No more Lurking....

[Wilky]

Hello everyone,

Ive been lurking here for a couple of weeks waiting in anticipation for my newly purchased 1990 Esprit SE to be delivered, and it arrived on Wednesday so after having fitted a new exhaust and identified a couple of vacuum leaks and the potential need for an IAC valve, all with the help of the forum it is time to introduce myself and my new (to me) lotus.

I have owned numerous performance cars and at one time was really in to tuning Subaru's, but life, work and the family all got in the way and I settled for buying cars that were quick out the box, rather than fiddling with them.

I decided that I would like an esprit, an S1 was my original choice. My father took me to the pictures in 1977 to see James Bond and ever since I saw the white esprit I wanted one but never thought I would be able to afford it. 

Fast forward 45 years and I saw a 1990 SE for sale in Las Vegas at a good price. (I am an expat living in Houston Texas) I flew up with my wife and daughter under the pretense that we were "Getting away for a few days" and as they slept in one morning I went viewed the car and agreed a price. 

Naturally, as one would expect my current wife was not best pleased when she found out but I'm sure she will get over it.

I would very much like to change the wheels so if anyone this side of the pond has a set gathering dust please reach out. If they require machining due to hub sizes I can get that done. I would like to do the wheels first as it will directly influence the size of brakes I can fit when I have established a black budget.

The Esprit has only done 22k miles and all servicing was done and is current from the previous owner, all the belts, fluids pumps etc etc have all been overhauled so this weekend will be vacuum hose replacement time. The interior could do with some love as well.

Thank you for looking and I hope to enjoy the forum and your banter going forward.

Kindest regards,

Callum (Wilky)

78018BE7-55DB-43D6-974F-E33D3A0224E3.heic CC669026-858E-4E4B-B0E3-AAC8F2C536D9.heic

[Bibs]

15 minutes ago, Wilky said:

Naturally, as one would expect my current wife was not best pleased when she found out but I'm sure she will get over it.

It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission

Welcome to TLF and congrats on the SE

[jep]

Welcome aboard. 

Esprit a very special car to own and better still, to drive. My first Lotus was S1 Esprit.

Justin

[ramjet]

Welcome ro TLF Callum. 

My first test drive in a Lotus was the SE's little brother in Pearl White. It was many years until I finally bought my S4. Never regretted it.

And look at your SE. (I still love the shape) Yours is in the best colour as well.

Any questions or issues with using the forums, feel free to ask one of us mods. We're here to help.  

PS. Hope you didn't mind me fixing your photos up.

[Escape]

Welcome Callum and congrats, looks like a great car. I'm a huge fan of the Esprit SE myself, that was my first Lotus (also in Calypso Red) and got me hooked on them. I can understand you want to change the wheels, the chrome doesn't really suit the car I think. Black would look great, contrasting with the red.

I wish you a lot of fun driving you Esprit!

Filip

[RobinB5]

On 08/04/2022 at 17:44, Wilky said:

My father took me to the pictures in 1977 to see James Bond and ever since I saw the white esprit I wanted one but never thought I would be able to afford it

Same here (though my mum took me to see it, not your father  ) . That film has had such a lasting impression on so many. After lurking here for a few months I bought my S4 off another TLF member a couple of years ago. Never looked back and have enjoyed every minute of ownership since. Although not particularly mechanically minded, have managed a few tasks that I'd have been completely stumped with were it not for the help and advice here on TLF (replacing the carpets was as rewarding as it was a PITA).

Despite my lifelong dream being realised, the wife still refuses to even sit in the S4. O well, at least that adds lightness!