Lex Templar

@LOTUSMAN33it looks like the ex-Chapman 0970 might be coming up for sale. I noticed on this companies Instagram - coming soon. https://www.markdonaldson.com

Fabian, just going back a long way in your thread. I recently discovered the early Turbo cars and post 81 cars have a different vent shape under the bonnet..the early cars share the s1/s2 arrangement and the black bits are different slightly. Just a bit of trivia really.

@LOTUSMAN33 Nice photo, looks like a period shot next to Essex 005. I've slotted it into the database based on build date. Interesting stripes.

Yes that was in the Spy Who Loved Me, so it would sit alongside the S1. Sorry for adding things to your list. 😂

it certainly is Fabian, albeit yours in better shape! You even have the Good Year lettering lined up on the same angle (almost) 😉 I wonder what the future holds for #930 - museums are nice but it really should be out and about don't you think? You may as well restore a wet-bike too Fabian as pictured. Probably easier than making ski racks.

Gents here is the latest copy of the database, its quite big these days so it is 4 x screenshots. If anyone wants a PDF, message me your email address. Cheers, Lex

#930 in 2008 with its droopy left eye and HC bonnet. I found this on Alamy.com (Allstar Picture Library Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo) and bought a hi-res as I had not seen this image before.

As @LOTUSMAN33 said, the vin number would be great for everyone! It will also be able to tell you exactly how early it is. Of course finding a replacement dry sump engine will be next to impossible but a wet sump engine should be possible. Be worth finding out what colour it was originally too via a certificate from Lotus if you buy it. looks like many a coat of paint on it..over everything! Lex

Good work Dave, a late dry sump.

Brian it’s absolutely great to hear from you. Thanks for confirming those things and also giving me the build date of 954, I didn’t have this in stone. Andy Graham confirmed 3 cars were produced in 1980 in this FYEO spec (white, compomotives, Roof stereo, brown interior) so this confirms this was in fact the 3rd. Interesting the build date for 954 is before 953. It would be great for the 2 missing cars to re-surface one day. 953 still retains its factory brown interior thankfully. Thanks again, Lex

Hi @brian_gt4 I was hoping you could shed some light on the 2 other production Monaco white with brown leather interior cars of 1980. Chassis #928 + 954, sister cars to #953 above. The DVLA states that these two have not been on the road since the early 80’s. I was hoping you may remember what happened to them or fill in some missing information. It is most likely #0928 was the White Heat road test car rather than #954 as the rego OPW667W was registered before 954 was built. It would be great to hear from you Brian! Cheers, Lex

Easy Fixed Andy! I need to find a damaged Essex 1/18 Autoart and take the silver/black wheels off it. It always annoyed me the white Autoart had gold wheels like the Copper Fire car. Good thing they got the interior spot on though.

It's the same Corgi from 20 years ago. Picture here of the Directors cut version. They haven't changed it, just a re-release if they are selling them new again. The Ski's do have OLIN MARK VI markings on them. Some versions of this Directors cut model from the 2000's have two black sets of skis, some with one red set like this one.

Thanks Stefan, now on the register. Lex.

Wow! congrats. I will put you down as the owner on the dry sump register too.

Chassis #953 - build date December 1980. Factory Monaco White with full brown leather, factory 3-Piece Compomotive wheels + factory Panasonic roof stereo.

@LOTUSMAN33could this be #952? unfortunately nothing comes up in the DVLA search.

Fair enough Fabian I don't blame you! Meanwhile at Q-Lab, they're putting the white car back together.

This is brilliant fabian, attention to detail is great. I'm sure there will be many Esprit owners that will be wanting you to put these into 'production'!

How is the car John? Any current photos? is this #1042? cheers Lex

@LOTUSMAN33 is this #952? You posted it a while ago when you had your red car. Trying to work out if the keep the door from the wolf car is 952. There is only 1 calypso red/black early car on the register. Cheers, Lex

Yes he has sold it a long time ago. The car is a factory RHD and was converted to LHD. Lex

Anyone know which car this is? My guess is #952 @Alireza? This photo has recently surfaced. From the famous advert "keep the door from the wolf".