Jack Stone

Well I managed to get there, which was a pretty good effort considering I was still sat on the tarmac at Brussels at 16:00Z in a BA ‘bus with Lord Willie of Walsh, thanks to some Gallic ATC go-slow over the border. Fairly low turn-out but a good effort on the Esprit part – at least seven turned up (4 G-cars, 2 Stevens and a V8).

Hi Mat Yes, t'was mine. I'll upload some once I've reminded myself how to!

According to my price list from Apr 1981 the overhead Panasonic wasn't standard fit on the Essex (although presumably everyone opted for it). It was a £600.50 option (inc tax) in lieu of the normal rad/cass which was listed as standard. Interestingly, the non-Essex turbo didn't come with any radio/cassette as standard - various options from a plain vanilla radio (without a cassette!) (£156.98) to the fully blown roof console (£1,029.05).

I was in my missus's Cooper today so couldn't formate!

Hi This sounds too young to be an S2.2 as production ended in early 1981 when the S3 arrived, so be careful. If it is an S2.2 then it should have Speedline wheels (if original - check out pics of the wheels on a standard S2 or S2 World Champion as they are the same design). Speedlines were supposed to be standard on the S3 in the early days, but almost all were taken with the BBS wheels that were fitted to the Turbo Esprit. Although the S2.2 is a rare car (less than 90 were built, allegedly), if you want a non-turbo of that era you would be better advised to go for the S3 as it has the galvanised chassis and the improved brakes and rear suspension arrangement of the turbo. It was introduced in April 1981. The S2.2 and S3 has the 912 engine, but I can't help on the chassis or engine numbers. But hope the rest helps.

Hi I have a few pics taken at SGT Maidenhead in mid-1981 of Essex No.18 (I can confirm the number, as one of the pics is of the badge on the rear buttress!). The car (which was presumably back at SGT for its first service) was registered “217 AD” – this fills in one little gap in the listing! I also have a pic taken of the second development turbo KAH 540V in about 1985 (at the Mildenhall air show, I think!). This car is blue and decorated as an Essex but appears to have non-standard labelling on the nose (the word “Turbo” is hollow like “Esprit” – presumably a pre-production styling?). Bizarrely it also has its aerial mounted on the near-side, although it is a right-hand drive car. Wonder where this car is today?

Spotted this Yellow, W-reg S2 (or S2.2) trundling around Silverstone yesterday. It very courteously stopped to let a group of us cross the road! I managed to snap a pic as it drove off but didn't see it long enough to ID if it was a rare S2.2 (judging by the year it may well be). Did any one else see/take Giugiaros to the British GP? I bottled bringing my Turbo due to Wx forecast (hot) and traffic concerns (that were unfounded). Will probably take it to the Silverstone Classic next month.

169 & 170 Is there any room left! 1. Jack Stone 2. 1981 Turbo Esprit (Dry sump!) 3. +1 4. - 5. Hillingdon