Esprit Market Watch

[ChrisJ]

what a weird thing

[jep]

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/771289667696050/

 

[exeterjeep]

At SWLC.

https://www.facebook.com/THELOTUSCENTRE/posts/pfbid0qNN45PheKPXGhGdX6BY2sJhDFQh7FsW9Hw2nH4RxogL7UyfY4c85WYZ9RMJ9oijol

[Giniw]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1988-lotus-esprit-turbo-2/

[Barrykearley]

https://www.brightwells.com/timed-sale/5524/lot/672756?returnUrl=%2ftimed-sale%2f5524
 

we were biding on this one for Danny to enjoy.  Went for a bit more than I expected and the external paintwork on the car is horrible. The inside not good, passenger door doesn’t open, both door frames badly aligned and front suspension hasn’t been replaced as part of the nut and bolt rebuild. The rear deck lid is badly filled and I’m sure a modified glass back panel from a turbo car. Someone did get a fair deal though I suspect and it was interesting that many cars sold for strong money after some really turbulent sales late last year.

[jep]

Lot 85 - 1998 Lotus Esprit V8 GT (wbandsons.com)

 

 

[Bibs]

Not running, on the hit list from '08 and in a state - I think the guide price is optimistic at £18-20k personally.

[jep]

Yep. It should read 'walk away' not  'walk around' video.

For the brave.....

 

[Bibs]

2,114 mile SE High-Wing

https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2024-02-03/cars/ref-139-lotus-esprit-turbo-ebs/

[Escape]

I keep wondering why somebody would buy a car like that and then never drive it, ever... Such a shame. Let's hope she finds a good home with an owner willing to make the necessary effort to be able to enjoy as intended.

[NeilP]

What needs to be done to make this useable on the road (from lack of use)?

[Escape]

I'd worry about perished seals, fuel lines, stuck brakes etc. It could be it's kept in good shape, but could equally turn out to be a shiny barn find that needs all moving parts replaced.
I'm repeating myself here, but I really don't see the appeal of cars that have hardly been used/ enjoyed as opposed to a well sorted one that gets around. Unless you just want to park it up and hope for prices to increase even further (which would be a shame in my book).

[Barrykearley]

I know folks whom have paintings that are worth more hanging on walls of their houses. Why not have such an iconic vehicle to look at.

a friend of mine has a bloody motorbike on his cinema wall as a feature 

[snowrx]

6 hours ago, Barrykearley said:

 

a friend of mine has a bloody motorbike on his cinema wall as a feature 

Must be a fan of horror films?  Hopefully not a family members blood

[Escape]

Because all a painting is good for, is hanging on a wall. Whereas a car, any car, but especially one from Hethel, was built to be driven, so by not doing that you are missing part (most) of the fun. Which doesn't mean you can't admire it at the same time.

It's like having a gymnast supermodel girlfriend and only looking at her instead of, well, you know, having some more fun. 😁

[C8RKH]

On 02/03/2024 at 20:55, Escape said:

It's like having a gymnast supermodel girlfriend and only looking at her instead of, well, you know, having some more fun. 😁

I'd just put my back out. Getting in the Esprit that is....

 

[TomE]

I've started looking for an S1 Esprit and was surprised the one linked below doesn't seem to have been discussed on here yet.  With so few advertised and changing hands publicly, it's difficult to gauge what market prices are, let alone factor in condition, mileage, provenance, originality.  This one looks at the top end price-wise, but had a major mechanical, body/paint and interior restoration in 2017.  Are any previous owners on her, anyone know the car or been to look at it?  Seems to have been advertised for at least 3-4 months.

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16135116

In a different vein, this one is mid renovation and hence there are options to buy now and finish or await completion.  Anyone know about this car?

https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1702712

If you know of any others available let me know.  I'll post in Wanted too.

[Fridge]

@LOTUSMAN33is selling this S1 project.

I think the other one is owned by Tomorrow's Classics near Bristol, but is being sold by UK Sportscars.

@Suddabym may know or have seen the S1 up close as it was at Tomorrow's Classics when they built his gold S2 restomod.

Any classic at the top end of the market will usually take a while to sell. Awaiting the right buyer etc.

Edited March 31 by Fridge

[Suddabym]

The white finished car does look like Nick’s old car but he doesn’t own it now and wouldn’t sell via UK Sportcars in any case. If it is then it’s a lovely car - I’ve driven it. Looks well priced too for a throughly sorted car. 
 

Personnally, if I were looking for an S1, I’d snap that 25k car up right now. The mechanicals look great, and it seems to just need a coat of paint. Looks like a bargain to me, with modernisations to make it more usable. 

[jep]

I don't think S1 Esprit had that style of leather interior on the restored car, it looks more S2 to me. If you're interested in originality, best check before you buy. It may be correct but best to know for certain.  

Please do your research well if you're paying anyone top money for S1. Lots of BS out there and folk who spout a load of ill-informed tripe. 

Justin

 

[Fridge]

Sadly Dave's part built S1 has now sold. Not surprising I suppose, he'd done a lot of the heavy lifting on that restoration. Certainly in the mechanical and bodywork side of things. Having completed a full body off restoration myself in a lockup I can say there is still a huge amount of work to do though.

The interior of the other car, though very nicely done, is definitely none standard, as are a number of other details. Since that's usually where top dollar prices are asked it is worth noting. It all depends what the buyer is after.

Dealers across all marques, especially those unfamiliar with specific car models often over egg the pudding in their descriptions, as I'm sure many are aware.

It's wise, as Justin says, to do your research well if spending your hard earned wonga at the upper reaches of the market. There are plenty of owners and restorers of S1s on here and the Facey B groups who can be asked if advice is being sought.

Edited April 1 by Fridge

[LOTUSMAN33]

My car will be a sad sale considering the time and effort taken to get it where it’s currently sat. I’ve had four pretty serious enquiries and a few just asking casual questions.

I always try to price them right and looks like I’ll be finishing the restoration which may make letting it go very hard.

I’ve spent the last 7 years doing three Esprits and two minis so time for a car break to concentrate on my other passion being motorcycles. Been offered a good business opportunity with someone retiring soon which I’m keen to enact on.

If it does go it won’t be my last I’m sure, I still have a serious M100 passion so may go back to that route.

Just finishing a LHD bond replica for someone on here which is looking nice now.

I think offering to build a car for under £50k was a good price as that’s what attracted the buyers especially giving them colour options and finish.

Dave  

[Fridge]

I must admit Dave, being your original S1 I would be inclined to finish it, or even moth ball the project until you have the time and inclination to return to it. These cars don't come around too often, and projects will become very scarce, even if prices drop in the future. Obviously cashflow and space are obligations.

I didn't know you were into motorcycles. I've just returned from Spain and Portugal filming for both Kawasaki and BMW Motorrad of their 2024 ranges.

[LOTUSMAN33]

Thanks David, it’s a space thing once done which is always my issue.

I’ve not committed to a sale yet as refused a deposit so just verbals giving me flexibility, if I’m finishing it for someone else I might as well do it for myself. Either way it’s going for paint this month 👍🏻

One person wants white and the other orange.

[Fridge]

Do it half and half. Down the middle. One side white, the other orange. It will at least keep @Paul Coleman happy half of the time. Just don't tell him. 🤪