zack73gt

Hi All, I test drove the car today. It was a bit reluctant to start with old gas, but eventually cleared its throat after a minute or two of idling once it got new gas. Drove surprisingly well; it had a comfortable ride yet was completely agile. Had a couple of issues though: broken horn, headlights stuck down, reverse gear a bit finicky, and I barely fit in it (6'5", 155lb). Any other tall guys drive Lotus Esprits? Once I buy it I will immediately change the timing belt and tires. Exciting day!

Thanks for all the replies! The car was driven last week with no issues. So do I have to pull the motor to change the timing belt? Assuming that it's at the front like a Jensen Healey. And is it Bosch K-Jet? What vendors sell parts for this car? Thanks, Zack

Another thing: there was a small unmarked black switch on the underside of the dash, near the door jam, barely visible. What is it? Immobilizer? Thanks, Zack

Hi All, I am considering buying a 1986.5 (Manufactured June '86) Lotus Esprit Turbo HC and would like some input on what to watch for. Some background about me: I have a 1973 MG BGT that I have been restoring and daily driving for about 3 years now, and I will start my first year of college this fall in pursuit of a mechanical engineering degree. My first job was an apprenticeship at a restoration shop for old Alfas, Ferraris, Bugattis, and F1/2/ sports racers with Cosworth DFV, FV, BD, and Ferrari engines. Currently, I work for an electric car startup in Menlo Park, California. I was riding my bicycle to work (rebuilding MG brakes and differential), and took a side street as a shortcut, and parked in front of someone's house was an Esprit. I went over to look at it, and on the dash was a for sale sign. It said $20,000 or best offer, and being parked on a side street, only 2 other people looked at it. I called the seller and we arranged to meet. The car appeared to be in excellent condition, with 45,600 miles and a near-perfect pearl white paint job, decent blue leather interior, and no crash history. However, the seller had only driven it 300 miles in 14 years of ownership, and didn't fill it with gas before we met, so the car did not start. The seller didn't have it worked on often, as shown in the paperwork. 2003 fix of entire shift linkage at Lotus dealer for $1300 or so. Other than oil changes, it doesn't seem to have been maintained. He is having a baby and does not want to keep the car. Today he texted me and said that it did start when he put gas in it, and I will drive it tomorrow. What Esprit-specific issues should I look for? What bargaining points do I have? I noticed that the car could use new tires and maybe some other rubber components. The stereo was unoriginal and I noticed a funky heat shield for a tube in the engine bay that may or may not be original. I will be working on the car myself and would like to have a good idea of the work that I can expect. What parts are not available? Any replies would be much appreciated. Thanks, Zack