Oroboros Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 Hi guys, Im in a bit of a predicament, and I need some advice. I bought a 95 Esprit S4 from the US and imported it to sweden, bound for norway. Then this happened; A 40 tonne semi slammed into the back of the trailer I was carrying my Esprit on. and did quite a bit of damage on the Lotus, and totalled my Volvo. It was the truck drivers fault, and now Im looking for a solution to get her into prestine condition again. As far as I can tell there is no damage to the engine or chassis, but the left rear rim has had it, as well as the front bumper and some bodywork. My question to you guys is; Who would you recommend I get to do the repair. Insurance of the truckdriver is paying of course, Im thinking piggyback to a good specialist in the UK. What do you guys advise me to do? Can post more photos if requested Regards Oroboros From Norway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich H Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 Wow, bad luck! But cars can be fixed - I hope you are OK! Quote Lotus Esprit S4 - Work in progress Porsche 924 Turbo - Parts chaser Smart Roadster Coupe - Hers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advantage Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 Ouch! Bad luck - two cars and a trailer mashed. I'd suggest sending it back home to the factory (seeing as how the lorry driver will be paying). They know how to glue these things back together - although be prepared for the phrase "uneconomical repair" to be used every now and again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bibs Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 Ouch! If you want it sent to the factory, let me know and I'll make some phone calls for you. 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...
mr.oogieboogie Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 More pics would be good. If they won't repair it see if you can buy. It back strip it sell the bits and that would more than likely fund another one I hope they repair it. May be worth contacting Christopher look for his thread on his s4 Quote It's Oogies turn to boogie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oroboros Posted March 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 Yes Im fine, thanks Had just gotten into the car again after checking the straps when it hit, Thanks for the advice, really appreciate it! This is what she looked like in the showroom Heres some more photos taken from the paramedics mobile phone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Choppa Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 Wow thats bad luck. Did you get to drive it much before that happened? Quote Normally Aspirated - and lovin' it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oroboros Posted March 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 Nope didnt get to drive it at all Thanks guys, Im going to wait a couple days for the insurrance quote and then Ill get back to you. Really appreciate your empathy! Heres some more photos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fitz Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 ouch! very glad you are ok and hope the insurance + fix goes smoothly for you. Best wishes from over here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slewthy Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 Ohh - gutted for you. Pleased you are OK but I'm sure something like that shakes you up massively. Hope the chassis is alright. Looks like you might be lucky there. If its any help, I had my S3 front end repaired and over the last 2 months, I've been under the front replacing everything there and the body repair is fantastic. Thats from a non-Lotus recognised place. Like people have said, get iot back to LOtus and I'm sure it could be back to the showroom condition you bought it in. When I had my accident, Bibs was very helpful and gave me a phone number of a guy at Lotus. I spoke to him - he thought he had probably assembled my car originally! Unfortunately, the insurance (and probably my wallet) couldn't stretch to that level of repair but since you have the chance, I'd go for it. Goos luck and keep us posted Simon Quote "Intellectuals solve problems; geniuses prevent them." Albert Einstein Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjtpb13 Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 (edited) Roy, I am the Christopher that Peter had mentioned in post #5. I know that here in the US it has taken quite sometime to locate some of the parts for the federal cars. The bumper covers, both front and rear, and the front valence was difficult to source. Worse yet I had to search for the lower driving lamp assemblies. Finally sourced the last one in the UK and it was from A Saab. Important for you to harvest ( sorry sounds like a organ donor issue ) the wiring harness that is attached to your existing ones that are in pieces. Also make sure that the manifold and exhaust system are okay. Despite different circumstances, glad to have read you are okay, it appears we suffered similar damage. Begin to look and search for the oil cooler ducts now. Trust me most repair shops will not go to the extent you would in looking for parts. Please PM or email me if you want to have further discussions on what I found myself looking for parts wise. Mine was damaged in November 2009 and I still do not have it back in complete working order. Long story. But the last two parts just got into the US about a month ago for the bodywork in the front end. Once again I am glad that you are in general unscathed. I am sure that you are feeling the normal aches and pains... Regards, Christopher p.s. Do not hold me to this yet, but just in case I do have I believe an extra set of the rear wheels at my one house. I will not be there until mid April to check. Having a senior moment and trying to recall if they are the front or the rear...Had them on a shelf for four years...lol Edited March 23, 2011 by cjtpb13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lotus4s Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 Wow, glad you're ok, that could have been much worse. I'd be real surprised if the chassis is not bent. Quote 1995 S4s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAR Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 I'm not sure how insurance works in your country but I assume the lotus wasn't insured by you. If this is the case your insurance company wont be interested in trying to write it off due to repair costs. The lorry drivers insurance will have to pay to return the car to its original condition regardless of the cost. Stick to your guns and insist that its fixed and get Lotus factory to do the work. I'm glad you are all right and sory to see both your cars in such a mess but stick to your guns and dont give up. Quote It's getting there...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garry_ludwar@hotmail.com Posted March 24, 2011 Report Share Posted March 24, 2011 im gonna be sick please no more pictures if all pictures of esprits are porn i guess these would be a snuff film Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molemot Posted March 24, 2011 Report Share Posted March 24, 2011 Tragic. Just tragic....I agree with the advice to stiff the truck driver's insurers to fund repair at the Lotus factory. I know how it feels when someone smashes into your Lotus like that..it's truly sickening. Stiffen the resolve and accept that your task now is to insist that the beautiful bolide is restored to the perfection the original photos show. All the money in the world is no compensation.... Quote Scientists investigate that which already is; Engineers create that which has never been." - Albert Einstein Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GavinT Posted March 24, 2011 Report Share Posted March 24, 2011 What terrible bad luck. Really feel for you. I hope it can all be fixed and this story will have a happy conclusion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neill1607 Posted March 24, 2011 Report Share Posted March 24, 2011 (edited) Terrible sight to see, but as others have said the important thing is you're ok - could have been worse Hope the repairs do get done - be a shame for another one to go as parts. Edited March 24, 2011 by Neill1607 Quote Hooligan at heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve1 Posted March 24, 2011 Report Share Posted March 24, 2011 Thought I would show these pictures of my car before I bought it. Its now back on the road and managed to make the calender this year(May) so all is not lost mate, don't give up...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73JPS Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 What a crappy piece of luck! Glad you are okay, though. Quote "At home, I have a King Sized bed. Now, I don't know any Kings, but I would imagine if one were to come over, he would be comfortable." -Mitch Hedberg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Changis Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 good luck with the insurance claim, and to quote Hunter S. Thompson; "Don´t take any guff from those swine!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bibs Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 I've just had a chat with Lotus and isn't not the most optimistic outlook as lots and lots of damage has been done. Roy, if you'd like to speak to the factory workshop, please call Roland Leftley on +44 1953 608000 and he'll appraise the situation with you. 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...
Oroboros Posted March 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 Excellent, thanks alot Bibs. I tried calling him today but Im guessing he left for the day, will try again on monday. It's a real pickle I'm in it seems, as I only paid 26000$ for her, and I don't know if the insurrance will only cover what I gave, or if they pay up for what she's worth. Either way, if the costs of restoring her exceeds that amount, I don't know what I'll do. Hoping it will work out somehow. Thanks again for your support guys. Really means alot. This is like losing a newborn baby to me. Had invested so much excitement into getting my childhood dream come to life, and then this happened. I'm pretty down to say the least, and the worst thing is she was in full mint condition, only 18000 miles and full service history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slewthy Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 This time, almost 18 months ago, I was in this position. All seemed hopeless but I got it turned around and now well beyond repairs and in a full restoration. So far, no looking back. It will not be an economical recovery but then it was more important for me to save the car rather than see it broken up for parts. That said, the accident was my fault, so a serious amount of guilt played in the equation. If I had taken the insurance and also broken the car for parts, I may have been better off financially but ...well anyway. I suppose one way to look at it is that this car can never again be the same mint condition car you originally bought. Hope whatever you do, nothing dampens your enthusiasm and you end up as planned, in a nice shiny Esprit. Quote "Intellectuals solve problems; geniuses prevent them." Albert Einstein Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 What a crime ! Glad you're ok but sorry your car's a mess. Can totally empathise with you - being someone who lost their dream too. Dunno how insurance works there but over here they'll likley just give you a cheque and be done with it (certainly wont repair it regardless of cost !) Your best bet is to get the best value for the insurer (1st and indeed 2nd offer is never to be accepted) and go looking for a new one or buy this one back for recovery. In some ways it's not a bad thing, the car can be easily as good as it was (if not better) than before the accident, just a question of time and devotion. I cant believe how livid I would have been if that was my car You'll bounce back I am sure, I would just ensure I take the insurance company for as much a ride as possible - squeeze every last penny from them ! Quote facebook = jon.himself@hotmail.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GavinT Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 If the worst thing happens and the car is written off then I would demand that the offending truck driver's insurance company pays for not only a replacement S4 of equal quality but also pays to have the vehicle delivered to your home address, even if that means importing one again from the US. After-all we not just talking about the cost of the car. I'm sure there is more than a few thousand in shipping costs. If the insurance company tries to dodge it, lawyer up and take them to court. ......I like the way you say only $26,000USD. For us that don't have the benefit of a strong currency, that's still a nice chunk of change. Best of luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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