Lotus Esprit S3 Turbo Project

[snowrx]

Did he give you any idea what (other) motor had been fitted in the red car?

[James.007]

7 hours ago, EspritS3Noob said:

Thanks James,  

I went to see the car the other day, it's really not in a good condition as i said,

but i had to give him a fair offer due to the condition (which was 80% less than what he was asking)

hope he agrees tho.

anyways I have attached few pics of the car, unfortunately i couldn't inspect it properly.

 

Looks like a good basis to start from, its more complete than my one with all the body panels and interior in place, just looks like the engine let go at some point, hence why its been removed and of course isn't uncommon. If you can get the car at a good price or negotiate on your original offer I would not hesitate.

An excellent find, it looks like a lot of work, but don't be put off I can visualize the finished car.  

I look forward to hearing how you get on with your offer.

[Lex Templar]

On 07/04/2020 at 08:33, James.007 said:

Looks like a good basis to start from, its more complete than my one with all the body panels and interior in place, just looks like the engine let go at some point, hence why its been removed and of course isn't uncommon. If you can get the car at a good price or negotiate on your original offer I would not hesitate.

An excellent find, it looks like a lot of work, but don't be put off I can visualize the finished car.  

I look forward to hearing how you get on with your offer.

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

[EspritS3Noob]

Thanks for all of your support @James.007 , @Lex Templar and @LOTUSMAN33

Unfortunately I didn't have the chance to note down the VIN number.

I think I should post a new thread explaining my find, as this post is Jame's project

also i am having a hard time estimating a fair price for the car, I am still waiting for the owner's decision on my initial offer

[James.007]

After a year of ownership and little or no progress mainly due to work commitments.

I have managed to locate and purchase a few parts, but now I realise that I am going to have to design and manufacture my own as the so called Lotus specialists are clearly using Chinese manufactured parts, so definitely won't be purchasing anything from them. What happened to quality British engineering.

So it was about time I started work on the restoration. As the car is permanently outside I need to make it water tight and of course secure, so the doors would be a good place to start, and to my horror I found two pieces of MDF screwed in the inner part of the door frame as a sort of bracing, this must of been done by a previous owner and surely not by Lotus. The inner frame of the door is especially weak at the top and will need reinforcing and bracing as I am not happy  to leave it like that. 

Time to make some bracing and  design and manufacture my own door cards. Carbon fibre would be ideal as I want to save weight or keep it to a minimum. 

 

[LOTUSMAN33]

Hi James

I’m reverting this back to a S1 so will have bumpers, side skirts, rear valance, I may be able to save the duck tail although it’s been blended in, rear lights, I have the correct turbo front spoiler/valance fully prepped (S2 front currently fitted).

I have the rear lourved panel which is a rare dry sump version but no tailgate.

I will have a pair of turbo seats, dash and some trim. ( no door cards)

Wheels are Compomotive CX501 but 4 stud to suit the S1/S2

Let me know what you need if anything.

Dave  

[AndyR111s]

Hi Dave, I interested in the louvred panel if you still have it?