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Lotus Esprit Investors Edition #43 (1983)
for sale

Price: US $25,000.00

Description:

SELLING LOCALLY, SO AUCTION MAY END EARLY
1983 Lotus Esprit Turbo
Investors Edition
Investors Edition quick explanation...
In 1983, after several years of absence, Lotus returned to the US market. A new private Import & Distribution company - Lotus Performance Cars was formed with the help of 50 Investors. The principal investors who enter to a total value of 1, 8% (or 150.000 US Dollars) to the capital of the new distributor, Lotus Performance Cars, received the first batch of Lotus Turbo Esprits. They were called the Special Edition, or as they were also know, the “Investors' Edition. A series of 50 cars were manufactured in 1983 to accompany the financial transaction by Lotus. The cars featured specially painted bumpers the same color as the two-tone side body panels and tinted sunroofs (an extra that was not available until 1985) and the engines were balanced and blueprinted. A commemorative plaque Investor's Special was screwed to the wheels. 48 of the 50 cars manufactured were sent to the USA. These units were the first build of Turbo Esprit cars for the USA following a period of inactivity in supplying cars to that territory.
Brian Angus, Lotus Cars: The Specification of these cars included such items as Special Body Paintwork, 'Powercurved Engines' and 'Matched Suspension'. The Engines were Run In & Powercurved on the Dyno. This exercise included checking engine ignition & valve timing etc. to ensure optimum performance. Compression & leakage checks to ensure Run In success. The Power figures were recorded and printed out onto a Graph which was supplied with the car. The Suspension components (Springs & Dampers) were checked and matched pairs allocated to the cars. These cars had the following specification:- They were all built to the owners specification which included :- Removable tinted glass roof panel, Individually tested engine with power curve, Individually tested and matched suspension ride control units, Comprehensive security system, Hall marked English silver plaque on the steering wheel personally engraved for the driver. Individually hand sign-written 'Special Edition' insignia and serial number on drivers door External colour scheme and interior trim exclusive to Special Edition (Optional)
Start of the vehicle build on production line was October 1982 and the cars passed to Sales (PTS). The first cars (83 MY) were PTS in February 1983. In August 1983 the first of 50 'Special Edition' Cars was passed to sales.(at this point 105 'Standard' cars had been built). The last of the 50 cars was passed to sales in October 1983.
Thanks to Brian Angus from Lotus Cars for the Information.
This one is # 43 of the 48 delivered to the US. You probably already know Esprits are rare to begin with but an Investors Edition? Wow! Even more so! For all you Wedge Head fans out there, calm down, stop drooling and read on. Here are a few details regarding this wonderful car.
First let me say, if you're into car shows, you'll have no problem winning Best in Class and depending on the caliber of the event, possibly Best in Show. It's been on the cover of Lotus Ltd's Remarque magazine as well as featured in a Hemmings Sports and Exotics article. This Esprit is probably one of the most enjoyable cars I've ever driven. While a V8 Esprit is at the top of the evolutionary ladder, this 83' feels more nimble, more raw, more what a Lotus should be. The steering is light, the woosh from the turbo inlet intoxicating. The blow off valve release sounds so...mechanical, but not annoying like a modern day boy racer. For a car without ABS, the brakes are phenomenal. It's obvious how Lotus got it's reputation for great handling cars. Perfectly tuned. Stiff when you need it but no where near harsh. Shifting is a breeze and I'm happy to add, no issues with 2nd gear syncros!
Everything works on the car! All switches, gauges, and lights. Even the high tech overhead digital clock works.
I have the original Owner's Manual as well as a copy of the original window sticker and Investors Edition handbook. Ownership history goes back to the 90's with receipts to go along with it. I personally know the 3 previous owners. All Lotus Ltd members. True Wedge Heads.
The paint is original except for the area around the rear window louver. Don't worry. It's a perfect match in color and texture. It still retains it's beautiful glossy shine and factory hand painted 43 Investors Edition script on the driver's door. Overall, patina is minimal. No rub throughs from over buffing. No deep scratches. This car does have the Euro front bumper. I have no idea what the difference is but a previous owner, decided it looked better.
Interior is a 9.5 out of 10. No rips or tears in the upholstery. I'm deducting .5 because the seats have been recovered. It's obvious they were done correctly and I must say the color is an extremely close match. The dash and door panels are perfect, as well as the headliner. The carpet, a little faded, is still decent without any major stains. The steering wheel is period correct but it does not have the personal name plate as mentioned above. A previous owner must have kept that as a souvenir. The only interior flaw is a 1/16 wide by 1/2 long leather stretch crack on the lower part of the instrument cluster that has thankfully been halted by a staple.
During my 2.5 years of ownership, here's the maintenance I had completed:
New BF Goodrich TA radials. Nice high profile with white letters like the original Goodyears. All road forced balanced.
New front brake pads and rotors.
New distributor, spark plugs and wires
Carbs cleaned and tuned to perfection
A/C work (A new leak developed after the work was completed. Before the freon escaped, it blew ice cold for about 3 days. The leak may be near the right front wheel wheel.)
New front wheel bearings
A former owner, who was an Esprit God, rebuilt the engine using better pistons (possibly HCI), so this car most likely has more horsepower than original. It pulls soooo strong! I have all the paper work, including hand written notes regarding this engine work.
Most of the rubber items, to include belts, bushings and hoses were replaced within the last 8 years. Does the timing belt need to be replaced? I would change it. Not because of mileage but because of time. Fortunately it's not an engine out service! Not a huge expense. I just don't have anyone near me I feel is capable of doing the job correctly. The mechanic should use a Burroughs Gage (sp) to measure the belt tension.
I've included quite a few photos. If there is anything in particular you would like a better shot of, please let me know.
I strongly encourage anyone interested, to come and look at the car prior to bid closing. I do have a 4 post lift we can used for an underbody inspection. Feel free to bring a mechanic along.
Fine print. This car is being sold AS IS. No warranty written or implied. No refunds. Buyer signing the title must be 18 years of age or older. I will not be responsible for any damaged incurred during transport. Shipping is at buyers expense. Cash or cashier's check accepted. Car will not be released until check clears. If you have a Bank of America account, the transaction can be completed locally via their version of a wire transfer. Sale in B of A wire transfer case would be immediate, therefore the car would be released after signing.

_{update: 2016-05-19}