1979 Lotus Esprit

-

6 - Cyl.

Manual

79070154

Gasoline

- One of a kind Lotus Esprit Turbo - http://s766.photobucket.com/albums/xx306/conditionaltrade/ The rumors are true! Someone did put a modified Buick Regal GNX motor in a Lotus Esprit and here it is! If you know anything about the 1987 Buick Regal GNX, then you just begin to understand what kind of power and reliability this exotic car has. Start with a stock 3460 lb. 1987 Buick GNX with an automatic transmission running 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and the ¼ mile in 13.5 seconds (verified at howstuffworks.com) and delete everything but the motor. Then add many performance upgrades, a 5 speed upgraded manual transmission, and put it in a 2500 lb. exotic car (documented curb weight with the GNX motor). When you mash the accelerator, you either spill out uncontrollable expletives or think of the movie “Gladiator” just after Russell Crowe commands, “UNLEASH HELL”. This is a low-mid 11-second ¼-mile rocket only limited by your level of fear and driving skill. Also thrilling is getting waves of admiration and thumbs up from other drivers. In addition to mind-blowing power and looks, another benefit of this car and its very light weight is the fuel-injected motor exceeds an average of 24 MPG when driven with respect. For the truly insane, only $1200 in modern performance Buick parts would add another 110 HP… This car is a one of a kind work of art that absolutely embarrasses other Turbo Esprits from the period and costs substantially less to maintain. Everything works, right down to the clock, and not one component appears aged. Masterfully redone in 1987 and every detail both cosmetic and mechanic addressed, this vehicle is in exceptional condition. The prior (original) owner spent over $75K in upgrades, with me adding more than $9K of my own. Professionally built and tuned by Buick racing legend Ken Duttweiler, the motor is stout to say the least. I have tons of receipts, the car’s registration was just renewed, and it is smogged and ready to go. There is a ton to list so I will break it down by category and try not to miss anything: The Exterior/ Body- Unlike later model Giugiaro Turbo Esprits weighing 250 to 300 lbs. more, this Turbo Esprit starts with a substantially lighter 1979 vehicle and incorporates other weight saving measures like “honeycombing” of non-essential components. Masterfully redone at a cost of more than $12K in 1987, the paint is gorgeous! This exotic is/was always garaged and the paint speaks for itself. It shames my fiancé’s black $110 K Mercedes. Added is a full Turbo Esprit Body kit with many of the less tasteful features corrected. For example, the rear spoiler is integrated into the body so there is no ugly, abrupt dividing line between the spoiler, trim, and rear panels found on all other factory Giugiaro Turbo Esprits. The rear bumper is shaved and the odd indented “Lotus” lettering is filled in for a clean, continuous look. The front bumper also does not have the unsightly dual bolt caps on each side. Power Turbo Esprit rearview mirrors are also present to complete the look. In addition, the rear louver hatch and bumpers are painted to match the rest of the car. Rear quarter windows are raked inward an extra 2 inches to feed the motor. At the rear, tasteful wire mesh flanks the rear license plate and lower rear deflector ducts to feed the oversized intercooler. All other exterior trim is blacked out to match. I added newly replaced rear taillights that were dry stored in England for more than 22 years, added smoked LED side marker lights (have originals), upgraded H4 front headlights, upgraded dual filament taillights, and new clear front signal lenses (have originals). The doors, seals, and front and rear lids appear/work as new. To complete the transformation, I recently added custom made 2pc. riveted wheels with laser etched Lotus emblems at the center (I will also include chrome centers if you prefer that look). The rears are 18” and the fronts are 17”, so there is no struggle finding tires that fit the original rims and no settling on third-rate performance models. The wheels are in flawless condition. The Motor/Transmission/Electrical- This is a Ken Duttweiler built 1987 Buick Regal GNX motor (3.8L V6) with an intercooled turbocharger. The motor has very few miles, is very tight, shifts smoothly, and runs cool. The internals of the motor are built for a capacity that far exceeds current HP settings. One could argue that it is overbuilt based on the legendary reliability of these motors and stock boost capabilities (27+ lbs.) Only Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil is used. Details include: -Forged Ruggles performance rods (#25500007) -Forged TRW pistons -Buick performance forged crank -Hydraulic Lifters -Kenne Bell up-rated valve springs (105 pounds seated) -Kenne Bell stage 1 red aluminum roller rocker arms -Madden Performance Cam (.448 lift, 280 duration-gross, 208 at 0.050) -Bosch external fuel pump -Stock regulator and stock 28 lb. injectors -Turbo Tweak performance chip -K&N induction system -Garrett T3 ceramic impeller turbo -Huge 4 core intercooler (19 rows) with integrated fan -Boost set at 16 lb -Ultra high performance jacketed spark plug wires (Live Wires) -NGK Iridium spark plugs - Ceramic coated headers -3" stainless steel piping -Custom performance muffler -Upgraded 3 core radiator with triple cooling fans -Upgraded oil cooler -Twin disk Mcleod performance clutch -Upgraded limited slip differential -Upgraded electrical system with added/improved relays, wiring, and fuses The Interior- (Please see countless pictures in high resopution by clicking the Photobucket link at the top) The interior is in excellent condition with no scuffing, cracks, or tears. The aroma of new leather wafts over you from the driver’s seat and is soft to the touch. For the tall, I am 6’ 3” and fit in the car fine but you should be no taller to be comfortable. I also added many tasteful upgrades to correct original cheap plastics. Details include: -Black leather everywhere with aluminum trim -Upgraded 1986 Esprit Turbo seats in excellent condition -Custom leather and suede Momo steering wheel with Lotus emblem -Upgraded aluminum gauge panel (aircraft grade) -Upgraded Lotus shift knob -Near new leather shift boot -Custom billet aluminum shift ring at the base -Custom billet aluminum seat belt guides at the firewall -Upgraded billet aluminum E-brake handle -Properly calibrated 170 MPH Esprit Turbo speedometer and tachometer -Aluminum racing pedals (not yet installed but included) -Newly upgraded detachable face JVC stereo with HD FM, USB/I-Pod connection, and CD player - Newly upgraded 2 OHM -Infinity Kappa series speakers The Suspension/Chassis- Not overlooked is this important area of upgrade. With the upgrades listed below, you can imagine how improved already extreme handling capabilities have become. Additions/upgrades include: -All suspension components upgraded to the 1986 Turbo Esprit specs -4 new SPAX fully adjustable 22 way shocks (including ride height) -Upgraded adjustable upper control arm links on the rear -New 225 front/275 rear Nitto 555 Extreme high performance W rated tires -Recently replaced rear bushings (all) -Newly rebuilt steering rack and bushings The New/Recently New Within 500 Miles: -Ultra high performance tires all around (Nitto 555 Extreme 275/35/18 rears, 225/40/17 up front) -Custom Wheels/lugs -Upper and lower fuel lines -Rear taillights -Front H4 headlights -Bosch 96 Month battery with 8 year warranty -Adjustable upper control arms (rear) -Rear suspension bushings -Fully adjustable SPAX shocks (all 4 corners, just turn the dial) -Leather shift boot -Detachable face stereo with remote -High fidelity 2 OHM stereo speakers -NGK Iridium spark plugs -Ultra performance jacketed spark plug wires (by Live Wires) -Shift linkage grommets/ bushings -Newly rebuilt steering rack -K&N lifetime high performance intake filter The Recently Serviced: -Transaxel fluid (Redline MT90) -Lubed wheel bearings -Oil and filter change (Mobil 1 Synthetic) -Alignment, wheel balancing The In My Opinion, Imperfect: As noted in the photograph close up shot of the passenger side rear fender, there are five small “stress” lines in the paint under the top coat. These lines are not noticeable from a few feet away but there nonetheless. Otherwise, normal chips (pinhole size) from minor road debris are very, very few but this car is not for a museum. Also, there is no spare tire as weight savings was a priority of the last owner. Otherwise, when you look at this car, you will get lost in its beauty and exceptional execution. Good luck and happy bidding! Owner's Disclosures: This a used car...Please note that no used car is perfect. You may find some nics, scratches, or other imperfections (cosmetic or functional). Please remember that this is a used vehicle, and it is being sold "As Is" with "No Warranty" and "Without Any Other Guarantees" expressed or implied. Please also note that this vehicle may be sold prior to the close of the auction and the seller makes no guarantee that the vehicle will be available for sale at the time of auction close. This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. Winning bidder must contact seller within 48 hours of auction end and make arrangements for payment at that time. A $500.00 deposit is due within 72 hours of end of auction. The remainder is due within 7 days of auction end. If no contact is made within 48 hours, I reserve the right to re-list the vehicle, sell it to the next high bidder, or sell it otherwise. Most banks and credit unions do not finance vehicles older than 2002 or with more than 100K miles. Please arrange financing prior to bidding. Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping of this vehicle. If you wish to have it shipped using a service, seller will gladly cooperate. You can locate shippers by doing a search for `auto shippers`. If you are not sure about something, please ask! Seller reserves the right to cancel bids for excessive negative feedback. Seller reserves the right to end the listing if the vehicle is no longer available for sale. Please do not bid on this auction unless you are serious about owning this vehicle. All non-paying high bidders will be reported to eBay, and negative feedback will be posted. PLEASE ONLY BID WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY. IF THE RESERVE IS NOT MET, OR IF THERE IS NO RESERVE, Seller MAY CONTACT THE HIGH BIDDER TO OFFER TO END THE AUCTION AT THAT TIME AND ACCEPT THE HIGH BID ! On Jul-17-10 at 18:06:12 PDT, seller added the following information: - One of a kind Lotus Esprit Turbo - http://s766.photobucket.com/albums/xx306/conditionaltrade/ The rumors are true! Someone did put a modified Buick Regal GNX motor in a Lotus Esprit and here it is! If you know anything about the 1987 Buick Regal GNX, then you just begin to understand what kind of power and reliability this exotic car has. Start with a stock 3460 lb. 1987 Buick GNX with an automatic transmission running 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and the ¼ mile in 13.5 seconds (verified at howstuffworks.com) and delete everything but the motor. Then add many performance upgrades, a 5 speed upgraded manual transmission, and put it in a 2500 lb. exotic car (documented curb weight with the GNX motor). When you mash the accelerator, you either spill out uncontrollable expletives or think of the movie “Gladiator” just after Russell Crowe commands, “UNLEASH HELL”. This is a low-mid 11-second ¼-mile rocket only limited by your level of fear and driving skill. Also thrilling is getting waves of admiration and thumbs up from other drivers. In addition to mind-blowing power and looks, another benefit of this car and its very light weight is the fuel-injected motor exceeds an average of 24 MPG when driven with respect. For the truly insane, only $1200 in modern performance Buick parts would add another 110 HP… This car is a one of a kind work of art that absolutely embarrasses other Turbo Esprits from the period and costs substantially less to maintain. Everything works, right down to the clock, and not one component appears aged. Masterfully redone in 1987 and every detail both cosmetic and mechanical addressed, this vehicle is in exceptional condition. The prior (original) owner spent over $75K in upgrades, with me adding more than $9K of my own. Professionally built and tuned by Buick racing legend Ken Duttweiler, the motor is stout to say the least. I have tons of receipts, the car’s registration was just renewed, and it is smogged and ready to go. There is a ton to list so I will break it down by category and try not to miss anything: The Exterior/ Body- Unlike later model Giugiaro Turbo Esprits weighing 250 to 300 lbs. more, this Turbo Esprit starts with a substantially lighter 1979 vehicle and incorporates other weight saving measures like “honeycombing” of non-essential components. Masterfully redone at a cost of more than $12K in 1987, the paint is gorgeous! This exotic is/was always garaged and the paint speaks for itself. It shames my fiancé’s black $110 K Mercedes. Added is a full Turbo Esprit Body kit with many of the less tasteful features corrected. For example, the rear spoiler is integrated into the body so there is no ugly, abrupt dividing line between the spoiler, trim, and rear panels found on all other factory Giugiaro Turbo Esprits. The rear bumper is shaved and the odd indented “Lotus” lettering is filled in for a clean, continuous look. The front bumper also does not have the unsightly dual bolt caps on each side. Power Turbo Esprit rearview mirrors are also present to complete the look. In addition, the rear louver hatch and bumpers are painted to match the rest of the car. Rear quarter windows are raked inward an extra 2 inches to feed the motor. At the rear, tasteful wire mesh flanks the rear license plate and lower rear deflector ducts to feed the oversized intercooler. All other exterior trim is blacked out to match. I added newly replaced rear taillights that were dry stored in England for more than 22 years, added smoked LED side marker lights (have originals), upgraded H4 front headlights, upgraded dual filament taillights, and new clear front signal lenses (have originals). The doors, seals, and front and rear lids appear/work as new. To complete the transformation, I recently added custom made 2pc. riveted wheels with laser etched Lotus emblems at the center (I will also include chrome centers if you prefer that look). The rears are 18” and the fronts are 17”, so there is no struggle finding tires that fit the original rims and no settling on third-rate performance models. The wheels are in flawless condition. The Motor/Transmission/Electrical- This is a Ken Duttweiler built 1987 Buick Regal GNX motor (3.8L V6) with an intercooled turbocharger. The motor has very few miles, is very tight, shifts smoothly, and runs cool. The internals of the motor are built for a capacity that far exceeds current HP settings. One could argue that it is overbuilt based on the legendary reliability of these motors and stock boost capabilities (27+ lbs.) Only Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil is used. Details include: -Forged Ruggles performance rods (#25500007) -Forged TRW pistons -Buick performance forged crank -Hydraulic Lifters -Kenne Bell up-rated valve springs (105 pounds seated) -Kenne Bell stage 1 red aluminum roller rocker arms -Madden Performance Cam (.448 lift, 280 duration-gross, 208 at 0.050) -Bosch external fuel pump -Stock regulator and stock 28 lb. injectors -Turbo Tweak performance chip -K&N induction system -Garrett T3 ceramic impeller turbo -Huge 4 core intercooler (19 rows) with integrated fan -Boost set at 16 lb -Ultra high performance jacketed spark plug wires (Live Wires) -NGK Iridium spark plugs - Ceramic coated headers -3" stainless steel piping -Custom performance muffler -Upgraded 3 core radiator with triple cooling fans -Upgraded oil cooler -Twin disk Mcleod performance clutch -Upgraded limited slip differential -Upgraded electrical system with added/improved relays, wiring, and fuses The Interior- (Please see countless pictures in high resopution by clicking the Photobucket link at the top) The interior is in excellent condition with no scuffing, cracks, or tears. The aroma of new leather wafts over you from the driver’s seat and is soft to the touch. For the tall, I am 6’ 3” and fit in the car fine but you should be no taller to be comfortable. I also added many tasteful upgrades to correct original cheap plastics. Details include: -Black leather everywhere with aluminum trim -Upgraded 1986 Esprit Turbo seats in excellent condition -Custom leather and suede Momo steering wheel with Lotus emblem -Upgraded aluminum gauge panel (aircraft grade) -Upgraded Lotus shift knob -Near new leather shift boot -Custom billet aluminum shift ring at the base -Custom billet aluminum seat belt guides at the firewall -Upgraded billet aluminum E-brake handle -Properly calibrated 170 MPH Esprit Turbo speedometer and tachometer -Aluminum racing pedals (not yet installed but included) -Newly upgraded detachable face JVC stereo with HD FM, USB/I-Pod connection, and CD player - Newly upgraded 2 OHM -Infinity Kappa series speakers The Suspension/Chassis- Not overlooked is this important area of upgrade. With the upgrades listed below, you can imagine how improved already extreme handling capabilities have become. Additions/upgrades include: -All suspension components upgraded to the 1986 Turbo Esprit specs -4 new SPAX fully adjustable 22 way shocks (including ride height) -Upgraded adjustable upper control arm links on the rear -New 225 front/275 rear Nitto 555 Extreme high performance W rated tires -Recently replaced rear bushings (all) -Newly rebuilt steering rack and bushings The New/Recently New Within 500 Miles: -Ultra high performance tires all around (Nitto 555 Extreme 275/35/18 rears, 225/40/17 up front) -Custom Wheels/lugs -Upper and lower fuel lines -Rear taillights -Front H4 headlights -Bosch 96 Month battery with 8 year warranty -Adjustable upper control arms (rear) -Rear suspension bushings -Fully adjustable SPAX shocks (all 4 corners, just turn the dial) -Leather shift boot -Detachable face stereo with remote -High fidelity 2 OHM stereo speakers -NGK Iridium spark plugs -Ultra performance jacketed spark plug wires (by Live Wires) -Shift linkage grommets/ bushings -Newly rebuilt steering rack -K&N lifetime high performance intake filter The Recently Serviced: -Transaxel fluid (Redline MT90) -Lubed wheel bearings -Oil and filter change (Mobil 1 Synthetic) -Alignment, wheel balancing The In My Opinion, Imperfect: As noted in the photograph close up shot of the passenger side rear fender, there are five small “stress” lines in the paint under the top coat. These lines are not noticeable from a few feet away but there nonetheless. Otherwise, normal chips (pinhole size) from minor road debris are very, very few but this car is not for a museum. Also, there is no spare tire as weight savings was a priority of the last owner. Otherwise, when you look at this car, you will get lost in its beauty and exceptional execution. Good luck and happy bidding! Owner's Disclosures: This a used car...Please note that no used car is perfect. You may find some nics, scratches, or other imperfections (cosmetic or functional). Please remember that this is a used vehicle, and it is being sold "As Is" with "No Warranty" and "Without Any Other Guarantees" expressed or implied. Please also note that this vehicle may be sold prior to the close of the auction and the seller makes no guarantee that the vehicle will be available for sale at the time of auction close. This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. Winning bidder must contact seller within 48 hours of auction end and make arrangements for payment at that time. A $500.00 deposit is due within 72 hours of end of auction. The remainder is due within 7 days of auction end. If no contact is made within 48 hours, I reserve the right to re-list the vehicle, sell it to the next high bidder, or sell it otherwise. Most banks and credit unions do not finance vehicles older than 2002 or with more than 100K miles. Please arrange financing prior to bidding. Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping of this vehicle. If you wish to have it shipped using a service, seller will gladly cooperate. You can locate shippers by doing a search for `auto shippers`. If you are not sure about something, please ask! Seller reserves the right to cancel bids for excessive negative feedback. Seller reserves the right to end the listing if the vehicle is no longer available for sale. Please do not bid on this auction unless you are serious about owning this vehicle. All non-paying high bidders will be reported to eBay, and negative feedback will be posted. PLEASE ONLY BID WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY. IF THE RESERVE IS NOT MET, OR IF THERE IS NO RESERVE, Seller MAY CONTACT THE HIGH BIDDER TO OFFER TO END THE AUCTION AT THAT TIME AND ACCEPT THE HIGH BID ! On Jul-20-10 at 11:06:28 PDT, seller added the following information:I have been receiving many questions regarding A/C. The car does have cold, consistently blowing A/C with all of the correct GM components for the motor (compressor, condenser, etc.)On Jul-22-10 at 20:28:28 PDT, seller added the following information:I added a quick video for an interested buyer but figured it may help others make a decision. Just click the link below to see a quick YouTube video recorded on my cell. I am quickly shifting through the gearbox at 1/4 throttle. Happy bidding... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mui9Z0XeFw