s3 1980-87 what is the most desirable model (excl essex)

s3 1980-87 what is the most desirable model (excl essex)

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bp81

Original Poster:

859 posts

101 months

Tuesday 19th April 2016
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Hi Guys

I have a v8 and am looking at getting into a s3 esprit as well and wondered what the general consensus is on the different models hc turbo, turbo, wet sump, dry sump, n/a etc etc.

Appreciate anyones thoughts!

Cheers

Pat H

8,056 posts

255 months

Tuesday 19th April 2016
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My entirely personal view is that the plain Jane dry sump Turbo Esprit will always be in the shadow of the Essex.

So I would look to the other end of S3 Esprits and say that a Turbo HC is the most desirable. But I would say that, wouldn't I?

If I already owned a V8, then performance wouldn't be a consideration, so I would try to find a mint NA S3 HC, as I much prefer the Giugiaro Esprit without all of the spoilers, skirts and louvres.

The NA S3 HC is a very rare car indeed. If I didn't already have a HC Turbo, then that's what I would be looking for.

But most people would say that the NA is always going to be in the shadow of the Turbo. Which I guess brings you back to the Turbo HC.

And, with any Giugiaro Esprit, white cars fetch a premium.

But if I already owned a V8, I would probably be looking for a nice s2.2 with those lovely Speedlines.



bp81

Original Poster:

859 posts

101 months

Monday 25th April 2016
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Thanks Pat, sorry I must have missed your reply that makes total sense to me. The issue is I agree most early esprits are in the shadow of the essex and as I dont have the patience and probably not the budget to acquire an essex what is next best option?! I know a lot would argue the n/a is a much cleaner looking car possibly more connection to a s2 or s1 but I love the look of the turbos stance the rear window etc so i guess I am stuck smile

Pat H

8,056 posts

255 months

Monday 25th April 2016
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The simple answer is to buy a mid 1990s GT3. I reckon they are the best mix of reliability, affordability and performance.

But if it has to be a Giugiaro Turbo, then just buy the best you can find. I guess that the HC is the one to have, but condition is more important than anything else.

I would avoid anything with a scruffy interior (which will be most of them...) as they are really expensive to put right.

I would suggest that you get in touch with Paul Matty and tell him what you are looking for.

Alternatively, just stump up £30k and buy the white one which is presently in the PH classifieds. I have no connection to the owner, or to Peter Parker who is selling it (though he is very pleasant to deal with).

But I have seen the car and it is as good as you are ever going to find. The bodywork is pretty much perfect and the interior has been very expensively and very well re-trimmed, albeit not in the original style. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, as it is much nicer.

And it is the right colour.

Good luck.

Edited by Pat H on Thursday 28th April 12:11

Bazza 2174

193 posts

219 months

Friday 29th April 2016
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I too have seen the white car and IMHO if you're buying the car to hold its value/as an investment, the non-standard interior will need stripping out and replacing (£10k?).


Pat H

8,056 posts

255 months

Saturday 30th April 2016
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Bazza 2174 said:
I too have seen the white car and IMHO if you're buying the car to hold its value/as an investment, the non-standard interior will need stripping out and replacing (£10k?).

Well, it has been done so nicely and at such expense that it is never going to get ripped out.

But I agree that it will definitely deter the purists.

Given the condition and mileage I don't think it is ridiculously priced at all, but whoever commissioned that non standard retrim has probably sliced a solid £5000 off the value of the car.





bp81

Original Poster:

859 posts

101 months

Sunday 1st May 2016
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Thanks for your thoughts guys I have recently acquired this little beaut smile an 1981 dry sump turbo esprit recently recommissioning by gst after circa 25 years in hibernation!

bp81

Original Poster:

859 posts

101 months

Sunday 1st May 2016
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Nose to nose with v8

Pat H

8,056 posts

255 months

Monday 2nd May 2016
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Splendid news!

How does it drive compared to the V8?

bp81

Original Poster:

859 posts

101 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
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The turbo has recently been restored by gst and drives fantastic and I really enjoy driving the car fairly hard getting up the rev range and flying round at 40--60 mph. The v8 on the other hand is obviously much more powerful and I have to be a lot more careful with the car because of the power and I am using a lot less of the cars capacity. I have only done a couple of hundred miles in both and am still learning the cars but if they were both new I would probably say the turbo as I do always have at the back of my mind one is not far off a modern car and one is 35 years old so I am naturally a bit more cautious with the turbo.

In summary the turbo is a fag paper ahead of the v8 but that could all change the next time I drive one still early days for me.


C43

666 posts

197 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
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lucky man, that is exactly the spec of Esprit Turbo I am looking for, if you get bored give me a shout.....as if!

C43

bp81

Original Poster:

859 posts

101 months

Friday 6th May 2016
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Thanks c43, have you had other esprits? what is it you are after as I have had a few offered to me since I got mine.

Yardelli

90 posts

244 months

Saturday 3rd September 2016
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bp - I have a HC Turbo thats been in 'hibernation' for some time. Any approx idea of what it cost to return it to the road ? I've heard good things about GST. Looks great

bp81

Original Poster:

859 posts

101 months

Sunday 4th September 2016
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Hi Yardelli, I'm sorry I couldn't give you a price but what I could say is that if you are keeping the car there isn't a better man out there to restore her mechanically than Gerald. The car literally drives better than a new car, no rattles so tight and reliable.