Took over 30 years

[Rodewaryer]

Finally became a Lotus owner today, it's been a long uphill battle over too many years but I've secured myself a '77 Esprit S1. Pics leave a lot to be desired as they were just insitu shots so I'd have some pics of my own for the record. All that's needed now is to get a list of things done and arrange shipping. I feel so much better!

[USAndretti42]

Congratulations, Robert. It looks really nice in the pictures.

Did you buy it without seeing it or did you fly out to inspect it?

There's nothing quite as exciting as when your new Lotus is delivered to you home on the back of a trailer.

[Bazza 907]

It looks really great.

Congratulations

[mayevora]

A white S1 - Great result Robert!

Now comes the hardest bit - the day by day wait awaiting for its arrival.

Welcome to ownership.

[Loose Cannon]

Well done, a similar wait for me too; are you excited, happy and scared all at once?

[Gasman GT3]

Congrats Rob, looks great. Lots more piccies when you get it home please

[peter_england99]

Hi Rob,

Looks good. Welcome to the fold.

Regards,

Peter.

[Kimbers]

Well donevRob, congrats. A white S1! Everyones ideal Esprit.

What needs to be done to it? (No Front spots like on your other car!!!)

When does she come home to you?

[esprit350]

Congratulations, enjoy...lots!

[ramjet]

Another happy customer. Well done. Well worth the wait I reckon.

[molemot]

The originals are still the prettiest; purity of line....well done on the purchase; now the FUN starts!!!

[Mark Blanchard]

Congrats Rob. Very double-o-seven .

[Tony K]

The white S1 owners club salutes you, Robert!

[Rodewaryer]

Whew! Home finally. Is it just me or are Delta airline's seats harder than most?

I paid the guy a deposit based on conversation (the owners mechanic/Lotus restorer was selling it for him) and 3 emails of hi res pics. I flew out to see it in person but will admit I made up my mind before I arrived. The owner still has a '97 Esprit V8 so I didn't feel like I robbed him as I originally thought. The car was a really good deal. Oh, it only has 38K miles on it. :-)

It has a dodgy ignition switch, idles rough (he knows the idle jets are wrong but it runs smooth off idle) the compression was 180-185 on all 4. It has a cambox leak (that's going to wait, as apparently most of them leak) needs all front bushings/tie rod ends and ball joints and the headlight motor has a broken gear. It has very tacky mirrors but that I'll deal with. The rear hatch doesn't latch, and it has a non standard exhaust. I'll take care of that stuff later.....everything else has been arranged to be fixed before it's shipped. He has to have a carb specialist do the jets and has to hire out the front end alignment after all the front end work is done. Otherwise he's doing the rest himself. I may have to do a cambelt :-( he sold it to me stating it had less than 1,000 miles on it but the owner himself mentioned later that it sat a long time after it was replaced..so that issue is going to need to be dealt with. That's kind of a big one too.

Oh and Kimbers, I decided a light pod would be kinda cool between the headlight doors. What do you think?

Just kidding about the light pod. :-)

I already have the Cibie CSR kit on hand to replace the headlights with, those should do VERY nicely.

This mechanic/restorer has a best of show (from LOG shows) customized S1/2 Europa, a really pristine stock S1/2 (?) Europa and a sweet Super 7. I know that doesn't qualify him as a mechanic but he knows Lotus', it becomes quite clear after talking to him. Someone might know this guy, his name is Brian Jenkins.

Now comes the anticipation of arrival.

[ifly]

Congrats and pics (other than the in situ pics) when you finally get it. Nothing better than a white S1!

Edited April 17, 2009 by Hunt

[Iconic Ride]

Well done, Robert! 30 years?! Don't be in such a rush next time.

[Rodewaryer]

I was 20 years enlisted military with a family. No way I was going to be able to afford an Esprit. Even after retiring and getting my present job, it was 3 teenage kids and the rubbish they dealt me (trust me, the daughter alone owes me a decent used 89 SE with the grief and funds she cost me) anyway, it took getting them all out on their own before I could even consider looking.

I'll be asking some questions on the Guigiaro forum since the car needs some stuff. Especially this Eibach suspension I'm hearing about.....I forsee asking a lot of questions on that forum.

Here's some slightly better pics that the seller took, apologies for the smudge on the lens....I'm not taking any responsiblity for that. Still, they're a bit better pics.

The US bumpers are hideous. That will be another question.....

[Paul Coleman]

Excellent choice couldn't have done it better myself.

Paul.

[cbclotus]

Great car .Have fun .................Cheers Mike

[lowpass5]

Congrat's Robert! Welcome to the family. Would love to have a look at her once she is aclimated to her new home.

Bob

[BadWolf]

Awesome Robert,

It looks stunning. Best of luck with the small issues that need repairs. The Joy of owning an esprit for me after 28 years of lusting was one of the key moments in my life, the first hour I stood there looking with a huge smile saying **oody Hell.. Its MINE. Then some mates came over and did the same

Keep us all updated.

Mike

[lotusdogg]

Congrats and welcome to it! Super fun!