Esprit S2 1978

[LuisaG]

Hello, wonder if anyone can help me…?
Recently I have been trying to sort out the car that has been left inside my garage for the last 30 or more years. It is a 1978 Lotus Esprit S2. 
My friend used to drive it a long time ago but he moved abroad and was always planning to come back and use the car but never has.
He has now decided we can sell it or fix up.
It’s been sitting for a very long time but the interior looks good and it doesn’t look too broken. 
Anyway, if anyone would have any advice or tips on what I should do please let me know. I have some photos I can email but it’s hard to get good ones without moving it out of the garage and the tyres are flat so I don’t want to try that yet. 
Thank you so much 
Luisa

Edited September 16, 2021 by LuisaG

[Barrykearley]

Uk or USA ? You are about to get a lot of messages 🤪

[LuisaG]

U.K. - Berkshire

[Escape]

Sounds like a car very much worth saving!

I'm sure some local will chime in soon enough and offer to come have a look etc. Plenty of friendly and helpful people on here, you've come to the right place. 😉

Maybe an interesting project for @johnpwalsh and Lotusrescue.

[gvy]

An S2 that has stood still for 30 years may be a "time machine" .

If all is present , then this car MUST be saved.

But you should be aware that a Lotus of that era does mechanically not cope well with standing still, not being driven. So a mechanical  restoration will be needed and that is not just a change of oil and fluids. Do not let anyone just connect a fresh battery and try to start it. If the old timing belt slips or breaks during this attempt,  a perfectly good engine can become an expensive  restoproject, ( bent valves,scarved cilinderliners or pistons etc.....) and that can all be avoided. This is an interference engine so no riscs can be taken .

Also carburators : Carburators that have not been used for so long must be cleaned of gunk and residue and must be resealed. If they leak ( and the chances are big) , they leak on the high tension of the distributor and you risk ending up with a burnt out esprit.

Clutch : The clutch slave cilinder or master cilinder will need attention or renewing. If it is not in proper condition (and after 30 years it will not) than you risk grinding the teeth in your citroen 5 speed transmission and again this leads to a very expensive ( unnecessary) gearboxrestoration. ( ask me how I know....). Knowing that a new slave cilinder costs next to nothing, this would be a bit silly to risk.

And so on......

Edited September 16, 2021 by gvy

[LuisaG]

Thank you all for your advice and help, I’ve had a lot of messages! I will make sure all your advice and warnings are taken on board so no damage is done to the Esprit! 

[johnpwalsh]

Hi LuisaG, and welcome.

I have sent you a PM.

9 hours ago, Barrykearley said:

Uk or USA ? You are about to get a lot of messages 🤪

Yep, for sure. But only one important one LOL. Discounting GVY's sound advice of course.

[yeller77]

I think the "this thread is worthless without pics" emoji would be fitting here. Enquiring minds want to know.