1978 Lotus Esprit S1

Lotus Esprit S1 (1978)
for sale

Price: US $19,500.00

Description:



1978 Lotus Esprit S1 classic car, Sportscar
See 70+ pictures here:
here
Very late Series 1 Lotus Esprit, build date November 1977 and titled a 1978. Matching numbers engine, twin Dell'orto carbs, 5-speed, nice blue suede interior, lush carpets, good headliner, good door panels, after-market steering wheel (original included), sporty Revolution-type star alloy wheels, good tires, air horns. Newer AM/FM cassette stereo system. Runs and drives, but needs a little TLC. A near driver condition show car for a rolling restoration project.
THE GOOD:
Appears accident free and no obvious body repairs are evident. The white paint job is a repaint from some years ago. Original color was blue (code L32). The repaint involved a total tear down as there is no evidence of the original color or overspray issues anywhere. Could use a good buffing/waxing. Engine runs good, starts easily and drives (yard driven) but I have not had it out on the highways. Clutch works good and shifts into all gears. ALL electrics work (windows, lights, gauges, signals, fans, high beams, air horns, etc.) Frame is solid and structurally sound with only minor surface rust evident. Galvanized lower control arms, appears to be newer ball joints and tie rod ends. Just rebuilt front brake calipers w/ stainless steel pistons and new front brake hoses. New professionally fabricated twin gas tanks installed, new motor mounts, new battery, new rear hatch struts installed. Receipts and maintenance file showing thousands spent on restoration work performed by Ragtops & Roadsters out of Perkasie, PA from 2010-2013.
THE NOT SO GOOD:
Rear hatch window glass has been replaced with a quality Plexiglas window product with no rear window defrost elements. Windshield wiper skips and must be helped back to return position. Veglia gauge cluster odometer reset to all 00000's. (Title shows mileage as exempt) Minor engine oil leaks typical of older British cars. Transaxle drips gear oil. Interior has some wear typical of age. Two wear spots (pictured) on dash and center console. Front and rear bumpers have minor crack (see pictures) No seat belts, spare, jack or tools.
SUMMARY:
All in all, a nice driver condition classic car. A fairly complete and worthy rolling restoration project. With some additional TLC, you can take this to the next level. S1 Esprits are rare and in-demand. They are the epitome of the iconic wedge design and very few examples remain. Current Hagerty valuations of Good condition bring $20, 500 and trending upward! Smart investment!
Please remember that this is an antique vehicle 39 years old. It needs TLC and is consistent with a vehicle with this mileage, age and use. Car is available for pre-bid inspections and I would always encourage and welcome this. I am proud of my 100% excellent feedback score and always try to give accurate descriptions so that there are no surprises or disappointments. I am open and receptive to realistic offers considering all that is included.
Those with less than ten (10) or negative feedback history do NOT bid unless you contact me and communicate first, otherwise your bids will be retracted and bidder banned from further bidding. The winning bid is NOT a right of first refusal, but a commitment to purchase the vehicle regardless of anything, so a non-refundable deposit via PayPal is required within 24 hours of auction ending and arrangements to be made for pickup of item. Vehicle is listed for sale by other venues and media, so I reserve the right to terminate the listing at any time.
Will sell world-wide, but any and all shipping/transport arrangements to be made and paid for by winning bidder/buyer.
See 70+ pictures here:
here

update: 2016-12-04

Features:

Condition:Seller Notes:
Used
“Matching numbers engine. Older repaint.”
Year: 1978VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): 515H
Mileage: 1Make: Lotus
Number of Cylinders: 4Model: Esprit
Transmission: 5 speedBody Type: coupe
Trim: S1Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Engine: 907Vehicle Title: Clear
Drive Type: RWDOptions: Cassette Player
Power Options: Power WindowsSub Model: S1
Fuel Type: GasolineExterior Color: white
For Sale By: Private SellerInterior Color: blue

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