1985 Lotus Turbo Esprit
Description
1985 Lotus Esprit Turbo project in running condition - an iconic Giugiaro designed wedge shaped super car of the 80's. The value of these cars is starting to gain momentum and they are the last of the super cars that are still affordable. The previous owner told me that this Lotus used to belong to a mechanic/shop owner that worked on Lotus cars and that this car has high-compression pistons like the HCi models.
Mostly complete with approximately 78,000 miles. Many new and rebuilt parts including: new clutch master and rebuilt slave. Rebuilt 5 speed transmission, clutch, etc. just serviced. New rear brake rotors and pads. New black carpets, new suede headliner, suede shift boot, suede headliner, only original gray seats are included in the auction but they need to be reupholstered. (cheap aftermarket seats pictured were briefly installed and are not included)
The dashboard needs new leather where black leatherette has been installed. All original glass "XXX" England manufacturer and BBS wheels.
I am selling it as a project car because the front brake calipers are not having any pressure and they need new pads. I think this is due to the brake master needing the seal on the first piston that send hydraulic pressure to the front. The rear brake calipers are in working condition but the car does not brake safely. New bigger turbocharger with a high flow stainless steel muffler, so this one will be a very fast Esprit. Matching number complete car that will increase in value with the years to your collection. Original spare tire still in excellent (like new) conditions. Still have all original paint but the hood and the upper section of the left door. You can tell is the original paint because it still have the original decals from factory. I would re-spray the whole upper section of the car, though. Don't miss this opportunity, because there are only a few of these remaining in the market. I was told that this carbureted-turbo versions were gray market only - they weren't imported to the USA.
The engine runs strong and the timing belt doesn't look cracked, but I would replace it for a piece of mind and I am including it in the auction. This car was in Texas and is rust-free everywhere. This one is a good base candidate for a full classic car restoration if you would like to go that far. It will not be that hard to get it restored, mainly then you can drive it.
The hard part which is the drive-train and finding a bunch of hard-to-find parts, now it is your turn to do cosmetics.
All A/C components appear to be present, and blows but not cold. It likely needs a charge.
The radio is new but speakers are not working and not connected and that I have the missing lock on the glove box, it just that I need to look for it. The shift knob is restored and original (like brand new) with the five speed marks but they didn't show up in the picture because of the reflection of the sunlight in the silver color.
Prior owner also added stainless steel braided front brake lines -a good upgrade. Another great upgrade in this car is the steel braided clutch line, instead of the OEM unreliable plastic line that runs from the new clutch master to the clutch slave. This steel braided line is visible in the picture of the open front hood, where you can also see the spare tire.
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