1991 Lotus Esprit

Coupe

2.2L 2174CC l4 GAS DOHC Turbocharged

Manual

SCCFC20B9MHF60252

Clear

Gasoline

1991 Lotus Esprit SE (Special Equipment), Black, 5-speed, Mid-Engine, Turbocharged, Intercooled (Yes, this is the one with the "Chargecooler"). This Lotus was nearly $90k new, and looks like a Lambo--very low (only 44 inches high). With 264 bhp (280 bhp available on overboost), this supercar was one of the quickest cars in the world in '91 (0-60 mph in 4.5 sec)--even quicker than the Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari Testarossa. My dad and I have loved the Lotus Esprit SE ever since we saw it featured in the movies (i.e., Pretty Woman & Basic Instinct). We bought this car with the intention of restoring it completely and keeping it forever. We were happy to find that spare parts are still readily available and relatively inexpensive (I can provide a list of current parts suppliers, if needed). The restoration was started as soon as we got it (on a part-time basis) and it's been going great--no major problems whatsoever. Some family issues have developed recently however, and we've come to the unfortunate conclusion that we will now need to sell the Lotus. WHERE WE ARE AT NOW: The engine fires up right away and runs strong with a burst of starting fluid, but we have determined that it will need a fuel pump (available for about $100), and there is a chance that some of the injectors will need to be cleaned or replaced (~$60 ea.) as well, before it can be brought up to operating temperature. I have not driven the car, so I cannot comment on the condition of the rest of the drivetrain. However, the previous owner stated that the car was running and driving fine before he took it off the road and stored it. The body has been prepped some, but it's not quite ready to be painted. So, it will be sold as is with a satin black primer finish--I actually like this look better than the original shiny black paint. A lot of effort has gone into restoring the interior as well, but it still needs some work (e.g., seats, dash). The radio and some other random interior & exterior pieces are missing here and there--but overall, it's is a fairly complete Esprit SE. The suspension is very tight and solid and the brakes seem to be in working order. The windshield has a crack and the tires will need to be replaced. This Esprit has a clean title and comes with an official Certificate of Provenance from Lotus. This car has a clean Carfax/Autocheck and has never been in an accident. It is the perfect father/son restoration project, and it won't take much to bring it back to factory condition. I would suggest to any potential buyers that they come see the car in person...but either way, the high-bidder gets it! Car is also for sale locally.On Jul-31-13 at 02:26:42 PDT, seller added the following information: Someone said to me recently, "I could buy a very nice 1988 Lotus Esprit for a little more than what you're asking for your car"--This was actually the second person that expressed to me their interest in buying a 1988 Lotus Esprit. My response was the same for both guys--the 1988 Lotus Esprit is a nice car but...it is NOT an SE (SE stands for Special Equipment--not "Special Edition" as many believe). The SE is a totally different animal. Lotus went all out in the latter part of 1989 by revamping the Esprit engine and incorporating "special equipment" (such as a state-of-the-art chargecooler system) that propelled the Esprit into the supercar realm. The SE cars (with the beautifully styled Stevens bodies) were only available for a 3.5 years (1989.5, 1990, 1991, 1992). While some relatively affordable Lotus Esprits in decent condition may be found today, there are simply NO OTHER Lotus Esprit SE cars available anywhere at the price we're asking--believe me, I've searched for years. So if you've been wanting a Lotus Esprit SE but don't have $20,000-$30,000 to spend up front for one in nice condition...then get this car now for $12k. You can do the restoring it needs at your own pace (and when you have the extra money to do it) but at least you'll have your Esprit SE now. We do not want to sell this car, and we know we'll probably never have the chance to own another one again, but we must do what we have to do at this point.