Hi Paul,
Thanks for your input and insight on the '93 Lotus. Glad to see another one on the westcoast. There are so few '93's around. Any idea how many are still around? Were ther only 68 built, or were 68 US models?
My door jamb says it was built in Nov. 1992, so I'm not sure if it's a crossover model . . .
Well, ironically, I just bought the '93 Turbo Esprit SE that I have been researching yesterday, and will have pictures to post as soon as it stops raining up here, maybe June! I spent about three hours carefully looking the car over and test driving it. I have been tinkering with cars since I was a kid and am very interested in doing the same with this one. I have sone extensive reading on the tech site and I am fortunate that the previous owner spent the $150 for the Lotus Service notes binder, a huge, 3-ring brick with all of the service, mechanical and wiring diagrams. I'm not sure why he bought it as he has numerous big dollar receipts for service he had done. Every little thing that would need attention, he dealt with, and has the records, and receipts to show it. He was not intersted in working on it. That's where we differ.
To answer some of your questions, I'm not sure whether it's a 93 or a 93 1/2. It looks just like yours, right down to the color and the same wing, unlike the S4 wing. It has custom 17" polished aluminum alloys with lotus centercaps. However, the door panels are the plain door panels. The body is near perfect, the air and heat work great, (with big receipts for recent air-con service), all of the gauges work fine with the exception of the gas gauge, which intermittently flutters. (Not sure if it's the gauge or the sending unit.) The underside of the car is nearly impeccable. I don't mean the underside was recently washed or detailed, but free of all oil or grease, and no dents or dings. All hoses and the cam belt have been changed recently. No gasoline smell in the cabin. It definitely looks like a 15,000 mile car, with owner records and mileage statements. Three owners who cared for it and admired it's beauty, but drove it little. With a clean AutoCheck report, I had no choice but to buy it . . . . At least that was my happy conclusion. It is a beautiful car that runs out strong, idles smooth, and can't wait to be driven. If only it would stop raining . . .
Take care,
ED
Hi Timothy,
Wow, another Esprit in Oregon! I don't know if you the read my reply above, but I just purchased a '93, and I'm in Love all over again! I live just West of Salem near Dallas, about an hour from Portland. I was born and raised up there, so I know the area well.
Tell about any other Esprit owners that you know and if you belong to the local Lotus club and such. I would be interested in getting together for a drive in the spring, or just to get together for a beer and look at the machinery.
Thanks for responding. I feel that there are very few in the Northwest . . . .
Ed