1989 Lotus Esprit

Coupe

2.2L 2174CC l4 GAS DOHC Turbocharged

5 Speed Manual

SCCFC20A2KHF65068

Clear

GAS

For auction is my beautiful 1989 Lotus Esprit SE with only 19,328 miles. I am the fourth owner of this car and purchased it in September 2011 from a collector in Chicago. I have driven it only about 1800 miles, a few hundred of them consisting of my return trip to Virginia from Chicago after purchasing the car. The rest has been gently to my gym, out for dinner and on nice weekends, and I have displayed it at European car shows where it draws great admiration for its condition and beauty. Never any track driving or, frankly, rarely over 70 MPH. I just don't use it and it is time for it to go to someone who will. It is stored in my conditioned garage and regularly detailed. There has been no accident or paint experience that I can discern. Paint is in incredible condition with only two flaws: on right side small panel just behind front wheel, there is a narrow crack in the paint. It is barely visible, certainly not from more than four feet.; on the left rear bumper there is some "checking" of the paint. It seems like it might have come from something nudging the bumper but I cannot see any signs of impact. Both of these flaws are shown in pictures. The interior is just wonderful, beige with red contrast stitching throughout. Seats are firm and surfaces are in excellent condition unlike many tired examples that you often see. I regularly treat it with "Leatherique" and it shows beautifully. The dash wood has some small checking which is visible in certain light and angles. Tires are virtually new, installed April 25, 2012 at 19,085 miles. Absolutely NO curb rash on the wheels. I have detailed service records for the car from September 2006. In September 2006 at 15,525 miles Fox Valley Motorcars in Chicago: Charged AC system and checked for leaks and switched to 134AReplaced driver mirrorReplaced clutch master cylinderReplaced drive and compressor beltsReplaced a fog light bulbReplaced timing belt and cam sealsLube, oil, filter change The timing belt part number is B912E6697F. In 1995 at the end of the 4-cylinder model's run, Lotus introduced a high mileage timing belt in order to comply with California's mandate that car manufacturers must back automotive timing belts for 100,000 miles. The new belt, made by Gates, has a B-prefix on the Lotus part number and it's made with HSN rubber (Highly Saturated Nitrile). It's dimensionally and functionally identical to the earlier round-toothed HTD belts, but it's much more durable. Belt has just over 3,800 miles on it. The AC has some sort of small leak. I have not been concerned about repairing it. Adding refrigerant is easy and lasts for a few months so I have just been putting the car on my lift and adding refrigerant as needed. There is a small amount of fluid that appears to have leaked from the left rear shock absorber. I cannot note any difference in the ride, but I don't put a lot of stress on the suspension - or on the car in general. A "Performance Chip" was installed in 1994 by Continental Motors in Chicago. It is a BBR chip by Total Performance Software Inc. according to the files I have. I don't know anything about the chip but I am confident it is not an overly aggressive or "hot" chip. Since I have owned the car I have changed the transmission fluid to Red Line MT-90, installed K&N air filter, changed oil and filter. I removed and replaced the stereo system and speakers installing a Kenwood DHF 995 head unit and Kenwood 8410 four-channel amplifier in the rear boot, and Infinity speakers. Sound is awesome. Those familiar with the Esprit may know of a 'fix' involving the installation of a braided clutch hydraulic hose to replace the original plastic "RED" hose. I performed this procedure in October 2011 and it greatly firmed up operation of the clutch. Some owners of Esprits have experienced a fuel smell in the cockpit. While it can be alarming, unless it is a defect in the fuel tanks, it is usually caused by a split or deteriorated fuel breather hose. This hose connects the two fuel tanks to equilibrate pressure. It does not carry fuel but if split, can emit gas fumes. This occurred with mine and the simple fix was to cut out the split part of the hose connecting to the fuel tank and splice in a new piece of hose and reconnect to the tank..problem easily solved. An owner of a car with "pop up" headlights will become queasy if one of the headlights fails to pop up. This happened to my right light. I found that three plastic-type bearings in the raising mechanism had disintegrated. The internet is your friend and I found out about the problem and fix. I installed new Delrin bearings in both lights and everything is fine. A very gratifying $9 / 45 minute fix. Car is complete with original owners manual, hardtop protective case and wind deflector, and a beige car cover. I also have a period Lotus brochure, some Lotus hats, shirts, jacket that I will be happy to include, if size medium works. I believe this is a great opportunity to obtain a special car in rare excellent condition. I have experience shipping cars and can coordinate with the shipper of your choice or make a recommendation. There is a good pick up point near to me at which I can deliver the car to the shipper. I am happy to answer any questions and provide additional pictures if needed. Happy bidding!