1986 Lotus Esprit, NP or CP?

"AntiSpeed" (AntiSpeed) 05/01/2015 at 01:09 • Filed to: None

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Not this car but nearly identical. I have a lead to buy an ‘86 Esprit for $13,000. The only catch (which is also a plus) is that the engine is in a million pieces. Many of those pieces are still in their factory packaging (not from Lotus, it’s aftermarket stuff). I forget exactly what is being upgraded but it’ll definitely be sweet. I’d have to buy it as-is and find someone to build the engine for me (my experience with the Formula F has been humbling.)

I don’t have a car right now so this would be my main ride. I’m moving to NYC soon, so I’m not dependent on a car every day and it’s mainly just a way for me to get to the racetracks in the North East, which hopefully I will be working at regularly.

I know it’s not practical but goddammit it’s sooo pretty...

SVTyler > AntiSpeed 05/01/2015 at 01:12

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Having a cheap, 30-year-old mid-engined British sports car that’s not even completely put together yet as your only car in one of the largest cities in the world?

Seriously though, do it. You’ll be a goddamn legend around here if you do.

Dsscats > AntiSpeed 05/01/2015 at 01:14

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If you can find someone to assemble it for under $4k, nice price.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > AntiSpeed 05/01/2015 at 01:18

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Sorry, I have to post this gif I made here

AntiSpeed > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 05/01/2015 at 01:19

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Oooh, the newer Esprits look so much sleeker, but I love the unapologetic ‘80’sness of the old ones.

AntiSpeed > Dsscats 05/01/2015 at 01:31

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The guy I talked to about it runs an engine building shop and he said he’d put it together for $5k, but that was his “fuck off I don’t really want to do it” price. A bunch of my friends are professional racecar mechanics so I think I can find someone to build it for a reasonable price. =oD

AntiSpeed > SVTyler 05/01/2015 at 01:32

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It’s getting very tempting...

Dunnik > AntiSpeed 05/01/2015 at 01:35

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No, it’s not practical at all.

But....

You indicate its not going to be a daily driver. Just an occasional one. Prepare a Plan B, however: borrowing or renting a car, or car share. Or the bus. I guess.

And it is one of the most iconic and beautiful cars of the 80’s. That shape is a classic, and those deep dish BBS wheels, and those decals - TURBO! This is the decal that probably inspired automakers to TURBO DECAL ALL THE THINGS

Still, the idea of a Lotus with its engine in boxes is too scary, speaking for myself.

thefinalmonster > AntiSpeed 05/01/2015 at 09:06

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Yes, I would do it. Just make sure all the parts are absolutely there, maybe take one of your friends with you to look over everything before you sign anything.

It's definitely a very very cool car. Go play some Kavinsky and ride into New York...