MGSanJose

So an update is in order. The Esprit was set about a month ago and it's been gone over pretty well. Hardly recognizable. Looks like somone needed the doors, roof, hatch, and nose. Other various pieces have been removed. At least it didn't "die" in vain, as parts of it are being used so that another may live.

Well, here's what I found out today. Pic-n-Pull has had problems in the past with junk slip sales, where the buyer was unable to title the car, then was forced to buy back the car and in some cases, refund repair work that the buyer had put into the car as well. So the decision has come down that the Lotus will not be sold, instead, it will be set in the yard to be parted out and eventually scrapped. Sorry guys, I thought it could be done as I purchased a 1981 Checker from here on a junk slip and had no problem getting it titled. I may be posting pictures of it set and probably crushed. What a sad day for the Esprit. Mel

Sorry, I went away on vacation. I hope you chose to stop by the yard for a look. I return to work 9th of July. Mel

I posted a '78 Esprit in the "Spotted" section. If you look at the photos, you'll see that it suffers from years of neglect and moisture, but I think it's worth saving. Underneath is solid, it is not wrecked, only missing the rear bumper and shift knob. I don't know the condition of the engine as there is no key. The color, "Roman Bronze" is a great asset to the car. I believe only five or six in the US with this color. Lots of work to bring it back from the brink of death, but it would be worth it. Mel

Oh if only I did have the money. I will say that I've been buying extra Lotto tickets this past month. I surely would throw lots o' cash into a total restore/upgrade. I imagine upgraded brakes, suspension, maybe even a turbo. How about some carbon fiber panels in the engine bay in place of the wooden ones? Since it's a salvage, the possibilities are nearly limitless. I'm going crazy just thinking about it, especially when I see it every day at work. It's maddening! Mel

Paperwork hasn't cleared, so no price set on it yet. My guess is that it should go for around $2000. For example there's a '70 Mustang for sale that's priced at $2600 (in better condition than Esprit). I don't think Pick-N-Pull uses eBay. They may advertise on Craig's List. Anyways, when I see they have it for sale, or if they decide to dismantle, I'll post it. Mel

The auto shop where I picked it up tried to sell it as well, with no luck. Probably was the same vehicle. Yes, the tires do appear to be fairly new. Not even any dry rot. "Roman Bronze," what a great color! I really will hate to see this crushed if no one saves it. Since the body is fiberglass, the forklifts will tear it off, throw it in the trash and the metal chassis will be crushed along with another car. That's how it's done with motorhomes and boats. Only 558 Esprits were built in '78, and around 400 were imported to the U.S.! Eliminate crashed cars and this is a rare car indeed. Once it clears and is available for sale (or not), I'll post. Mel

Maybe useful as a track car? It is complete, except for the rear bumper. Seems like moisture was the main culprit. Underneath is solid. If sold, it would have a salvage title. I'm curious as to what the color is called, I really like it. Anyways, I do hope someone sees potential in it and saves it. Mel

I registered into this group just to try and save this 1978 Esprit. I am a tow driver for Pick-N-Pull of San Jose California. I picked up this Esprit, and since it came with a "Junk" slip, my employers wanted to set it in the recycling yard to be pulled for parts. I convinced them that this car is too rare and special to be dismantled. They seem to have agreed, and the car is awaiting some paperwork to clear. Hopefully it will be placed for sale soon. I don't know what phone number to call if interested, but you can look it up. The address is 1065 commercial St., San Jose CA, 95112. Cheers, Mel