S2 JPS project

[LOTUSMAN33]

Time for a new project now the mini is complete and building a few miles, with the Evora now gone I had some space so started looking for my next acquisition.

I wanted a S1 or S2 but ideally a JPS, whatever choice I really hoped to find a running project car with sound chassis. 
I had a plentiful choice of restored S1’s and plenty of very good JPS offered to me but big thanks to Roo (V8vantage) settled on something I didn’t really anticipate buying but now can’t wait for her to grace our shores as it ticks all the boxes with lots to do keeping me busy.

Meet JPS 008

It’s done little over 12000 miles and been stored for very many years, the seller has sent me a video of it running with a separate fuel supply and it sounds good. 

Hopefully in the next 6 weeks it should be in my garage having a good survey done to see what’s needed. 
Big bonus which to me makes it really special is it’s got Air Con which wasn’t available here and from my previous JPS experience in the summer being black it’s going to be a welcome addition, SJ sell all the parts to maintain or repair the system as I’m pretty sure the gas will be long gone to depleting the ozone..🙄

Other excellent things are original door speakers and stereo along with tonneau covers, spare wheel and even the NCT’s (Will need changing although I know where a spare wheel set is).👍🏻

Not decided if I’m going to convert to RHD as fancy doing it but kind of like to keep it as built and quite happy driving LHD cars doing it on all holidays and with work trips, guess if the body needs removing which is unlikely coming from a dry state then I will make the choice then.

I am expecting to paint it and replace the decals at some point and will definitely be fitting UK bumpers, losing the marker lights and carrying out the fibreglass work to fit a U.K. rear plate plinth.

Dave  

 

[Lex Templar]

Wow Dave this is incredible, congratulations. What a great pick-up, there can't be many projects left.

Great to see you back in an Esprit too.. very happy for you.

Seeing that makes me want one too.

Cheers,

Lex.

[chipp]

Glad to see you have found another project at last, I'm sure it will be lavished upon.

But as you usually move your vehicles on eventually would it not be a shame to vary it away from its originality.

As a commemorative edition originality is surely more appreciated when the time comes to move on.

🙂

 

chipp

[ChrisJ]

With only 12000 miles on the clock, and it looks to have been dry stored, it will be interesting to see the original paint quality underneath the dust. I reckon it might not need painting or the decals replaced.

[stephenwhyte]

Nice find Dave - well done! Look forward to watching the progress and seeing more photos👍

[LOTUSMAN33]

Thanks guys

I agree about originality so will retain the parts removed and the federal number plate plinth would be easy to add back by just cutting the square hole in the rear panel again, the rear US impact bumper is pretty tired anyway as is the lower spoiler with the grill. I think perhaps the key is to keep it LHD as lots of the RHD JPS have made their way to Europe.

The car is currently running on Webber’s carbs rather than strombergs but was on DHLA which he’s providing me. I may remove the Air pump as see little use for it here but retain it for any future keeper.

I have an original S2 Airbox already

Chris, Unfortunately I know the car has a few gel cracks although the worst is on a Cant rail so I’ve ordered a new one from SJ ready. Hopefully I won’t have to paint the whole car but if so Neil at Thompson’s who painted my mini and both Fabian’s cars will get the job. Just driving it as a survivor car does have appeal not needing to be precious about it when parked up.

Dave  

[jonwat]

They don't look like gel coat cracks to me, more like paint contamination. Why buy new cant rails? You can just sand or grind away any defects & repair them.

Also, those red, plastic carb spacers aren't standard, as far as I'm aware Lotus have only every used aluminium spacers. 

[LOTUSMAN33]

John I agree with the Cant rail probably only being paint but as I was getting the bumpers and rear spoiler made along with plinth I can just drop these off for paint before the car arrives and fix those issues quickly. I am happy doing bodywork but the cost was reasonable against my time and if through to the gel along the whole panel it would be a pain and with added risk of some returning. I no doubt will rub it down and use it again in the future. 
The car has been converted from Stromberg to DHLA in the past so probably what the shop fitted in the US, it’s now on the Webber’s and runs well so I will rebuild the DHLA and fit in the future.

I never got the answer about the clutch being stuck or free so very likely one of the first jobs will be to pull the engine and box then sorting the belts, hoses and anything suspected of leaking along with a good clean up and clutch I suspect.
Hopefully the exhaust manifold is ok otherwise a full stainless system will go in.

Fuel tanks.... Let’s see what I find but no matter what they are coming out for inspection and clean before use. 

I am hoping to keep it as a running resto really as doing the body off again consumes so much space. (Not discounting it though) 

Dave  

[Lotusfab]

Well done Dave, you always seem to find awesome cars! 

[LOTUSMAN33]

Its now on its way collected from the seller, next stop Savannah in Georgia. It took three collection attempts as the transporters were too steep to load such a low car.

Dave   

[Bazza 907]

Congratulations Dave, a fantastic car. I'd love to have a JPS sat alongside the Essex one day.

[Paul Coleman]

How did you arrange to pay for this Dave? Was it a case of just paying a complete stranger a big wad of cash in the hope that they would send you a car?

[LOTUSMAN33]

Paul

Yes that’s it so was a gamble but after a lot of email exchange and the fact the seller worked for Lockheed Martin helped as I work with lots of people from LMUK. 
Was I concerned, yes a little but sometimes you just go with your gut along with the fact Roo provided the contact who I definitely trust.

I am pleased now it’s finally collected and on route to the container yard for packing but in all fairness the seller was very helpful and stopped the hauliers when he felt the car was going to get damaged so fair play.

If it wasn’t for the lockdown I probably would have taken a flight out to Alabama.

The money exchange was a real challenge as had to use a intermediary bank as the sellers never took international transfers, this was a whole day of phone calls and emails.

I imported a Mondial years ago which was far easier as bought from a dealer who did the US leg work for me.

I don’t think I will fully settle until it’s through customs and ready for collection in the U.K.

Does anyone know what the brown cover is for?

Dave  

[Barrykearley]

Looks like a triumph or mg tonneau cover

[LOTUSMAN33]

Well it’s made it’s 470 mile trip to the depot but can’t help but feel that forklift is looking hungry to mate with my car......😢 🤣

Hopefully it won’t get any floor damage and the chassis backbone takes the load (Provided the seat mountings don’t contact the forks first which will be unlucky 🙄)

Things seem to be moving quite well now, next stop is the container hopefully then the one way ticket in a cargo hold.

Dave  

[Francisco Franco]

I’m excited for you, it’s a lovely looking car. Fingers crossed for no damage!

[stephenwhyte]

It really does look a nice one @LOTUSMAN33 Dave - you must be both anxious but pretty damn excited all at the same time. I remember that feeling well😰😄....but I had at least seen mine in person before getting it transported as a non-runner from Essex to mine. So hat’s off to you and I hope it’s all you want it to be. When is due to hit this side of the pond?

[LOTUSMAN33]

Hi Stephen

Yes I’m really looking forward to it especially having air con in a S2 when done which will be a nice addition making a very usable car. Not sure with duration as it missed the original deadline for the planned ship hence the move to Savannah now from Charleston. Good news it’s still going from East coast which is 2-3 weeks quicker than West coast due to stops. I am hoping to have it the first week of August so taking the time to tidy the garage laying a better floor. 👍😁

The time is allowing me to fully complete the mini so I have no distractions when the new addition arrives which is good.

Dave  

[LOTUSMAN33]

Saw this on Facebook, now wouldn’t this look great sat next to the JPS in my garage 😍

Dave   

[williamtherebel]

Im really please for you. I remember waiting for my S1 to arrive. I was checking where the container was every day! It was frustrating sometimes to see it still in the same dock loading /unloading . Did you insure it for its journey? I did although it was a bit expensive. Someone told me that worldwide, one container is lost every day! Thank goodness it wasn't mine. And lets hope it isn't yours!! Lots of photos when it arrived.

[LOTUSMAN33]

Yes all insured, it’s not moved in the last week though online so I will chase next week to find out what’s happening. 
I imported a Ferrari Mondial years ago so understand the process reasonably well 👍🏻
Yours is coming on quite nicely Lez 😉

Roo, that’s lovely, who owns that beauty?

Dave  

 

[v8vantage]

Ideal garage mate.

 

[LOTUSMAN33]

Been informed the US ports are taking a couple weeks longer than normal to process the cars through customs 🙄

I assume this is due to Covid and allowing waiting time before touching cars or even staff shortages.

The shipping company is chasing but out of their control it seems. 
On the bright side it gives me time to tidy the garage and repaint the walls 😉

Dave  

 

[Paul Coleman]

On 21/06/2020 at 08:53, LOTUSMAN33 said:

Saw this on Facebook, now wouldn’t this look great sat next to the JPS in my garage 😍

Dave   

Are you old enough to remember that advert with the Carlos Fandango wheels Dave? 

 

 

[LOTUSMAN33]

Brilliant, not seen that one Paul but a massive fan of cigar adverts 👍🏻👍🏻
 

I used to really look forward to them in the 80’s, one of my favourites was;

 

Probably partly why I do what I do for a living now 😉

Dave