Gold FFM Popular Post Alistair Enser Posted July 18, 2021 Gold FFM Popular Post Report Share Posted July 18, 2021 Hi All, Having owned a 1988 S4 Turbo back in the 90's I've always thought about returning to the fold. This weekend I took the plunge and purchased a barn stored 1980 S2. It is 95% complete ( some trims missing ) and needs a total restoration . The chassis looks very solid and the body definitely needs to come off, get the gel coat fixed and benefit from a respray . Engine seems reasonable , but I plan to strip and rebuild, gearbox unknown at this stage . I have started the strip down today ( seats out, interior out, carpets out. Next job will be removing the dash and instruments to complete . I have no doubt I will be calling on all your collective expert help over the coming months as I progress.- So apologies for any forthcoming stupid questions,. In the short term I have identified two significant parts that I need to try and source . The entire roof lining is missing along with the top windscreen trim ( clock /sunvisors and interior mirror ) , additionally the plastic trim that covers the drivers small rear 'quarter' window is absent . If anyone can advise /help with new or used replacement or remanufacter service I would be grateful Ali 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Barrykearley Posted July 18, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted July 18, 2021 Ooh - nice project. Let’s have some pictures 👍 1 Quote Only here once Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM windymiller Posted July 18, 2021 Gold FFM Report Share Posted July 18, 2021 welcome and indeed pics please but how does one drop across a barn find ?? i need an s3 !!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Popular Post Alistair Enser Posted July 18, 2021 Author Gold FFM Popular Post Report Share Posted July 18, 2021 The interior 'alcantara" was /is actually a chocolate colour ( I have uncovered material that hasn't been UV/Sun bleached , but currently where it has bleached it is a strange baby poo green/brown. The panels and trim are all undamaged so I may colour restore rather than retrim for authenticity 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAR Posted July 18, 2021 Report Share Posted July 18, 2021 lovely car and I'm sure a very worthwhile purchase. SJ Sportscars are the place to go for the parts you need. Clock will be nigh on impossible to source. Keep the pictures coming Quote It's getting there...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Alistair Enser Posted July 18, 2021 Author Gold FFM Report Share Posted July 18, 2021 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bibs Posted July 19, 2021 Report Share Posted July 19, 2021 Very nice project, welcome to TLF! Might be an idea to start a topic here for you and the car. https://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/forum/34-esprit-project-amp-restoration-room/ Quote 88 Esprit NA, 89 Esprit Turbo SE, Evora, Evora S, Evora IPS, Evora S IPS, Evora S IPS SR, Evora 400, Elise S1, Elise S1 111s, Evora GT410 Sport Evora NA For forum issues, please contact the Moderators. I will aim to respond to emails/PM's Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Alistair Enser Posted July 19, 2021 Author Gold FFM Report Share Posted July 19, 2021 Thanks Bibs - will do that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jep Posted July 19, 2021 Report Share Posted July 19, 2021 That reminds me of my first Lotus. A white S1 Esprit with the brown 'suede' - called Marcasite. There are threads (!) on TLF about this fabric. Your S2 looks very original - not an easy find these days, it was a lot easier in the early 90s. The steering wheel is rare - but in my view unattractive - keep it safe. I replaced mine with a Turbo wheel but I appreciate total originality may be king. I would think about leaving the trim as is - it has charm even if bleached. You need to make sure dyeing it will work. Good luck. Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Alistair Enser Posted July 19, 2021 Author Gold FFM Report Share Posted July 19, 2021 Thanks Justin . This particular car has been off the road since 1990 and for most / all dry stored , so as you say it is quite rare having only covered 40k miles . I will transfer to the restoration thread , but will also look up 'marcasite' . IMHO I agree about the wheel . The later ones are nicer . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Alistair Enser Posted July 19, 2021 Author Gold FFM Report Share Posted July 19, 2021 I've now transferred onto the restoration chat as it seems the right place for the 'Journey' One final thing though, I used to have an S4 Turbo back in my twenties - see the pictures below . I don't know the VIN number but it did end with 007 which I thought was very cool at the time - even though it was the wrong shape . Is it still alive I wonder .......... ( the reg. number doesn't show anything on the gov website ) ' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimbers Posted July 24, 2021 Report Share Posted July 24, 2021 Welcome! Had an S4 myself, 1992. Loved that car! Love my Evora just as much! Looks like you have some work on your hands but it'll be worth it! Values have been steadily rising and are only going one way! Quote Possibly save your life. Check out this website.http://everyman-campaign.org/ Distributor for 'Every Male' grooming products. (Discounts for any TLF members hairier than I am!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramjet Posted August 3, 2021 Report Share Posted August 3, 2021 Welcome to TLF Alistair. Looks like something to keep you busy. What sort of timeframe do you think it is going to take you? Any questions or issues with using the forums, Feel free to ask one of us mods. We're here to help. Quote All we know is that when they stop making this, we will be properly, properly sad.Jeremy Clarkson on the Esprit. Opinions are like armpits. Everyone has them, some just stink more than others. For forum issues, please contact one of us Moderators. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Alistair Enser Posted August 4, 2021 Author Gold FFM Report Share Posted August 4, 2021 Thanks Michael Hoping to be on the road for next summer . I have setup a chat under renovations called 837G and finding lots of very helpful people and posts thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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