Restored S1 or project Turbo - same price

[ElEsprito]

Hello all,

I'm interested in your opinion on these 2 cars I'm considering:

- restored (10yrs ago) S1 with very positive recent taxation

OR

- running S3 Turbo, but project car within 2-3 yrs

Both red with black leather interior

Same price

Thanks for your input

ElEsprito

---- Added later on:

OK, let me give you some more info:

- S1 was repainted, has Wolfrace wheels, nice interior

- S3 Turbo needs repaint (or very good polishing job), interior needs retrim, specialists tell me the car is mechanically sound

My intention is to drive the car and not be hassled with lots of trouble, usually serious. That is, as long as my resto project (German P-ar 1972) still needs completion

I'm puzzled by the fact that price is the same. So I'm intrigued by 'historical value' vs driving fun. How much fun driving is an S1 (my benchmark is my Elise) vs an S3 Turbo?

Cheers

ElEsprito

Edited May 5, 2009 by ElEsprito

[mayevora]

Going to be quite hard to answer really Dennis. They are both Esprits, but very differant animals. Saying the S1 was restored 10 years ago could mean anything. How has this been looked after since then? is it still in a similar state of repair or have the last 10 years taken its toll - not just on the paint as you say its good, but what about the rest of the 30 year old car - engine, electrics, suspention ect ect. From a future value position, the S1 seems to be fast becoming the 'desired' Esprit and will more than likely increase in value as oposed to decrease. The S3T will give you more of a kick up the backside for sure but if it needs a resto, be prepared for some spending unless you are able to complete the work youself. Unfortunately, don't know of too many owners that have had an Esprit (any model) restored and then said it was a cheaper job than they were expecting.

Good Luck and keep us informed.

[ElEsprito]

Hi Ian, thanks for your reply. The S1's condition has been evaluated professionally twice since it's resto in 1997. Most recent approx. 2006/7. Car has done 220 kms since 2003, but with full service every year. Can't tell about condition of things that need to be used to stay in good running condition though.

But I see your point. I was just wondering about market developments of S1 vs S3T.

Regards

Dennis

[wookiecj]

Hi Dennis,

220kms since 2003 is 44km/year if you only count complete years. It's only 31km if you count 2003 and 2009. This sounds like mileage to and from the garage which was providing the services. 15km or 10 miles per trip. It's hardly enough to get the engine properly warmed up and the components 'heat soaked'. There is a great danger that a lot of the seals etc will rapidly start to fail and need replacing if you start to drive this car properly and regularly as the engine starts to work hard.

It appears that Esprits do not take too kindly to the 'easy life'. They seem to give less problems and require fewer replacement parts if used on a regular basis which nobody could possibly accuse this car of being subject to.

I personally would feel happier with a report on this car after it had done several journeys of 80 to 100km in a short space of time and put under some strain whilst doing those distances. Then you would get a true indication of the condition of the various bits and pieces.

I would love to be wrong on this but at the moment all you can really tell is that it is a good 'museum/showroom' car, all be it with some potential as it must obviously be classed as a low mileage car. For the reasons stated, this one may not turn out to be as 'maintenance free' as you might initially hope.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

[ElEsprito]

Thanks Chris, I second that.

So back to S3T dreamin' it is

Dennis