Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Ray White]

You don't often see these plastic pigs in this condition but maybe an opportunity for a brave enthusiast?
https://charterhouse-cars.com/product/1982-lotus-esprit-turbo

[MikeEdwards]

I've always wanted one of these, and the work to get it back on the road wouldn't put me off. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, I sat in one at a fairly recent H&H auction, and I couldn't get on with the driving position and struggled to get out of it.
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1976 Vauxhall HP Firenza, 1976 Vauxhall Sportshatch (x2), 1986 Audi coupe quattro, 2000 Audi TT

[Ray White]

[badhuis]

Should have the galvanised chassis so that is not the main worry. Interior seems fine too - always a problem with Lotuses of these age.
Body also always is a problem but hey - who needs a showroom example?

I had a drive a few years ago in an Esprit from a Lotus bits seller. Have to say I was not impressed much, it looked cheap everywhere. Like my Elite better....

With my son helping I am slowly getting my Elite on the road. Mechanically mostly it is fine. The body has small cracks everywhere so we are now trying a very DIY solution. Sanding, filling, primer, sanding, top coat by using spray cans. Our idea is that it cannot get worse than it was. Also, I have no intention to take part in a contest ever.
I got this idea from a friend who once sprayed his Morris Oxford in his garage just using spray cans. It came out excellent!
Both the Oxford and the Lotus are black, which is probably easier to spray (we hope!).




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a car stops being fun when it becomes an investment

[alastairq]

Excellent stuff......As I understand it , the easiest colour with which to obtain a decent finish is blue.....
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Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
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Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.

[Ray White]

I rang my mate with the Lotus background and told him about the car. He said the same about the galvanised chassis. The fibreglass body is the real game changer and that alone would put off a lot of buyers. That said; who cares if there are a few age related marks.?

I am with Badhuis on that. Everyone asks me if I am going to "show" my MG when it's finished.? No...what I want is the best driving TC rather than the best static exhibit.

[Vintage Fly Guy]

As the old joke goes, what is the name Lotus short for? Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious!

A lesser known joke perhaps being; What's the difference between a Lotus and a jigsaw puzzle? You can finish a jigsaw puzzle!

Jokes aside, although it's not for me, I hope the winning bidder manages to do a fist class restoration job and proves us mockers wrong.

[ukdave2002]

Apart from any bodywork issues, I doubt that the car would have been left for so long unless there was either major mechanical or chassis issues ?

[Ray White]