Esp-reading recommendations?

[JayEmm]

Hi all,

I recently finished Gerard Crombac's book on Colin Chapman. One of my few disappointments with the book was the fact that the Esprit was largely glossed-over. As the Esprit is the model of Lotus I always lusted after (despite going the Evora route), I would really like to do some further reading on the topic.

I've found a few books by searching in the forums, unfortunately many are out-of-print, hard to find, ludicrously expensive or a combination of all of the above. Does anyone know of a good starting point for reading up on the Esprit, preferably a book that's easily sourced (or someone is willing to sell me a copy!)

Thanks muchly

James

[Mark Blanchard]

There is "Lotus Esprit - The official story" by Jeremy Walton.  "Lotus Heritage" by Ian Adcock with lots of Esprit content.  "Esprit" by Gerard Crombac and also "Lotus since the 70s" by Graham Robson has some good info.

[JayEmm]

Thanks Marc. Looks like I might have to fork out for a copy of the Walton book. Annoyingly the only later prints (including the entire run) are quite expensive!

[stephenwhyte]

I've got a few books on the Esprit but the one on the link below is by far and away the best one I've bought. It's clearly a bit pricey here on Amazon but watch out for it popping up on eBay for less. It's a stunning book with photographs I haven't seen anywhere else and some great content.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lotus-Esprit-Official-Britains-Supercar/dp/190235124X/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1462206579&sr=8-5&keywords=Lotus+esprit+book

And here's the J. Walton book at a nice cheap starting price.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lotus-Esprit-The-Complete-Story-by-Jeremy-Walton-Paperback-1997-/282017601163?hash=item41a98f168b:g:lXgAAOSwGOxXAreh

[Jacques]

Hello James,

I have collected a few books on the Esprit theme, and I'd say too, that Jeremy's book "Th official story" is by far the best on the subject. Note, that there is the standard edition, then the limited edition, and finally also the Publishers edition, which is (fake) leatherbound, gold on edges, extra material and a few signatures. I have them all, and they are equally worth reading. But, for value for Money, get the standard edition, as it's very nearly the same, and can regularely be found for a lot less Money than normally advertised.  Think I actually made a thread about the Esprit book subject some time ago, but have not updated it since. Maybe I should take it up Again.

Anyway, there are many other books on the Esprit, all giving new info here and there. The same titles can vary wildly in Price, so give it some time.

Some of the best Photos are in the japanese print of Supercar Archives no. 9, "Lotus Esprit 1972-2004".

Think it's here:

 

Kind regards,

Jacques.

[ChrisJ]

This is always a good read - bit more expensive now that when it was new though

 

[JayEmm]

"I'll never spend that much money on a book" he said....

[stephenwhyte]

Oh you've gone the full hog there ...........good work and great book!