RE: We drive the all-new Esprit

[GTRene]

I thought all Esprit came with a galvenized chassis...but it was from 1980 so it seems>>

story said:

1980
February: Essex Lotus Turbo Esprit launched at spectacular Essex Petroleum party at Royal Albert Hall, London. First 100 units in Team Essex Lotus racing livery. Modified competition-based body shape. New galvanized chassis, new suspension and 2.2-litre 210 bhp 16-valve turbocharged engine. 150+ mph 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

May: Introduction of 1980 model range: Eclat Series 2.2 - Esprit Series 2.2

All models updated with 2.2-litre Lotus engines. The entire model range, including the Esprit Turbo, incorporate galvanized chassis - guaranteed for five years.

http://www.espritfactfile.com/Misc.html

[jimjim150]

rob.e said:

jimjim150 said:

herebebeasties said:

jimjim150 said:

How much do people reckon this will sell for? Would LOVE to own an Esprit, but can't really justify the cost of a nice, late model mortgage comes first!

Would love this - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4187916.htm

Oooh. How much do the V8s cost to run, realistically?

Any owners care to chip in? Would be interested to hear difference in ownership of the V8 / Turbo 4.

I ran a v8 and before that a gt3 as my everyday car - did 50k miles in the v8.. I have a bunch of stuff in my profile on both of these cars including running costs. Not cheap to run (so no surprises there) but no worse that a contemporary Ferrari or tvr IMO.

I think you've made me want a Skoda now instead.

[myhandle]

LuS1fer said:

Doesn't alter the point though. the car was plainly not designed for round lights.

F512M anyone?

[f1ten]

i meant, it didnt look as good and it certainly didnt sound as good. The one thing that made me never buy an esprit v8 was because it sounded poor. engine noise is critical on a supercar.

dubbs said:

What does "didn't quite do what a Ferrari or Lamborghini did" mean? It was a sharper and faster car in the Sport 350 guise than a 355 iirc. Even with that gadawful gearbox and chocolate teapot half shafts

[Dodgey_Rog]

I WANT THIS CAR!!!!

[Pat H]

robinessex said:

Guys, come on, this is PH. Don't 'complain' about running costs, this is the perfect DIY 'exotic'.

Don't know about the V8, but my old 1987 Esprit was pretty straightforward.

The main problem is access and the fact that you have to do all sorts of time consuming disassembly before you can get to some jobs.

Replacing a petrol tank is a good example. The radiator isn't much better.

But if you can use a spanner, then you can save yourself a fortune in labour costs, because the actual technology is pretty basic.

Spares can be absurdly cheap if you avoid Lotus dealers and know a bit about parts compatability. BL switches and latches, Transit master cylinders etc.

Ferrari 328 was easier to work on. Transverse engine made cam belts a doddle compared to an Esprit. But the cost of some of the parts was bonkers.

[BIRMA]

Lotus tweaked the looks of the V8 over a period of time, first was the instrument binnacle which on the later cars was very modern looking, not sure if it copied anything from another car but I think it was a big improvement. Then in late 2001 they changed the rear lights on the cars which if you think was a copy of what Ferrari had then fair enough in my opinion it again improved the overall look of the car. What should be seriously considered is the fact that if you are lucky you can pick up a late car with the improved AP brakes for around £21K for that you will have a car that never fails to put a big grin on your face as it 'squirrels' up the road just about under control in fourth gear. Then if you need your decision to buy one confirmed drive past a bunch of schoolkids or stop and fill up with petrol people always engage you in conversation and at the very least people pass and say 'nice car mate'. Sure the cars do need looking after properly which does either involve you being a good competent mechanic or just having a wad of trouser money handy. For the sort of money these cars go for I haven't found a worthy replacement yet and as I've found the only thing that came near was a £45K 911 Turbo S.

[oilit]

Talk about dead mans shoes (or in this case dead mans car seat !)

I reckon £25-£30k?

[will261058]

A really nice car but I think the body kit spoils the lines. Still want one though!

[Dodgey_Rog]

oilit said:

Talk about dead mans shoes (or in this case dead mans car seat !)

I reckon £25-£30k?

I reckon it'll go up for around £38k to £39k and sell for around the early £30k's, maybe.....

[rob.e]

Has anyone actually enquired on the price yet?

[Le TVR]

rob.e said:

Has anyone actually enquired on the price yet?

[james280779]

richb77 said:

I've always loved Esprits from the S1 to this beauty.

Shame at 6ft 5in I cant get in the damn things.

Stunning car and a crying shame there are not more about for me to ogle.

I am 6'5 and I own one- only issue is if going over a large bump I might bang my head on roof- as long as sunroof open its not an issue.

one more for you to ogle

[Mrs Muttleysnoop]

[quote=HereBeMonsters]If I win the EuroMillions I'm buying that to give back to the guy who built it. Brilliant.[/quote


I will tell him that when I see him next week!! I saw it at Hethel whilst in build and his build pictures.

[rob.e]

Le TVR said:

rob.e said:

Has anyone actually enquired on the price yet?

AND.....??!

[Oilchange]

It's idiots like me that give it a bad name, too keen on thrashing it to within an inch. If I drove it normally it'd probably last forever

juansolo said:

Good strong transmission that. *nods* I can see why you'd get shirty when people make stupid comments about how it's not really up to the job it was stuck in the car to do.



EDIT: Just thought I'd add, unless it wasn't clear, I love Esprits (most Lotuses to be fair). That just made me chuckle.

Edited by juansolo on Tuesday 4th September 10:58