Lotus Esprit V8 Turbo: PH Carpool
As our owner says, who doesn't want a 90s supercar? Thankfully reality lives up to dream
Car: Lotus Esprit V8
Owned since: Not disclosed
Previously owned: VW Polo (first car!), Mk2 Escort, Mini 1275 Clubman, Mk1 Golf GTI (Janspeed Turbo), 16V Golf GTI, VW Scirocco, Triumph TR7 Convertible, Triumph TR8 coupe (TR7 with V8 engine transplant), Porsche 924, Subaru Impreza Turbo (early company car, amazing), Honda Accord Type R (early company car), 3.0-litre Subaru Legacy (early company car), TVR Tasmin convertible, TVR 350i convertible, Porsche 911 (996), TVR 280i Coupe, Lotus Eclat, Lotus Excel, Lotus Esprit Turbo (x2), Lotus Elise Tourer, TVR Cerbera, Classic Mini (put a BMW mini supercharger on it )
Mark has a bit of previous with Lotus...
"I always seem to migrate back to Lotus because they are quite rare to see on the road, fairly easy to mechanic on (if you persevere), you can still get most parts, the chassis doesn't rust, and the insurance premiums are good. Being a confirmed petrolhead the early Lotuses I had just missed the soundtrack of a V8 engine 'on song' like the TR8, TVR 350i and TVR Cerbera ... which was a scary car, but fun. I found this Lotus Esprit V8 in the North West, having kept an eye open in the specialist's adverts, and did a deal with my 1988 Esprit Turbo, which by then I had looking really nice."
What I wish I'd known:
"Certainly read up about the model, but be sensible about buying any car. Read some of the forums and you'll just get depressed with more negativity than positivity. At the end of the day, they have four wheels, and an internal combustion engine (like most cars), so check the usual stuff. Don't be afraid to talk to a specialist, as the good guys want to keep the cars on the road too, and they can usually help with most things."
With a V8 craving there was only one option
"You can drive it fast, or take it easy. People wind their windows down as they see you coming. It's a 90s supercar (don't we all want an 80s/90s supercar?) so it still looks totally fantastic and sounds even better. It starts every time, and I don't have to watch the gauges with a beady eye. When you take it to a supercar meet, that's when you know that you've got a pretty decent car."
Things I hate:
"When you're doing a big job like upgrading the radiator over winter you need to keep your resolve, especially after lying under the car in the cold, performing keyhole surgery and wondering how the hell they put everything together at the factory in the first place. But it's all forgotten when you've taken it out for its first blast of the year."
Costs:
"Insurance is cheap, VED not so cheap. The racing clutch (AP Racing) was quite expensive relative to other powerful cars like TVRs, but then things like alloy coolant pipes came in very reasonable. The car comes with £17K of receipts on file, so things can add up, especially labour if you don't do it yourself."
Green with tan a classy combo
"Not too far afield this year, but blasting around the Yorkshire Dales early in the morning is pretty awesome. Wish I had considered the Le Mans Classic, maybe next time."
What next?
"Possibly may sell it, kind of done everything I wanted to do. I may change for something slightly more focused, like a Noble. Or I may just crack on and make some carbon fibre parts which would keep me busy, parts like the sunroof spoiler, front spoiler, window side trim, rear valance, rear number plate surround, dash, engine cover..."
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
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