Popular Post BayouBill Posted January 12, 2022 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 12, 2022 I hope I'm posting in the correct area, if not pls let me know, I've always enjoyed sports cars (owned about 20something) so with every marque I buy I always join the corresponding Forum. I like getting to know fellow enthusiast. In addition to the friends I've made I also learned a lot of valuable lessons and was saved numerous times by fellow members when I couldn't diagnose a problem or figure out where that weird part went. Recently I received a phone call from the wife of a my best friend(car buddy) and she said her husband had passed away. I couldn't believe what I was hearing but I managed to pull it together to be strong for her. At the end of the conversation she said something else that shocked me. She said "My husband would have wanted you to have his classic car collection so I'm donating these cars to you" After I caught my breath I told her ' I'm sure you want me to assist you in selling his vehicles to help you financially'. She said no, he had left her comfortable financially so she wanted to donate the cars to me. I was sad and happy at the same time. My friend was a serious Lotus enthusiast and his collection consisted of 3 vehicles: 1987 Esprit Turbo HC, 1985 Esprit Turbo and a 1970 Europa twin cam. I think these model designations are correct but currently I'm researching the VIN numbers to discover the exact type/model and options{if possible). Please chime in if you can give me some sites to research. I haven't had time to research this Forum but I bet there's a ton of info just waiting for me to stumble across. I'll post pics after I relocate the cars, across several states, to my house. Looking forward to this journey and I'm bringing my friend along for the ride ... 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Escape Posted January 12, 2022 Moderator Report Share Posted January 12, 2022 Welcome to TLF Bill, you have certainly come to the right place for both technical knowledgde and friendly banter. Like you, I joined before I had my first Lotus, to do research etc. and have made several friends on car forums. Your story is sad and happy at the same time. I too would want my car collection to go to my best friends because I know they will appreciate and take care of them. For the Esprits, there is a lot of info on http://www.lotusespritworld.com/models.html The Europa is a rarer beast, but there are several owners on here that will surely help you out. Greetz, Filip 1 Quote I have made many mistakes in my life. Buying a multiple Lotus is not one of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Barrykearley Posted January 12, 2022 Gold FFM Report Share Posted January 12, 2022 Lovely story - my lad will defo take on whatever I leave in the garage. Quote Only here once Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jep Posted January 12, 2022 Report Share Posted January 12, 2022 Welcome. HC Turbo probably the greatest Esprit. Try to find a mechanic who has experience of Lotus. Generic mechanics are not a wise move, even with the correct workshop manual. I hope you will use them as a fitting on-going tribute to your pal. Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bibs Posted January 12, 2022 Report Share Posted January 12, 2022 Welcome Bill. Your friend must have thought very highly of you and trusted you a lot to make such a kind gesture, what a great guy he must have been, sorry for you loss. As Justin says, best tribute to him is to use them well and lots! Looking forward to reading your story with the cars. 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...
BayouBill Posted January 12, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2022 Thanks for the kind comments and yes my friend was the best person I've known. He was brilliant(bordering on genius) and flattered that he loved and treasured our friendship as much as I did. He was so Special and will be missed dearly. I'll have to complete a couple of current projects before I can turn all of my attention to these Lotus cars. I'm prepping my 99 BMW Z3 for sale and trying to complete the final assembly of my 1974 DeTomaso Pantera L. I've owned many British sports cars so I'm used to their unique quirks and it will be fun to learn the Lotus' eccentricities 🙂 Looking forward to meeting new friends on this Forum and who knows, maybe I'll meet you at a Lotus gathering in the future ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM C8RKH Posted January 12, 2022 Gold FFM Report Share Posted January 12, 2022 @BayouBill - would love to pictures and records on the DeTomaso renovation, whether in a thread on here, or via another website if there. A fabulous and rare car indeed. 2 Quote I came into this world screaming and covered in someone elses blood. I'll probably leave it in the same way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BayouBill Posted January 12, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2022 The vehicles are 1,500 from my home(they are in AZ and I live in Louisiana). The 87 Esprit is a good running vehicle, the 85 needs minor work to get it drivable and the Europa needs some assembling. When I attend the memorial service in a few weeks I was thinking of shipping the 85 and the Europa via open air transport but I'd like to bring the 87 home with me via a car dolly(is this method a big no-no or if done properly is it feasible) and yes I'm a cheapskate, I mean frugal 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BayouBill Posted January 12, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2022 C8RKH, I can post details and pics of my Pantera restoration on this Forum, if it's allowed? If it is allowed, should I just add them to this thread or post them in another area? The Pantera is my dream-car, always wanted one since they were first released in 71' I saw one in a local Lincoln Mercury dealership and years later a local owner let me drive his around the block (fell in love) Thanks for the interest ... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisJ Posted January 12, 2022 Report Share Posted January 12, 2022 Bill - I'd say post them on this thread. 29 minutes ago, BayouBill said: The 87 Esprit is a good running vehicle 29 minutes ago, BayouBill said: I'd like to bring the 87 home That sounds like a road trip is in order as I'd drive it home - here's one from 10 years ago to whet your appetite. If not driving it, I'd trailer it - although I have no idea how much that would cost in the US) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarBuff Posted January 12, 2022 Report Share Posted January 12, 2022 By all means, take your friend and DRIVE the 1987 HCi back. (North American cars used Bosch K-Jetronic FI) Do a shakedown trip or two first, storage/inactivity can cause issues. If you trailer the car 🥵 position it front-forward, airflow over the rear hatch has been known to unlatch it! 🥶 There is a knowledgeable Esprit group willing to help on LotusTalk.com...and on several FaceBook groups too. We are a tight-knit community!😍 Quote Atwell Haines '88 Esprit Succasunna, NJ USA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM C8RKH Posted January 12, 2022 Gold FFM Report Share Posted January 12, 2022 4 hours ago, BayouBill said: I can post details and pics of my Pantera restoration on this Forum, if it's allowed? Yes it's allowed! This is a very friendly forum as are most Lotus owners. This is "general chat" and you started the "topic" so should not be an issue. Looking forward to it, and obviously, when the Lotus gets home to you you can add piccies of them and what you do to them and with them! Thanks 1 Quote I came into this world screaming and covered in someone elses blood. I'll probably leave it in the same way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM TomE Posted January 12, 2022 Gold FFM Report Share Posted January 12, 2022 Welcome Bill and what a touching story. Many of us have probably just paused, thought about your buddy and the great friendship his actions represent. So sorry for your loss. As car enthusiasts perhaps we've also then considered who we would bequeath our beloved cars to when we're gone. Look forward to seeing more about the cars as you get the home. It does sound like a great reason for a road trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BayouBill Posted January 14, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2022 All of the driver sports cars I've purchased over the years have one thing in common, after the purchase I drove them home. Just a few examples of great road trips: (Note) I live in Louisiana. Customized C5 Vette - Los Angeles, BMW Z3 - Florida, Triumph TR6(4th oldest known to exist in the world) - Texas, C7 Vette - Tennessee, Nissan 350Z - Reno, Nevada. So, obviously I've decided to drive the 87 Esprit home from AZ and trailer the 85 Esprit and 70 Europa. Never owned a Lotus but I imagine the basic rules apply: Items to carry in my travel bag: spare set of V-belts, basic hand tools(stock tool bag included), DVOM, spare fuses, work gloves, small mat to lay on, fire extinguisher, flashlights(standard and head lamp), small powerful air compressor & pressure gauge, Jumper cables, anything I've forgotten? Questions: Other than the stock Lotus tool bag, are there specific Lotus tools I should bring? To keep my cell phone fully charged(so I have constant access to Google maps) I usually install a USB charger(suggestions on an easy access 12VDC power spot?) I can do a permanent install after I get home so a quick temp install is OK with me. Final thought: I know it's asking a-lot but I like to carry a (contact a shade-tree mechanic) phone number with me(especially on a marque I've never owned). If someone on the Forum would be willing, I can PM my cell number if they will reciprocate. Maybe a Forum members home location is on my trip path(AZ to Louisiana) In a worst case scenario I could tow the vehicle to their house and give them a case of beer to help me get it running again. I plan to fly to AZ for his memorial service on Feb 16th, help his widow with honey-do-list maintenance items and arrange things so she can manage the property herself, give the 87 Esprit a once-over to ensure road worthiness, gather up all Lotus parts, tools and documentation, prepare the 85 Esprit and 70 Europa for contracted transport service pick-up, say a Prayer and head out ... Again, THANKS for all of your suggestions, comments, assistance. Forum members have saved my butt numerous times(too many to count) of course I've reciprocated by saving a few members with repair advice and spare parts I was willing to part with 😉 After I get home I will post trip details and pictures ... P.S. - I can't believe how much vehicle transport companies are charging these days. 'Low Ball' estimates are running $2000 🤒 to ship 2 small vehicles from AZ to Louisiana. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisJ Posted January 14, 2022 Report Share Posted January 14, 2022 19 minutes ago, BayouBill said: So, obviously I've decided to drive the 87 Esprit home from AZ and trailer the 85 Esprit and 70 Europa. Make sure that the belts have been changed recently (last 3 years or so), don't go by mileage. Re Phone/Google Maps. You will need somewhere to mount the phone holder - there is a current thread running on this. In my 82MY Esprit I have cigar lighters in both doors (not sure abut 87 US Spec though), however, I normally use a PowerPack to keep the phone charged, and I just keep it between the seat and the door. Phone is on the quarter light. Here's a picture of a LHD 87 TE - lighter circled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post CarBuff Posted January 14, 2022 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 14, 2022 6 hours ago, BayouBill said: I know it's asking a-lot but I like to carry a (contact a shade-tree mechanic) phone number with me(especially on a marque I've never owned). Join Lotus,Ltd, the US national club. https://lotusltd.com/join-lotus-ltd/ They have a Travelers Network of folks who are willing to help other owners out if you encounter difficulties en-route. Comes with the Member Roster. See if you can get that expedited to you. That said, I'm the Esprit Technical Focus so I'll PM my phone number to you. "I KNOW GUYS" 😁 3 Quote Atwell Haines '88 Esprit Succasunna, NJ USA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BayouBill Posted January 15, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2022 P.S. - I can't believe how much vehicle transport companies are charging these days. 'Low Ball' estimates are running $2000 🤒 to ship 2 small vehicles from AZ to Louisiana. Thanks for your participation Atwell, it's reassuring to know I have a Lotus enthusiast watching my back along this 1,500 mile road trip. Chris, Thanks for the pic and comments ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BayouBill Posted January 15, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2022 Hip Hip Hurray! I got promoted to 'Rookie' status 🙂 like the Jefferson's I'm 'Movin on up' ... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BayouBill Posted January 15, 2022 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted January 15, 2022 My friends widow sent pics of the cars ... 4 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Painterdave Posted January 15, 2022 Report Share Posted January 15, 2022 Oh you are a lucky man he must have thort a lot of you well dunn👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BayouBill Posted January 15, 2022 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted January 15, 2022 It's an Awesome Honor and I'm happy, but sad at the same time. I miss my friend and he's constantly on my mind. I hope to do his legacy proper by completing these vehicles and taking excellent care of them. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BayouBill Posted January 16, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2022 Questions: As I stated earlier, this is my first Lotus ownership so I know I'm going to ask questions that members will go "Duh, everyone knows that" but I'll ask anyway. Which model Esprit included Targa tops? Also, looking at the rear pic of the red 85, I see my friend has a plastic bottle with a tube inserted. Was he using this method to remove air from the coolant system? Other possibilities? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Kevin Wheeler Posted January 16, 2022 Gold FFM Report Share Posted January 16, 2022 As far as I am aware, no Esprit had a targa top. Mine has a lift out sunroof, but I don't think that is what you mean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM Barrykearley Posted January 16, 2022 Gold FFM Report Share Posted January 16, 2022 Full width lift out sunroofs -not a targa if the sunroof ain’t full width then someone’s been busy with the jigsaw Quote Only here once Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BayouBill Posted January 16, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2022 Kevin & Barry, Thanks for the comments. I phrased my question wrong but I think you gave me the answer. It's maybe not a 'Targa' removable top but the sunroof section lifts out(correct?) and was this an option included in 'all' Esprit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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