one of the previous owners of my car did then you may not experience some of the garage queen issues I have read about. But of course the trade off there will be servicing costs.
I got my car checked over by Max at Lakeside Engineering in Surrey, and I would politely suggest that you seek out a similar specialist if you can. (Max is a top guy)
Others on here may be able to offer their own specialist experiences for you.
If you like something rare and special, what about this Lotus esprit Sport 350...
it has many carbon parts and many new parts, also a new engine in 2009 at 34.000miles
http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat/lotus-esprit-...
I translate with google from german to english
it has many carbon parts and many new parts, also a new engine in 2009 at 34.000miles
http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat/lotus-esprit-...
I translate with google from german to english
said:
For sale a Silver Lotus Esprit sport 350 with 3.5 liter is V8 central motor, EZ 12/1999. It is vehicle #32 54 worldwide built sport 350. The Interior is equivalent to 98-facelift. The Esprit has received a new engine in 2009 (at approximately 34,000 mls).
The sport was built 350 series the Lotus Esprit for the FIA GT to homologisieren. Front 235/40-17-inch of Toyo tires on original Lotus sport 350 OZ magnesium rims, rear 295/35-18 inch of Toyotires on original Lotus sport 350 OZ magnesium rims, with Groove/wheel extention rear.
The car has an Targadach, power steering, radio CD pioneer and additional speakers by AMPIRE rear. The car is equipped with remote control (central locking), alarm system and immobilizer. It is a non-smoking car.
Many elements of this vehicle (Interior, rear wing, etc.) are made of real carbon German approval. The carbon seats were installed later and fit perfectly to the look and feel. The AVO shock absorbers are adjustable (with Eibach springs). The exhaust system has a central double tube. With is a spare wheel original OZ magnesium rims (17 "), racing-pipes and a car hood in silver.
There are various invoices for maintenance work.
The sport was built 350 series the Lotus Esprit for the FIA GT to homologisieren. Front 235/40-17-inch of Toyo tires on original Lotus sport 350 OZ magnesium rims, rear 295/35-18 inch of Toyotires on original Lotus sport 350 OZ magnesium rims, with Groove/wheel extention rear.
The car has an Targadach, power steering, radio CD pioneer and additional speakers by AMPIRE rear. The car is equipped with remote control (central locking), alarm system and immobilizer. It is a non-smoking car.
Many elements of this vehicle (Interior, rear wing, etc.) are made of real carbon German approval. The carbon seats were installed later and fit perfectly to the look and feel. The AVO shock absorbers are adjustable (with Eibach springs). The exhaust system has a central double tube. With is a spare wheel original OZ magnesium rims (17 "), racing-pipes and a car hood in silver.
There are various invoices for maintenance work.
GTRene said:
If you like something rare and special, what about this Lotus esprit Sport 350...
it has many carbon parts and many new parts, also a new engine in 2009 at 34.000miles
http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat/lotus-esprit-...
I translate with google from german to english
New engine at 34,000miles? That car was abused! If treated well, these things are bullet proof.it has many carbon parts and many new parts, also a new engine in 2009 at 34.000miles
http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat/lotus-esprit-...
I translate with google from german to english
said:
For sale a Silver Lotus Esprit sport 350 with 3.5 liter is V8 central motor, EZ 12/1999. It is vehicle #32 54 worldwide built sport 350. The Interior is equivalent to 98-facelift. The Esprit has received a new engine in 2009 (at approximately 34,000 mls).
The sport was built 350 series the Lotus Esprit for the FIA GT to homologisieren. Front 235/40-17-inch of Toyo tires on original Lotus sport 350 OZ magnesium rims, rear 295/35-18 inch of Toyotires on original Lotus sport 350 OZ magnesium rims, with Groove/wheel extention rear.
The car has an Targadach, power steering, radio CD pioneer and additional speakers by AMPIRE rear. The car is equipped with remote control (central locking), alarm system and immobilizer. It is a non-smoking car.
Many elements of this vehicle (Interior, rear wing, etc.) are made of real carbon German approval. The carbon seats were installed later and fit perfectly to the look and feel. The AVO shock absorbers are adjustable (with Eibach springs). The exhaust system has a central double tube. With is a spare wheel original OZ magnesium rims (17 "), racing-pipes and a car hood in silver.
There are various invoices for maintenance work.
The sport was built 350 series the Lotus Esprit for the FIA GT to homologisieren. Front 235/40-17-inch of Toyo tires on original Lotus sport 350 OZ magnesium rims, rear 295/35-18 inch of Toyotires on original Lotus sport 350 OZ magnesium rims, with Groove/wheel extention rear.
The car has an Targadach, power steering, radio CD pioneer and additional speakers by AMPIRE rear. The car is equipped with remote control (central locking), alarm system and immobilizer. It is a non-smoking car.
Many elements of this vehicle (Interior, rear wing, etc.) are made of real carbon German approval. The carbon seats were installed later and fit perfectly to the look and feel. The AVO shock absorbers are adjustable (with Eibach springs). The exhaust system has a central double tube. With is a spare wheel original OZ magnesium rims (17 "), racing-pipes and a car hood in silver.
There are various invoices for maintenance work.
My favorite Esprits have always been the Essex Turbo's and the following early Turbo's , they represent a good balance of styling and performance IMO, and are going up in value.
Earlier cars (S1, S2) better looking, but performance lacking in todays world, later Stevens cars too rounded off and added on to with wings, spats etc., but build quality and reliability improved over earlier versions.
Favorite for high mileage daily driving would be an S4S, I wouldn't touch any V8 with a barge pole as I'm not a masochist, but If you constantly like taking the same car apart as a hobby the V8 may be the one for you.
Earlier cars (S1, S2) better looking, but performance lacking in todays world, later Stevens cars too rounded off and added on to with wings, spats etc., but build quality and reliability improved over earlier versions.
Favorite for high mileage daily driving would be an S4S, I wouldn't touch any V8 with a barge pole as I'm not a masochist, but If you constantly like taking the same car apart as a hobby the V8 may be the one for you.
Here you go - bite his hand off! http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
I had an S4S for 5 years that I recently sold to fund my son's house purchase, but was seriously tempted by the GT3 above. Personally I wouldn't touch a V8 - only 50 hp more than an S4S with a heavier engine meant they were slower to 60 mph. I also know a very well known & respected Independant Specialist that wont entertain V8s at all. Depends on what sort of driver you are - I you like to sit in 3rd gear at 30 mph and have a good response when you put your foot down, then get a V8. If you like high revving it through the gears get an S4S or a GT3. You may find this useful >> http://www.lotusespritworld.com/models.html
I had an S4S for 5 years that I recently sold to fund my son's house purchase, but was seriously tempted by the GT3 above. Personally I wouldn't touch a V8 - only 50 hp more than an S4S with a heavier engine meant they were slower to 60 mph. I also know a very well known & respected Independant Specialist that wont entertain V8s at all. Depends on what sort of driver you are - I you like to sit in 3rd gear at 30 mph and have a good response when you put your foot down, then get a V8. If you like high revving it through the gears get an S4S or a GT3. You may find this useful >> http://www.lotusespritworld.com/models.html
you could also do something like this...
by an older but nice Esprit with a bad engine, put in such as this LS engine etc, upgrade the dash and tunnel (get away with that square dash...) could be very nice (don't look at that steering wheel and gear knob, its a bout the dash/tunnel etc.
http://caral.co.uk/13.html
that way you could have a very fast esprit with lots of reliable power and a better interior then the esprits with the square dash.
by an older but nice Esprit with a bad engine, put in such as this LS engine etc, upgrade the dash and tunnel (get away with that square dash...) could be very nice (don't look at that steering wheel and gear knob, its a bout the dash/tunnel etc.
http://caral.co.uk/13.html
that way you could have a very fast esprit with lots of reliable power and a better interior then the esprits with the square dash.
GTRene said:
you could also do something like this...
by an older but nice Esprit with a bad engine, put in such as this LS engine etc, upgrade the dash and tunnel (get away with that square dash...) could be very nice (don't look at that steering wheel and gear knob, its a bout the dash/tunnel etc.
http://caral.co.uk/13.html
that way you could have a very fast esprit with lots of reliable power and a better interior then the esprits with the square dash.
Arrrrrgh... This stuff really causes me to have a personal crisis, I've had modded cars and loved them but for something like an older lotus (or tvr) I like to keep them as original as possible (reliability / strengthening is allowed)by an older but nice Esprit with a bad engine, put in such as this LS engine etc, upgrade the dash and tunnel (get away with that square dash...) could be very nice (don't look at that steering wheel and gear knob, its a bout the dash/tunnel etc.
http://caral.co.uk/13.html
that way you could have a very fast esprit with lots of reliable power and a better interior then the esprits with the square dash.
That said, the ls tvr conversions are awesome.
I'm sure something like that is too.
Bet it costs a bomb though, I know the tvr conversions do.
those S4S looks also pretty and very low miles...only 10.000miles.
http://www.barryelysportscars.co.uk/lotus-esprit-s...
this S4S 40.000miles
http://www.barryelysportscars.co.uk/lotus-esprit-s...
but no prices...
this V8 Gt has a price and low miles as well with 17.300miles price seems not to bad either>
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C533574
http://www.barryelysportscars.co.uk/lotus-esprit-s...
this S4S 40.000miles
http://www.barryelysportscars.co.uk/lotus-esprit-s...
but no prices...
this V8 Gt has a price and low miles as well with 17.300miles price seems not to bad either>
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C533574
or you could buy something cheaper and keep some money left for??
like this UK V8 but in the Netherlands only 14.000,-gbp, if there is something not that good with it you have a lot money left for repair or upgrades or whatever (as in comparison with one V8 from 29.000,-gbp)
in the pictures it could be a good base and you have the newer/nicer type interior/dash etc.
http://www.autoscout24.nl/Details.aspx?id=18254142...
like this UK V8 but in the Netherlands only 14.000,-gbp, if there is something not that good with it you have a lot money left for repair or upgrades or whatever (as in comparison with one V8 from 29.000,-gbp)
in the pictures it could be a good base and you have the newer/nicer type interior/dash etc.
http://www.autoscout24.nl/Details.aspx?id=18254142...
owjeh sorry
you have to know first which is best...
maybe you can buy (next year) a 'affordable' one and make it 'best'
I remember a episode of Top gear or another car program, were Tiff Needle a Lotus Esprit buys to race? or to tune or something like that, but he kept breaking gearboxes or drive shafts? not sure any-more, a long time ago it was.
Thats when I thought, hm, you better buy one with a good interior and the looks you like and make the technical part better, even when its not 'Lotus' parts.
you have to know first which is best...
maybe you can buy (next year) a 'affordable' one and make it 'best'
I remember a episode of Top gear or another car program, were Tiff Needle a Lotus Esprit buys to race? or to tune or something like that, but he kept breaking gearboxes or drive shafts? not sure any-more, a long time ago it was.
Thats when I thought, hm, you better buy one with a good interior and the looks you like and make the technical part better, even when its not 'Lotus' parts.
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