Clark

Welcome! Glad to see it's possible to have several rare sports cars AND a happy marraige at the same time! My ex girlfriends always asked why I spent more money on cars than on them. I've apparently never given a good answer yet...

Hi, my name is Clark and I have a problem with buying project cars. Exhibit A: Despite laying claim to 3 cars already, I bought myself another one as a sort of belated birthday present. She's a 1959 (AMC/Nash) Rambler Six Custom, a compact (in those days) inexpensive economy car...the kind where everyone says "oh, my grandmother had a Rambler!" This car ran 10 years ago, but the carburetor was flooding and spraying gas, so the previous owner bought a rebuilt one, slapped it on, and the car wouldn't run. After a day of tinkering, he gave up and retired it to a field. Fast forward a decade to today. She is still an extremely complete car with just a single spot of bad rust on one of the doors. Floor panels are solid, no rust there either. 99% of the chrome and all of the glass is present and intact. Interior is sagging but complete and not terrible for 50 years old. Unfortunately, my Esprit is getting out of the shop for a timing belt change and it's a whole lot more than expected. So now that I bought this car, my restoration budget for it is suddenly...zero dollars! Still, it's a neat little car and I'm well pleased with it. Will post resto updates here, but it may be a while...

Has my S2 now for 3 years, 2 weeks and 2 days! And of course, no interest in selling it any time soon!

The Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance in California usually invites this Turbo Esprit, and one or two Lotus race cars. I've seen the Turbo at a few shows (black tape under the "Turbo Esprit" badge is unique), but damned if I can remember the owner's name: Picture is darn big, my apologies...don't know how to resize!

As much as I'd love to help turn a wrench and motivate you on your project, I'm up near San Francisco which is a bit of a drive! Don't know of any Lotus clubs down your way, but I'm sure there's something. I'd reccomend going to local car shows and charity drives and looking for Lotus cars and talk to the owners. Here's a good place to start: http://www.sanluisobispocounty.com/static/...m?contentID=471 And of course, this forum is an awesome community and quite helpful as well!

Robert - having owned and loved 2 Elites, I'm absolutely thrilled to see your progress! The interior looks just stunning, and now you have the "new car smell" to remind you of your accomplishments! And the exterior looks very good for a once-mistreated car. Best of luck lifting off the body. I've always wondered how that process goes. Keep up the amazing work and keep the updates coming. Looks like you'll have an amazing driver before very long!

Richard - that's not an Eleven is it?

Depends on the ride...

Had an awful day yesterday: New roomate fell through and didn't sign onto the lease, found out I won't have the Esprit back from the shop (timing belt change) in time for my birthday, and a girl didn't show up for our lunch date. The only remedy: Going to a friends and watching "Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus". Definitely turned my day around! And no, I won't tell you which creature won...

I love driving around looking for neglected cars in driveways! It's almost a hobby for me, and I usually bring a camera! There are dozens of groups on Flickr or other photo sharing websites dedicated to neglected cars, plus there's www.carsinbarns.com. It's amazing what people find. Dave - have you talked to the S3s owner? I'd love to hear a valid reason for letting a car like that go to waste!

Very sorry to hear, but glad you're okay. My mom complains that the Esprit is dangerous (no airbags) but your story thankfully proves otherwise. Try not to beat yourself up over damaging the S3. They are called traffic accidents for a reason - they're unintended and unexpected! I hope the insurance works out and the car can get another shot at the road rather than going to the breakers. Good luck sorting it out and keep counting your blessings!

Pyropolymer, he is in Simi Valley. Are you familiar with this car? I'm not sure what the gray car is. The taillights look like those from an Elite/Eclat, so you could look up whatever cars also used those lights...not like that'll be a very narrow list!

UPDATE VIN number 76/100103E Any interest in it now? It is a LHD car despite the Euro plate holder. S3 Turbo frame is spot on Wolfrace wheels from "the 1978" are available. Don't know if this car was sold as model year 1978 or if that's a typo, but according to the VIN this is an early one! He is showing the car on Saturday to prospective buyers. If anyone wants to get their hand into this, email Jack at [email protected] or call at 805-522-1443.