BULLITT

I've been looking at a second car as a nice alternative car to the Impreza. I'm in no way looking to replace the Impreza, I just want something a bit different to drive on the odd day etc.

I've looked at a few things that have varied so much I can't make my mind up, but, there's one marque that's really caught my eye again, I've always loved these cars, there's something about them that has always attracted me - Lotus, more so, the Lotus Esprit.

I've always had a thing for classic sports cars anyway so I've been looking high and low for Esprit S1s but no joy, this little scene of the Lotus Esprit S1 in The Spy Who Loved Me is where I first saw one and I was hooked ever since.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUxpXy1Oot4

Now since the S1 is quite rare I've been looking at mid 90s versions like;



Prices and engine specs range massively depending on which model you want. Just wondering if anyone (or your dads lol) has had any experience with them or even just opinions on them?

Matteeboy

Very, very cool and very quick in V8 form but apparently the driving position cripples most owners! Also need a lot of TLC.

Get one!

ScoobyJawa

Years ago when I worked at C&W in Bracknell one of the sales guys would turn up in the spit of that car but blue - it looked freaking awesome

Blind Side

My next door neighbour has one ('98 GT3 Turbo). A hairy car to drive. The front end lifts up with hard acceleration. Massive turbo lag and a chocolate Renault drive train/gearbox.
Looks fantastic, but a pig to drive and a real money pit. I would steer well clear.

ScoobyDriverWannabe

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1875902.htm

I want it

Jamo

iTrader: (23)

Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious

richs2891

Hope you have got deep pockets and a lot of patience of pratical knowledge of cars - going to need it if buy one. They where not reliable when they where new.

Stunning looking cars through !
Richard

austinwrx

didn't wheeler dealers do one.

even with edd china on the case, it was horrifically complex !!!!!!

Milamber

iTrader: (2)

A mate of mine has a twin turbo V8 model. Had loads of work done to it including fitting chargecoolers and a straight cut 1st & 2nd gear.

A car to die for and a must-own car for anyone with any taste in performance cars in my view.

Turbo2

This rich kid neighbour at our school bought a brand new one when he left school (he must have been about 19): one of the first Peter Stevens restyled SE Turbos, so probably about 1988. He only ever took me out in it once and drove it like Miss Daisy .

It was written off by the dealer in Leicester when he left it with them for a service!!!

What a waste!

subevo

i owned a white 1988 lotus esprit turbo 215hp .i loved this car.owned for 6 years only thing that broke was a fuel pump.beautiful looking car and excellant handling.the gt3 was faster as was the chargecooled s4 with 264hp the best was the sport 350 then came the v8 models .i used to just sit in it within my garage with some tunes on.sad i know but ive never done this in any other car ive owned.with all the boring stuff around this is one special car get one.www.lotusespritworld.com

BULLITT

Thanks for the replies guys, nice get hear opinions from ex-owners, they read like fond memories too, maybe my thread has started you all looking for another one haha

I've seen an Esprit S4 for sale at a specialist near me so going to have a look at that one and see what's what.

ScoobyDoo555

Have to admit, I was about to comment negatively on the Lotus. I think they're a stunning design, but the documented issues with chocolate gearboxes and unreliability put me off.

Then I looked at Pistonheads and saw the prices. Hand on heart, I thought they were twice the price!

Good luck with it

fivetide

iTrader: (1)

What are the N/A ones like? All show no go or more reliable due to less stress on the tranmission? Seems a bit poor that the motor itself appears ok but the supporting parts aren't up to the job.

5t.

dunx

iTrader: (3)

No one has mentioned chassis corrosion yet...

dunx

Brun

Shhhhhhhh! Don't say it out loud and it won't exist.

ScooByer Trade

What about this Esprit Rich.

http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EModels/350.html

BULLITT

Have you even seen a 350 for sale? or what the price of the 350 is secondhand?

There was only 42 made, most of which will be in collectors hands and I doubt they'll be less than £40k

subevo

THE CHASSIS IS GALVANISED.no chance of rust.plus a new chassis was only £1500 a few years ago .had one changed due to a crash.labour however is much more.

YOU COULD LEAVE THIS CAR IN A FIELD FOR 25YEARS AND IT WOULD STILL BE IN ONE PIECE.STAINLESS EXHAUST AS STANDARD AS WELL.

BULLITT

I thought that it was galvanised. Thanks for the info

Still looking for one, plenty about yes but I'm particular about my cars lol

Milamber

iTrader: (2)

this is my mates one, I promise you that no car has ever been pampered as much as this

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2025801.htm

mamoon2

WOW! That looks clean

Milamber

iTrader: (2)

It is honestly immaculate. Garaged every night and never (to my knowledge) driven in the wet, not even once

ScooByer Trade

Here is a 350 Sport Rich.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2147596.htm

Milamber

iTrader: (2)

and this is my mates one

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2025801.htm

Tidgy

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2147596.htm

mmmmmmmm

ScooByer Trade

Beat ya to it Tidgy .

Tidgy

lol, dran yeah missed your link, have to say do like that model, rare as hens teeth though