Essex 007

[esprit22]

Essex 007 is for sale at 16k, is it only me that respects it as "king of G cars"?

(If so I'd better go and see my shrink!)

[Bibs]

http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/index.php/topic/35266-essex-007

[Bazza 907]

Whilst I'm with you on Essex cars for obvious reasons I'm not convinced that just because it's number is 007 it represents the pinnacle.

Assuming you went to see it, what did you think of it?

[Trevsked]

Bazza,

I think you may have taken it the wrong way. I'm guessing he was suggesting the Essex is king of the G cars, not particularly that one.

Trevor.

[Bazza 907]

Trev

No, don't think I'm taking it the wrong way, I've spoken to Chris and he thinks that Essex 007, all things being equal, is the top of the Essex cars due to the Bond connection and number plate.

He may well be right of course but he still needs to see a shrink - nothing to do with his choice in cars though...

[esprit22]

Not at all Trevor, Baz has got it spot on, Essex 007 is for me the one to have for obvious reasons...but I guess its a personal thing.

Yes Baz, I did meet with the owner of 007 last night and checked it out. Mixed feelings about it...it's like always wanting Olivia Newton John or Victoria Principal for years but when you actually get the chance to have them, they have done a lot of miles and look tired.

I am a bit of a perfectionist, in fact a lot of a perfectionist, so although the car has just had new mot and is is perfectly drivable, for me the cosmetics need attention. So where would I start? I would have the complete interior re-done, new leather throughout, headlining and carpets. Not sure about paintwork as dont know how much repainting has been done already but laquer is peeling on side of roof panel and has the odd scratch and blemish here and there so poss a complete strip and repaint/decals etc etc. No worries about engine running gear but again cosmetics need to be done, tread on rear tyres worn in middle and need replacing soon.

Thing is, thats just what I would want done, to anyone else maybe the above would not be an issue.

It's the fact that this car is an Essex and the fact that it is number 007 that makes it so special, if it was any other number then I would not be interested, just wish it was Baz's low mileage "fresher" car but being number 007!

Lets face it, if the car was without it's livery, just a blue 1980 dry sump turbo with over 100k on the clock, how much would it be worth?? It's the fact that it is Essex 007 that makes it so special.

Still not ruled it out, if I miss it will I regret it or not...hmmm

[cazna52]

I agree that this is the king of G cars but I would break down it's claim to the throne like this:

Being an Essex = 95%

Being 007 = 5%

[GordonMasson]

The Essex is a stunning car but am I missing something here?

What’s the link between an Essex and 007 / James Bond?

[Bazza 907]

Gordon, I agree I'm not sure that there is one other than (I may be wrong here) that the Copper one in the JB film was an Essex resprayed.

Assuming that it was, the fact that it wasn't in Essex colours means that the link is very very thin.

[esprit22]

I think that the only link is that Essex 001or 002 was repainted bronze and used in the Bond film, but I'm sure that someone will verify that.

But Gorden, surley the fact that Lotus Esprits have been used in Bond films has a connection to the number 007..........

[Advantage]

Here you go, some more to clutch at:

[GordonMasson]

I thought it Bond Esprit was an S3 (or similar) and I seem to remember reading somewhere that it wasn’t actually a Turbo either despite the graphics???

If it was an Essex that had been repainted then I can see the link, I wasn’t aware of that and if it does it for you then that’s cool…. Either way is a great car but I cant see it having that much of a premium over other Essex cars because of the 007 number but I could be wrong.

I imagine if it was a repainted Essex then they couldn’t use it with the logos on it because of the advertising but it’s a pity they didn’t just use it without the logos because it’s a stunning colour.

I assume the white car was some sort of throw back to the S1 and I heard that the bronze car was to make it stand out against the snow.

Any road up, great car

[esprit22]

No worries, it's nice to be the only person in the whole wide world that puts a connection between a Lotus Esprit and 007!!

[Bibs]

No worries, it's nice to be the only person in the whole wide world that puts a connection between an Essex and 007!!

Fixed that for ya

[comem47]

Can one still get Goodyear Eagle NCT tires that size (or are they kept for "show")

[esprit22]

Only way to get the original NCT tyres is if you'r a magician!

[Bazza 907]

Or you pay someone who has got some spares

[esprit22]

Would you happen to know of anyone who has a hord in their garage Baz???

[Paul C]

Can one still get Goodyear Eagle NCT tires that size (or are they kept for "show")

I last had a G-car six years ago and they were out of manufacture then, with all available new ones being old stock.

When you bear in mind that 'new old stock' aside, that the rubber compound of tyres on the shelf degrades after two years, i'd agree that goodyear NCTs are now 'show' tyres and not 150mph tyres.

Nice to see the goodyear on there though, i'd want a set for show!

[esprit22]

So if I had a complete new set of NCT 1 tyres, but 15 years old, you would'nt recommend useing them?

[red vtec]

Do the older tyres have the date stamp on them like the modern ones?, I read that tyres are only good for about 3 years after that there not for driving about on.Tyre age info

[Paul C]

So if I had a complete new set of NCT 1 tyres, but 15 years old, you would'nt recommend useing them?

Yeah you could use them, down at your local track, as part of the tyrewall.

The tyres on my elise have plenty of tread but are three years old now so i'll have them changed. The rubber degrades over time and on most cars they wear and are replaced but on low mileage and classics they can be fitted long after the usefullness of the compound has expired. Rubber degrades through heat, UV and light. The industry considers six years to be a usefull lifespan for normal use, but if you are throwing a car into corners then new rubber will always be better than rubber several winters and summers old.

I have seen 200mph cars at car shows with 10 year old tyres, in fact last time i saw Robins lambo it had five year old tyres with cracks in the walls. Rubber does not stay constant.

Where is Bibs? He has a PHD on this subject.

[comem47]

So I wonder what the tire date code for Essex 007 would reveal !!!

[Bazza 907]

It has NCT 235 60 VR 15 tyres and I think they stopped making them in about 1990 or thereabouts having moved to the narrower tread pattern of the ZR speed rating NCT's

[comem47]

So it's buyer beware on those 20 yr old feet!! (museum display only)