Dry Sump Register

[The Pits]

We could just add the current status in the 'points of interest' column but it is of greater interest to me to see how many are left that are still road worthy.

Perhaps red or italic type for cars that are known to have been broken up for parts or written off?

[Andyww]

7 hours ago, G_Reaper said:

Try RNG582W. There were a few Company cars starting RNG at the time this shows up as a silver Lotus 2174 cc Registered May 81 last tax due Jan 1987. 

Back to dry sump reliability issues I mentioned on another thread. Tony Rudd was also concerned in other ways about the dry sump layout stating how it grieved him to see the oil cooler bulging upon cold start up. Also mentioned in the Jeremy Walton book.

 

Cheers Mike

I do remember seeing those comments now but I think he must have been misquoted as an oil cooler cant bulge. Over the years the system has proven to be very reliable.

Listing all cars even if suspected "lost" is the best way then none will be missed out. Of course we dont know which if the missing numbers are Elite/Eclat or Esprit 2.2 though which would have been built alongside unless we have the full VIN.

[G_Reaper]

I think it was a tongue in cheek reference to the high pressure/stress Tony Rudd's engineering brain and experience could imagine the system when cold put all the mechanical parts under.

I am sure modern oils are better for the dry sump set up now, and as mentioned I do not think any dry sump is in use as a day to day driver especially in the winter.

However history cannot be re-written. Back n the late 80s early 90s the advice was always to give dry sumps a wide berth if a wet sump was available. The reasons for this advice was based around funnily enough all the reasons people want them now.i.e the then problematic dry sump system and the problematic Compomotive wheels.

Don't get me wrong I love the look of the cars but there were a number of reason Lotus ditched the dry sump layout and the Compo wheels. I remember again having lengthy discussions back in the late 80s early 90s about this with various people as part of my investigation about MPWs history, remember the first 3 Essex prototypes including MPW were primarily there to help prove the dry sump layout.

 

Edited January 9, 2017 by G_Reaper2

[RichardJGC]

1 minute ago, G_Reaper said:

I think it was a tongue in cheek reference to the high pressure/stress Tony Rudd's engineering brain and experience could imagine the system when cold put all the mechanical parts under.

I am sure modern oils are better for the dry sump set up now, and as mentioned I do not think any dry sump is in use as a day to day driver especially in the winter.

However history cannot be re-written. Back n the late 80s early 90s the advice was always to give dry sumps a wide berth if a wet sump was available. The reasons for for this advice was based around funnily enough all the reasons people want them now.i.e the then problematic dry sump system and the problematic Compomotive wheels.

Don't get me wrong I love the look of the cars but there were a number of reason Lotus ditched the dry sump layout and the Compo wheels. I remember again having lengthy discussions back in the late 80s early 90s about this with various people as part of my investigation about MPWs history, remember the first 3 Essex prototypes including MPW were primarily there to help prove the dry sump layout.

 

I was given the same advice in 92 by Paul Matty's when I was looking at an Essex! 

I still ended up with a nice Wet Sump but sometimes wished I'd gone with my heart and bought the Essex.

I also wished I'd bought the white S1 up at Christopher Neil's back in 88 for £2500!!

Regrets eh? 

[LOTUSMAN33]

I will have a look tonight and do something to help identify known surviving cars as Jonny suggested.

I do have a very large pile of club lotus magazines somewhere in the loft which may open a few more leads as was a member from 1991 until 2011, lots will be missing from taking them work or just getting ditched but hopefully still of use even if a couple extra cars.

Looking at this chart with us having 95 cars now allowing for the wrecked/burnt/stolen/broken/raced we must be getting close? We have barely touched on cars in the US so I have approached Lotustalk to see what can be unlocked. The 1982 numbers of 205 cars is where maybe Andy Graham can help so we can understand the wet and dry sump totals for that year.

Dave  

 

[LOTUSMAN33]

Currently 10 cars known taxed and on the road in the UK with several MOT'd but untaxed for the winter.

Dave  

[Neverweaken]

Found tegh info on the Donegal car.

Yellow dry sump, chassis 1067, it has black half leather interior, compomotives and an aftermarket sunroof.

Hope that helps.

[LOTUSMAN33]

Brilliant thanks KW that is another car to add to the list and currently the last with 4 stud Comps, 1079 is BBS so the change over was between the next 12 cars! ????

Dave  

[LOTUSMAN33]

Essex In Tokyo above and US below

1982 Dry Sump in Canada awaiting chassis number confirmation

A few more added and a couple more to track down, we are up to 99 although need to confirm the St Tropez. I do like the gold Turbo. ?

Dave  

 

[Tocus]

That white car is my old 1982 Esprit Turbo,

 

thats a wet sump and it is now in sweden, it only had 20.000 KM (not miles!!!!!!!) on the clock!

[LOTUSMAN33]

Thanks Bauke that is one less to research, thought it was familiar and a possible Wet Sump just unsure. I am not certain about the Red St tropez just had message saying their was an early Turbo one done in red?

Dave  

[Nifty]

I looked at a dry sump Turbo down in Surrey about 4-5 years ago, being sold through a small dealer /chancer.

It was on an X plate and was painted (loose term) in a silvery blue colour with a black hide interior.

The engine smoked like a chimney and the whole condition of the car was well below the asking price. Did contemplate an offer but decided not to be so stupid, for once !!

Edited January 13, 2017 by Nifty

[LOTUSMAN33]

Thanks for the input Nifty, must be a car we are missing unless repainted since. Don't suppose you remember the registration number?

Dave  

[v8vantage]

More on 003 in Hong Kong

" I have been reading the advice being given to you about buying an Esprit
and references made to the Essex. The advice about not buying a 20 year old
car (the Essex) is probably understandable, but in defense of the Essex
Turbo Esprit you might like to know.....

I have Essex number 003. Purchased in 1985 with 38,000 miles on the clock I
took the clock to 103,000 miles before leaving the UK to work in Hong Kong.
With daily use (abuse and misuse)taking me all over the UK in my capacity
as lighting designer, within its 103,000 miles, 003 only ever left me
stranded twice: Once with a blown hose on the M5 and once when the gear
level broke off at the base (literally came off in my hand!). Servicing
was often late because I couldn't afford to be without the car too often
and the car worked hard. Despite this, reliable? - absolutly yes.

After being in Hong Kong for 4 years I could stand being without the Essex
no longer and decided to have a total restoration carried out (body off,
chasis stripped & rebuilt, repaint, redecal, retrim etc). Quotes to rebuild
the engine by Lotus specialists were around 6,000 pounds, so when Derek
Dean offered me a brand new HC unit with all new ancillaries including
turbo for 3,000 pounds the temptation was too much. So 003 now has an HC
engine with its original carefully crated to be sold with the car (for the
purist) should I ever sell it.

My (virtually new) Essex 003 is now with me in the heat and humidity of
Hong Kong, used every day and is able to enjoy more regular servicing. So
don't write the Essex off completely - it's unique and a stunner, but after
around 20 years since birth - caution is needed and consider only a
professionaly restored example.....if you can find one (I haven't seen one
advertised for ages). You will may know from an article in the current
issue of Club Lotus magazine that only 26 units of genuine Essex Turbo
Esprits left the factory. Although there is a number 100 registered to the
son of Mrs. Thatcher (Mark) it is, in fact, number 26 labelled as 100 and
the last unit."

Another dry sump in the USA.

"I just acquired my Lotus. It hasn't run in 4 years but was running 
fine prior to sitting. I realize I need to go through everything and 
replace a lot of stuff as I go. I thought I'd start at the front and 
go through the brakes, suspension,fans,lights,etc. and then do the 
same to the rear. For economic reasons I thought I'd do the fuel 
system and drive train last.It's # 54 of the turbos(SCC082910AHD10954) I would appreciate any suggestions.

PS Not sure if it's an Essex, has everything except Essex decals- 
looks identical to cover car on Osprey's Lotus Esprit book.

[silverfrost]

Roo,   Some great info on 003 !   A very clever chap by the sounds of it for keeping the stock motor crated, and using the HC as the everyday powerplant ,  sounds like a great car and good to hear it not a garage Queen either after the full restoration 

[LOTUSMAN33]

Roo

Some fantastic info on 003 which sounds like it is in safe hands and must stand out in Hong Kong.

I take it 0954 is white with red then being the Osprey book, certainly another to add which is Ace!

I have tracked down 0999 yesterday with some emailing which is black with red so another update to follow as we have gone over 100 of the 140 cars now. Next is do some HPI work to sort a few odd cars at which time I will see what Andy will do to help out.

Keep up the excellent work everyone.

Dave  

[silverfrost]

Dave

Can you do HPI reports from just chassis numbers ?  have always been under the impression you needed the cars registration number 

[LOTUSMAN33]

You are correct Dan unless you have a full trade account I believe, you don't even get the chassis number on the report, what you do get is the option to input the chassis number to confirm so you need a good idea what it is. ?

The register gives you this sort off by using the cars registration date through online enquiries, the only issue is some cars are much earlier but registered late by dealers for what ever reasons. Some are done late by Lotus as well when held by them, look at my development Elan which is a early 89 car registered in 1996!?

It is trial and error and does not always work so can be costly hence holding off, I will only go for the cars which are clearly no longer with us rather than owners we know as otherwise we will never get them in the right order. I won't investigate cars on here as i have contacted members already and they will provide if they wish in their own time.?

We have lots of cars which look to be scrapped so good place to start digging? 

102/140 cars ????

Great online shot of Mansells car 0960.

Dave  

[Gotti]

 

8 hours ago, v8vantage said:

More on 003 in Hong Kong

" I have been reading the advice being given to you about buying an Esprit
and references made to the Essex. The advice about not buying a 20 year old
car (the Essex) is probably understandable, but in defense of the Essex
Turbo Esprit you might like to know.....

I have Essex number 003. Purchased in 1985 with 38,000 miles on the clock I
took the clock to 103,000 miles before leaving the UK to work in Hong Kong.
With daily use (abuse and misuse)taking me all over the UK in my capacity
as lighting designer, within its 103,000 miles, 003 only ever left me
stranded twice: Once with a blown hose on the M5 and once when the gear
level broke off at the base (literally came off in my hand!). Servicing
was often late because I couldn't afford to be without the car too often
and the car worked hard. Despite this, reliable? - absolutly yes.

After being in Hong Kong for 4 years I could stand being without the Essex
no longer and decided to have a total restoration carried out (body off,
chasis stripped & rebuilt, repaint, redecal, retrim etc). Quotes to rebuild
the engine by Lotus specialists were around 6,000 pounds, so when Derek
Dean offered me a brand new HC unit with all new ancillaries including
turbo for 3,000 pounds the temptation was too much. So 003 now has an HC
engine with its original carefully crated to be sold with the car (for the
purist) should I ever sell it.

My (virtually new) Essex 003 is now with me in the heat and humidity of
Hong Kong, used every day and is able to enjoy more regular servicing. So
don't write the Essex off completely - it's unique and a stunner, but after
around 20 years since birth - caution is needed and consider only a
professionaly restored example.....if you can find one (I haven't seen one
advertised for ages). You will may know from an article in the current
issue of Club Lotus magazine that only 26 units of genuine Essex Turbo
Esprits left the factory. Although there is a number 100 registered to the
son of Mrs. Thatcher (Mark) it is, in fact, number 26 labelled as 100 and
the last unit."

Another dry sump in the USA.

"I just acquired my Lotus. It hasn't run in 4 years but was running 
fine prior to sitting. I realize I need to go through everything and 
replace a lot of stuff as I go. I thought I'd start at the front and 
go through the brakes, suspension,fans,lights,etc. and then do the 
same to the rear. For economic reasons I thought I'd do the fuel 
system and drive train last.It's # 54 of the turbos(SCC082910AHD10954) I would appreciate any suggestions.

PS Not sure if it's an Essex, has everything except Essex decals- 
looks identical to cover car on Osprey's Lotus Esprit book.

Roo

I understand you  own 003 RHD

I own 006 LHD and i postet a few days back in (Essex Random Images) about my Engine Number!

In my car runs Engine Number CD-910800718575 (also stamped in my original car documents)

I ordered the C.O.P from Andy Graham and he told me  " Engine number CD910800718575 is recorded as being fitted to a UK Essex 003 " and i should have  CD-910800818631 which is stamped only in my front vin plate.

 

It would be very interesting to know which Engine Number is stamped on your stock motor and vin plate!!!

I think this is a factory admin error.

 

Gotti

[Gotti]

Roo

Sorry,i thought you are the owner of 003!

Do you know the current owner of 003?

Gotti

[LOTUSMAN33]

Well today has been a busy and expensive one on the dry sump table but worth it as now in great shape with all but two cars identified and lots now in their correct positions. 

Andyww your old car was 11147 ??

Dave  

[The Pits]

simply amazing effort!

thank you.

[nello]

Hi Dave - as per the original Essex thread from some years ago - I have an Essex list which I try to keep updated - Steve T has one as well.

My list also contains addtional info such as selling dealers - current whereabouts (if know) - engine numbers etc.

Chassis 10790 was the original styling car and should be considered the first G Turbo. Reg. MPW 80V

As Steve knows I've also known Essex No.17 for about 25 years and used many times and its currently stored awaiting restoration. I'll not add the owners details here until I get his ok as I do have some recent photos. If you need any more detail about that car though you can come through me as he is not on here.

I'll keep you updated..........

Edited January 22, 2017 by nello

[Stuart Monument]

As the @The Pits said fantastic work and thank you ! People like you Dave add so much value to the forum. 

[LOTUSMAN33]

Thanks for the kind comments guys as it does make it worth the effort without doubt, but seriously this is a combined effort from lots of great people in the UK and overseas who care deeply about these special cars which keep sending or posting the information. ??

So where to go next.... Andy Graham will be contacted this week now we have probably done as much as possible, yesterday I continued to explore old auction house results through H&H, RM, Coys and a couple others dating back as far as 1993, only found one car and quite a lot known to us all with some on the forum which was interesting and certainly showed how values increase. I have held off with Andy until the table was complete as possible to show a collective effort has been made first hence HPI gold checking cars long gone or exported.

Thanks Neil, I will add 10790 (MPW80V), I remember breaking MPW82V many years ago. I did think about adding more details but trying to move away from being a Register as already one on the forum and turn this more towards a build record with extras if that makes sense? As we have located chassis numbers with spec details I have moved the registrations away but kept the record hidden.

Next area I am thinking about is the DVLA exercising the Freedom of information act, I have found some forms online so something they do consider on a case by case process. As we don't need registrations I wonder if they will provide info about chassis numbers and colours? Again Andy Graham is first call as we still don't have a definitive list of Dry Sump chassis numbers with 36 cars missing.

Longer term I think we should look to create a table with a photo link field you can click on to see the car as have lots of them stored now ready, this will have to be emailed privately or passed to Bibs/Jonny to hold and maintain when complete and keep number plates ghosted I guess? I can create this okay once agreed or pass anything on.

Canada seems to have quite a few Dry Sumps and we only have two confirmed with a few pics of others so something I will explore online to see if they have an owners club.

I checked my old Club Lotus publications but they have got damp in the loft and look like magazines a teenager hides with stuck pages!  

I have removed KOX595W as tried doing searches with endless chassis numbers and believe it is a S2 Turbo lookalike but still not 100% now?

Once again a big thank you to all involved and interested, wouldn't it be great if we can get the last 36 cars listed, I do wonder how many actually still survive?

Dave