New Guy looking for advice

[mcorben]

I have a offer to buy a old Lotus Esprit 77. It is in pretty rough shape. It needs bumpers and a windshield. Also the engine and trans most likely needs to be rebuilt. I was thinking of making a project car out of it but, I wanted some advice.

Where to obtain bumpers/cost?

Windshield/cost?

I know this might be forbidden but what about changing the engine and trans for a newer one from a different car. Maybe a smaller honda type? Has anybody ever done this?

Is it worth it? I like the older style and it fits more into my buget.

What do you guys thing?

Thanks

[Bibs]

Welcome Michael - I've moved this to a more technical section of the forum for you

[jimmybondi]

Didn't Michael Corben drove an S-Esprit??

[Tony K]

Welcome, Michael!

To be honest, based solely on the questions you are asking, I'd say avoid this car, and if you really want an early Esprit, follow the well-proven advice of "Buy the best condition one you can find and possibly afford."

Going only by what you have written, you are looking at a lot more money (not to mention an immense amount of work) to have a fair condition car that might leave the driveway under its own power than what a good condition car that you can drive home will cost.

I took the "buy the best one you can find" route for my first Esprit, and I did not have enough cash in hand, so I went to the bank and got a loan for the full amount. I promptly paid off a large chunk of it with the money I had, and in the end paid it off much earlier than scheduled. I did not lose much to interest, the total cost was far less than what the total cost would have been had I bought a fixer-upper, and I had an excellent condition Esprit to drive and enjoy right away.

Speaking as someone on a budget to someone on a budget, for a first time Esprit buyer (and you obviously haven't done any homework if you are asking where to buy a bumper and are suggesting a Honda swap), this is a better proposition than having a wretched mess in your garage for years, spending thousands on it, refusing to admit that it is more than your budget can handle, letting it sit for several years because you can't afford to finish it but don't want to sell it for a loss, etc. etc. etc. (which is what usually happens when someone on a budget buys a project Esprit). If you're worried about the cost of a windshield and the car needs everything you say, the windshield will be the least of your worries.

I am not trying to be a downer here -- what I am saying is, if money is not growing on trees for you, pass on this car, and make a serious and educated search for a good car. Hook up with a local Lotus club, get to know owners of early Esprits in your area, learn about the cars from them, learn as much as you possibly can through owners, books, magazines, and the internet; arrange a loan, start a serious and deliberate search for the best early Esprit you can find, buy a good one, and have a great ownership experience while spending (and wasting) the least amount of money.

- Tony

[Goose]

I agree with Tony K. But if you want an idea of how much things will cost have a look at SJ Sportscars site. They have a really useful parts section that will give you a good idea of what things will cost. Bear in mind that you will have to replace almost everything if it has been abandoned as you suggest which, as Tony K says, will be more than buying an Eprit in good condition.

If, however, you have the money to throw at it then I would say go for it - the more Esprits pulled back from the brink the better, IMO.

For more information you could do a lot worse than just working your way through the posts on this forum - there have been lots of suggestions for those looking to buy a car and I found it invaluable before buying mine.

Good luck!

[mblommel]

I have to agree with the other posters; I'd avoid this car unless you:

A- Are an Esprit expert and have owned a few of these already

B- Have a large amount of disposable income that you feel you must part with

and/or

C- Are some sort of automotive masochist

My advice is to keep looking for a running car to start out with.

Isn't Michael Blue looking for a basket case S1 to build up into a LS1-powered track monster? Maybe this would be a good lead for him instead.

Edited May 23, 2006 by mblommel

[Hegg]

I'd have to echo the other responses. I'd pass unless you have a really good reason to have your life consumed with the neverending drama of a fixer-upper.

[WayneB]

I have a offer to buy a old Lotus Esprit 77. It is in pretty rough shape. It needs bumpers and a windshield. Also the engine and trans most likely needs to be rebuilt. I was thinking of making a project car out of it but, I wanted some advice.

Where to obtain bumpers/cost?

Windshield/cost?

I know this might be forbidden but what about changing the engine and trans for a newer one from a different car. Maybe a smaller honda type? Has anybody ever done this?

Is it worth it? I like the older style and it fits more into my buget.

What do you guys thing?

Thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you REALLY want an Esprit, arent lazy, willing to do dirty work,are reasonally mechanically adept and are willing devote alot of your free time and money to this project , GO FOR IT

But I feel if you were of that persuasion/ constitution you wouldnt be needing our encouragement/advice

[mcorben]

Thnaks guys for your advice, I decided to wait a little. This one here was such a low cost and in such bad shape I didn't want to see it stripped out. It would have been nice to not try and restore it but maybe modify it with something more updated but generic for everyday use.

Thanks again.