1985 Lotus Esprit

Turbo Coupe

4 - Cyl.

Manual

SCCFC20A6FHF60672

Gasoline

This 1985 Lotus Turbo Esprit is one of the nicest examples you're likely to see. It has just over 38,600 original miles, in brilliant and rare Jupiter Red metallic with freshly refurbished stock BBS mesh wheels finished with black centers and polished and clearcoated rims. The paint is completely original and shines brilliantly. Very few visible flaws aside from a couple of rock chips, which have been repaired with properly matched touch-up paint (a bottle of which is included with the car). The color is less garish and more flattering than the more common Calypso Red that was popular on this body style, and is very head turning. It is also a clearcoat finish, which was not common on these cars in 1985, and shines much better than its contemporaries. The leather interior is parchment color, and in very good shape, with some normal patina showing on the driver seat, but nothing requiring major attention at all. No rips or tears. The dash and door panels are pristine. No cracking at all and very little visible wear. The headliner is in good shape, but has been on my short list of things to improve. It doesn't sag and has no rips or anything like that, but could use a refresh (maybe steam cleaning, although I've thought of having it refinished in alcantara). The glass is perfect, and the brightwork shows little to no sign of oxidation. Visually, the car really is in outstanding shape for an original and shows very well. People have asked if it has been recently restored or kept in storage for its entire life. A trained eye would not think that, but it does speak to the great overall condition. The car has in fact been garaged and covered throughout though, and has seen minimal bad weather. There are some minor hairlines in the paint at stress points (near door hinges), but they are not noticeable unless you look closely. You won't find a car of this age with original paint that doesn't have them, and they are too minor to even worry about repairing unless you're planning to turn it into a show car. The mechanicals have had close to $25,000 in parts and labor invested since the summer of 2009. Virtually no expense was spared and all work was performed by Manhattan Motorcars, the only factory authorized Lotus dealer/service center in NYC. Starts right up (even in the cold), shifts smoothly and pulls well through all the gears. Does not overheat, even in traffic (refurbished cooling system). There are no electrical gremlins. All electrics work perfectly (its actually a very simple car, electrically... no computer or ECU). All parts have been procured either directly from Lotus or through JAE or Dave Bean Engineering. I've only put about 1600 miles on car since I've owned it, and the car does need to be tuned a bit. Keep in mind that this is a Lotus and you can tinker with it endlessly, but this is a fantastic example nonetheless. The following work has been performed within the last six months to a year, with less than 1000 miles since (I have all receipts and records, obv): Entirely new clutch, including upgraded disc and pressure plate, all stainless steel braid hoses, new master and slave cylinders and new flywheel (NEW part, not refinished. Last original flywheel available from Lotus USA... cost $1,800 for the flywheel alone). Car will also come with an additional clutch disc as a spare part. Clutch job with all parts was almost $7,000. New engine mounts. New catalytic converter and new custom exhaust plumbing from the turbo back. Muffler is in excellent condition also. New, upgraded, internal wastegate hybrid turbo with blow-off valve (from an Esprit SE). This unit is far more reliable and spools faster than the original unit, which was replaced due to wastegate issues. This unit is also capable of much more power than it is currently set to produce (it has been set to not boost any more than the stock turbo in order to prevent damage to the engine), but can serve as a good foundation for other related upgrades like a chargecooler or upgraded pistons, etc., should you so choose. This upgrade alone cost over $6,000 parts and labor. Rebuilt water pump and replaced all cooling/radiator hoses with silicone replacements from JAE. Rebuilt carburetors and reset timing. System treated with Techron every third or fourth fill up. All belts replaced, including cam belt and tensioner bearings. K&N air filter & new intake trunking. Oil changed regularly and new Lotus OEM filter installed. Rear brake calipers rebuilt. New rear EBC high-performance ceramic brake pads, fronts are 75% new. Upgraded to stainless steel braid brake lines. Rebuilt window lift motors. New headlight lift cranks. New engine cooling fan (Spal 10"). AC system refurbished and recharged. Blows cold. New shocks, springs and bushings all around. Car has been lowered to European spec, which tremendously improves its stance. New driver-side door latch. Passenger side latch refurbished. Wheels have been fully refinished and look better than new. New battery and onboard plug-in charging system (super convenient for battery maintenance during storage or to recharge a flat battery in a pinch). New windshield wiper. New front hood strut/piston. New keys (don't laugh, you have to track those blanks down on ebay then find someone who can cut them properly, just sayin'). New custom floor mats with 'Lotus' logo embroidered. New V-rated performance tires in the proper size. You aren't going to find a more well-sorted Esprit of this vintage for this price. This is truly a rare and collectable car that you can get in and enjoy immediately, as pretty much all of the major and minor issues that are common to its type have been already taken care of and then some. Turns heads as well as any Ferrari or Lamborghini. Its a real gentleman's sports car, and speaks of class and good taste, especially at this price. I spent a lot of time, effort and $$$ getting this car into great shape and planned to keep it pretty much forever, but unfortunately my financial situation has changed and it has to be sold. This body style is highly desirable and this color is very unique, and I am sure will hold its value (if not appreciate) if properly maintained. It is an absolute blast to drive too. Also included will be two custom car covers (one indoor and one outdoor), a custom matched touch-up paint kit, spare clutch disc (new), complete shop manual binder w/CD ROM, some detailing accessories and the original toolkit. Very few vintage Esprit's which have had this kind of attention come up for sale, and If you've ever considered buying one, this is the one you want. Cosmetically it is the nicest you can possibly imagine. With continued TLC to the mechanicals, this car will continue to perform. Car is located in Manhattan, and in-person visits are welcomed. Please contact me if you're in the area and we can make arrangements. Likewise, I am willing to take the car to locations up to an hour away for in person inspections as well. Thanks so much for reading this listing. MORE PICTURES AVAILABLE - including more detailed shots of the mechanicals and undercarriage. Please see: http://s116.photobucket.com/albums/o6/tacit_blue/Lotus/