1977 Lotus Esprit

S1 Coupe

4 - Cyl.

Manual

77060321H

Gasoline

You are bidding on a 1977 Lotus Esprit S1. I am listing the car again. Please read the description very carefully and be sure to ask any questions before bidding. The car has been in storage for the better part of the past 4 years and has not been driven in over a year. I live in a VERY rural area, do not know how to work on a Lotus, and found out too late that neither do any of the mechanics in the area. The closest mechanic who works on Lotuses is over 100 miles away. Hoped to someday have the car repaired, but months have turned to years and the car needs to go to someone with the knowledge, time, resources and desire to get it back in running order and then maintain it. To the best of my knowledge, the Lotus is structurally sound and in good condition to be over 34 years old. The owner before me modified the body so that the car looks to be a later model than it is. Title and VIN numbers match and indicate the car is indeed a 1977 (See photos). The new owner could always change the modifications if they prefer the look of the 1977 Esprit. When the Lotus was last driven over a year ago, the engine, clutch, transmission, brakes, steering, and suspension all worked. There was also no issue with overheating. There were issues with the electrical system. Lights, horn, turn signals, brake lights did not consistently work, although the power windows did (go figure). The mechanism that raises and lowers the headlights has never worked since I've had the Lotus. I took the Lotus to several local mechanics, including a shop that specializes in electrical systems. Neither mechanic had previous experience in working on Lotuses, and after being in the shops for over a year, the car was in no better shape than when I took it in. The car still ran well and was a rush to drive, so I took it out about once a month on the roads in my community. My son was the last to drive the Lotus. I had drained the fuel tanks at that time since I seldom drove it. He ran out of gas and had a friend push the car back home with a truck, which left a mark on the rear bumper (See photo). Once home, we put some gas in the car but could not get it to run. We could get the engine to turn over if we sprayed ether in the carbs, but it would not keep running. I parked the Lotus, put the cover on it, and left it in place since that time. When we went to move the Lotus several weeks ago to put it in place to be picked up, I discovered the front wheel on the driver's side would not turn. I have been told this is most probably an issue with the brake or parking brake being stuck since the car was not driven for so long. Issues that I am aware: -Engine turns over but does not run. -Front wheel on driver's side does not turn. -Electrical System needs repair. -Headlight system needs repair. -Superficial cracks, chips, blisters on body. -Superficial rust on engine and fuel tanks. NO structural damage to car or open areas on fuel tanks noted. -Top of rear hatch on passenger side slightly warped. -No spare tire. -Glass for mirror on driver's side will need to be replaced. -Covering on dash coming lose near windshield. -Some switches on interior need repair/replacement. Please note: -Car has no structural issues that I am aware. -Exterior in good condition. -Interior in very good condition overall. -Tires with 98-99% tread left. -New steering wheel and shifter. -Custom floor mats. -No fluid leaks noted. -Shop manual included. -Last but not least, this car is definitely a head turner and a blast to drive! FOR ALL INTERESTED BIDDERS, PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A 34 YEAR OLD EXOTIC SPORTS CAR. AS WITH MANY SPORTS CARS, ESPECIALLY BRITISH, THEY REQUIRE AN ONGOING COMMITMENT. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO WORK ON A LOTUS OR HAVE ACCESS TO SOMEONE WHO DOES, DO NOT HAVE EXPENDABLE RESOURCES, OR ARE PLANNING TO USE THE LOTUS AS YOUR PRIMARY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, I WOULD ADVISE YOU TO THINK STRONGLY BEFORE BIDDING. BUT............................................................................................. If you have wanted an exotic sports car, but did not have the resources to buy a later model nor wanted to restore one from the ground up, this may be the car for you. I have disclosed all of the issues that I am aware of and offer no guarantees. I am selling the car as is with no refunds or returns. I set the reserve for the Lotus at a price that takes into consideration the new owner will need to make repairs. I also have the Lotus listed for sale locally and reserve the right to end the auction at any time. The buyer will need to make arrangements for the Lotus to be picked up and shipped. Please note the Lotus has a VERY low ground clearance, so the buyer will need transport with a rollback. Thanks for looking and e-mail me with any questions or if you would like more photos.