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Andy/Simon, Thanks for the input. Was the

Following on from a failed attempt to buy a pristine Esprit I'm now leaning towards the idea of buying a 'reasonable' example and bringing it up to spec with new parts. Going on the basis that the car is only as good as its' weakest point, and that I'm no mechanic so the work would likely be charged for on an hourly basis, would anyone like to hazard a guess on the costs involved in replacing everything major in the Esprit HC? I've posted here in the 'Engine/Ancilliaries' section of the forum although to be honest I'm also looking for an idea of costs for a complete respray and full leather trim refit. I'm used to seeing classic Astons being restored at the Works Service in Newport Pagnell but gather that Lotus don't have the equivalent who can deal with every aspect of a restoration project? i.e. I understand that interior trim is best left to the Lotus Factory whereas engine replacement is best left to a Lotus specialist? I'm only looking for ball-park figures to give me an idea of whether it really is worth taking on such a project. Steve

Hi matk, Yes, I've seen the white one advertised and have high resolution photos of the entire car, inside and out. Unfortunately, despite it being my preferred colour, it is in need of some serious money being spent on it. Even with the cosmetic, though costly, items aside, it's still done more miles than I was ideally looking for (46,000) and is suffering from a blown exhaust. The S3 looks to be in the condition I was expecting to see today though, sadly, it's not the HC.

Having sorted insurance, withdrawn the cash from the bank and then driven to London I'm still, disappointedly, Espritless. If this was the best example available then I think I'll give the whole thing up as a bad idea. To be fair, I did advise the owner that my expectations may be a little skewed on what a 24 year old car would look like but was assured that 'this was the best example out there'. If I'm paying top dollar for a car then am I being unreasonable to expect that it won't need a full respray and a complete interior overhaul? Perhaps my expectations are too high?

Thanks for the info Barrie. I've emailed the owner and will keep you posted. Steve

That's comforting to know, Thanks! Ok, thanks Bo, I thought that the reply about the garage was questioning something. I'm assuming that low mileage examples of the HC are a rarity these days? Wouldn't want to even contemplate this one only to find that better examples appear later albeit infrequently.

I'm tempted Simon, even if the wife isn't. I'm assuming that most replacement parts, including engine, are obsolete as far as Lotus are concerned? Steve

Is there any more info on this car? Should anyone contemplating this car be worried about that 'garage' it is claimed to have lived in for so long?

Yes, it's quite unusual that the 'Esprit' brochure doesn't have any dates whatsoever on it. Perhaps just a general brochure of that era that was available for potential Esprit buyers? I wouldn't have spotted the anomolies to be honest steve

Just a quick bump before the thread falls into obscurity...

.....and the Esprit

Unfortunately not James. I'm really hoping that it is in the hands of an enthusiast as seeing it in a bad way would probably just depress me :crybaby: I'm doing a similar thing with a 1987 TVR (350i wedge) and that is also still on the road albeit with another 9 owners since I bought it....no word on that either. Okay, I've scanned the 1985 range below, hosted on Photobucket, although the photos will undoubtedly be small. If anyone would like the images sent via email in full 300DPi then just drop me your email addy and I'll get them sent to you. I'll do the Esprit Brochure later this aftrnoon/evening. steve

Not sure if anyone here is interested but I do have the original brochure for the Lotus Range for 1985 which I'm happy to scan and post up on here. The brochure gives tech specs, interior as well as exterior photos of the entire range, Esprit Series 3, Esprit Turbo and the Excel; 7 pages in all. I also have the original brochure for just the Esprit range; 5 pages in all. As long as I'm not breaking any forum rules and you'd like to see them then let me know. steve

If you're serious about polishing then you really can't do better than aPorter Cable. Autopia will send to any location in the World and you get a cd with very useful info included in the order. Oh, if you do order one then remember you'll also need a power converter to allow for 240V to 110v . Info here Autopia

Yes, Thanks James. Looks like there is a good community here. It's unfortunate that I'm only able to bring along nostalgic points of interest. Steve