Prices Soaring

[Andyww]

3 hours ago, LOTUSMAN33 said:

barn finds will always be strong as they don’t turn up often anymore and some collectors enjoy the restoration more than the ownership itself.

 

Probably most buyers of these think it is equivalent to, say, an E Type. Its possible to economically restore a barn find E Type owing to relative simplicity, lower parts cost and lack of fibreglass skills needed. Even if whole body sections need replacing this is not that expensive.

A barn find Esprit is a total money pit.

Even an Esprit which looks in tidy condition can also be a money pit, especially an early Turbo.

There are very few Esprits out there which are prospective reliable, solid cars. The only assurance of not costing a fortune would be a fully documented restoration to nut and bolt level including engine, gearbox strip, entire cooling system, exhaust, turbocharger, fuel tanks etc etc. Such cars would be expensive but cost less in the long run.

 

[pete]

57 minutes ago, LOTUSMAN33 said:

Made £82k apparently so £94300 with 15% which isn’t bad 🙂

so the reserve doesnt include buyers premium

[C8RKH]

Lovely looking car but at £110k including all premiums, no thanks. I'm nostalgic but not stupid.  Same goes if it was a similar Fezza for more etc., not because it is a Lotus or an Esprit.

If you bought that at £110k would you actually every use it, or just drool over it and polish out your spittle marks for fear of any issues/damage?

[Vipers]

Guys, I'm off to Paul Matty's today to check out Jonny's old Esprit, so bearing in mind what happened with the Essex is general consensus that Jonny's is worth the £75K?

For me it is the perfect example of the Esprit through all it's generations so as ever I guess it is what someone is willing to pay, just wish it was a bit cheaper really but I guess that is always the way.

[Andyww]

I would think it has the potential to be worth £75K but its impossible to value a car from pictures, and video.

It would need to be inspected and history file checked.

I agree the white over red ruched leather early non colour-coded G Turbos are the most desirable. I didnt want any other one! Personally I prefer this livery over Essex. 

[LOTUSMAN33]

I’m with Andy on this, it’s the early non colour coded cars which look the best for me, it’s the way they were originally designed.

White/Red is my second to the Essex and why I bought my White turbo in the first place.

Jonnys car is fantastic, I saw it at Brooklands.

Certainly push Paul price wise as he’s had it a good while, start low and come up to what you are comfortable with.

My old turbo, ex factory car.

Dave  

[Vipers]

Thanks guys, yes for me even if the Essex was at £75K I'd still want the white one, I recently sold the below which I loved but it wasn't a great runner and even though restored I decided I'd rather wait for an original well looked after un-restored car as a keeper so it does feel like if we can agree on a price I'll be extremely tempted, let's see how today pans out.

[Andyww]

10 minutes ago, LOTUSMAN33 said:

 

Jonnys car is fantastic, I saw it at Brooklands.

 

If that was the TLF Lotus Day at MBW that would have been mine

[LOTUSMAN33]

It was years ago Andy, his car was with Hoppo’s at the time. 👍🏻

[LOTUSMAN33]

Paul if this one doesn’t work out then it may be worth contacting Steve at SJ’s, he is finishing the restoration of 0953 which is a white/red car with tobacco interior as per the FYEO car. (Used to be owned by Lex).

 

Dave  

[Vipers]

Thanks Dave, that could be interesting, will give them a bell to discuss.

[jep]

Esprit at over £50k is still a very small, niche market even in the context of Lotus being niche in any event. 

If the car has remained unsold for nearly 2 years, albeit not always marketed, I'd be going in very low. If it did sell last year, that is more encouraging, though why is the owner selling now? And they paid most likely similar wonga as it is advertised for now, so I doubt a profit motive for the disposal.

I remember when Johnny bought this car from Matty, as I nearly bought it. From memory, it was £28k, I forget the year, perhaps 2015. 

With all the Harry hype, I'm surprised an excited sheep-like social media type hasn't bought this. Which illustrates that high priced Esprit are not yet a hot commodity. 

When buying any car, always ask yourself - if I need to sell, what will I get? 

Of course, if Emira explodes, Esprit may be the new gold. 

Justin

 

[Vipers]

Just spoke with SJ, someone else got 1st refusal but no real idea of price yet or ETA so I'll carry on with the one at Paul Matty's for now, will update later how I get on.

Paul Matty's told me last week that someone did buy it last year and now is looking to sell so I'll see what I can find out for reason.

 

[LOTUSMAN33]

I think that may be Lex who has first refusal from when we chatted last, I’ll so what I can find out.

Dave  

[Vipers]

Thanks Dave, certainly be nice to have some more info before I make a decision.

[Lotusfab]

3 hours ago, LOTUSMAN33 said:

I think that may be Lex who has first refusal from when we chatted last, I’ll so what I can find out.

Dave  

What would you guess Steve will want for Lex’s car?

3 hours ago, Vipers said:

Thanks Dave, certainly be nice to have some more info before I make a decision.

 

3 hours ago, Vipers said:

Thanks Dave, certainly be nice to have some more info before I ma

4 hours ago, Vipers said:

Just spoke with SJ, someone else got 1st refusal but no real idea of price yet or ETA so I'll carry on with the one at Paul Matty's for now, will update later how I get on.

Paul Matty's told me last week that someone did buy it last year and now is looking to sell so I'll see what I can find

4 hours ago, Vipers said:

Thanks Dave, that could be interesting, will give them a bell to discuss.

Hi Paul, looking at your list of cars do you really want another? I have six and its far too many!

[LOTUSMAN33]

I’m not sure Fabian, I’m seeing him in the next couple weeks so I will ask him then. 👍

[Vipers]

Well the inevitable happened, I bought the car at Paul Matty’s this afternoon, such a beautiful example that I’ll hopefully keep for many years to come.

There was someone interested in Japan apparently so I felt it was my responsibility to keep it in the UK and be it’s custodian for the next few years.

We agreed on £72.500, it did sell last year according to Paul and went into a collection but the guy decided to have a clear out so it came back on the market, lucky me as I was gutted that I missed it last year.

Not really sure what it is worth but not really bothered if I did pay over the odds as for me a white S3 is best example of any Esprit and there can’t be many left in an original condition like this.

Now can someone please tell my wife, she’s going to kill me 😬

[910Esprit]

OMG Don't call it an S3 - you'll have the nomenclature police on to you!   If its worth that money to you, then it will be to others.    Nice that its gone to an enthusiast home.

[Andyww]

5 minutes ago, 910Esprit said:

OMG Don't call it an S3 - you'll have the nomenclature police on to you! 

That would be me then
I keep this handy guide for this type of situation:

 

[stephenwhyte]

Brilliant news Paul…..definitely one of the very best Turbo Esprit’s left. So glad it never left the country and went to Japan….good work. To celebrate here is a beautiful photo of the car when Jonny owned it, and the now infamous (in Turbo Esprit circles anyway!😉) video he shot……beautiful!😎👏🏻👏🏻

 

[ChrisJ]

Congratulations Paul - maybe now we can get our two white Esprit together 

 

[LOTUSMAN33]

Nice one Paul, really pleased for you and what a beautiful car you have! 
Look after it and your investment will be safe.

Plenty of pics with your collection soon please?

Dave  

[MPx]

Congrats Paul...good decision!

[Tony K]

4 hours ago, Vipers said:

Well the inevitable happened, I bought the car at Paul Matty’s this afternoon, such a beautiful example that I’ll hopefully keep for many years to come.

 . . .

We agreed on £72.500, it did sell last year according to Paul and went into a collection but the guy decided to have a clear out so it came back on the market, lucky me as I was gutted that I missed it last year.

Not really sure what it is worth but not really bothered if I did pay over the odds as for me a white S3 is best example of any Esprit and there can’t be many left in an original condition like this.

Now can someone please tell my wife, she’s going to kill me 😬

Congrats!   Beautiful car, and as iconic as Turbo Esprits get!

Don't worry about the price -- there is a saying among buyers of old Ferraris that I think applies here:   "There's no such thing as overpaying for it;  only buying it a bit soon."  😁