Another JPS Esprit undergoing restoration

[Burg57]

I've been a Lotus fan since the very early 70's when my inspirational Science teacher took a group of young lads to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix practice day (I was hooked for life). I had a Europa Special in the the late 70's and now all those years later I bought my dream car, a JPS Esprit! Couldn't afford a nice one but found one that had been stored for over 20 years and was looking tired with a seized engine which all meant it was within my price range. Photo attached of the car when we got it home, it was one of those cars that looked better the further away you stood! Restoration is now going at full pace, the engine is stripped and at the machine shop, body stripped and repaired and is in the paintshop and the chassis has been stripped, blasted, powder coated and is now being rebuilt.
Car is number 82 of the limited edition. Happy to post more pictures of the build if it's of interest to anybody.

[Burg57]

Photos of the strip down. Chassis parts ready to go for blasting.

Edited by Burg57 on Tuesday 2nd March 12:47

Edited by Burg57 on Tuesday 2nd March 12:52

[Burg57]

[Burg57]

Only problem i found other than rust. Poor repair carried out some years ago, patch held on with what looked like bird s**t

[Burg57]

[Burg57]

I agree with you, doesn't look stiff enough but there are some clever people out there and Ron Hickman had a rough idea what he was doing when he designed the box chassis for the Elan and even managed to design the Black and Decker Workmate and that was bloody clever too.

[Burg57]

Does that help? Trailing arm bolts to the upright, lower link rod to upright and driveshaft acts as the top link

[Burg57]

Chassis and suspension parts back from the powder coater ready for assembly



New bushes, springs and dampers

[Burg57]

Now it starts to get sexy!

[Burg57]

Hi Bob, I have seen your post, seeing the finished product provides some additional inspiration to keep the project going. Nice looking workshop!

[Burg57]

Another little project when the Esprit is finished

[Burg57]

Common as muck! Good to see these getting back on the road. Would like to see some more pictures of these cars.

[Burg57]

Refurbished brakes ready to be fitted, not a cheap process but they are looking better than new.

[Burg57]

Back from the paintshop today!