[{"id": 5510547, "authorName": "73MustangBill", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/73mustangbill/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Nice car. Good luck with the sale. BillG, 79 JPs, 77 S1", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608838367, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5510564, "authorName": "Yddraigoch", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/yddraigoch/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Videos are always nice.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1608838434, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5510612, "authorName": "JiminRichmond", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jiminrichmond/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Super nice! Mine was originally this color but disappointingly the PO did a color change. \r\n\r\nGLWTA!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608838642, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5510633, "authorName": "us1", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/us1/", "bidAmount": 5000, "content": "$5,000 bid placed by us1", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608838716, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5510641, "authorName": "us1", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/us1/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "a place to start at", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1608838740, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5510665, "authorName": "wezelboy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wezelboy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I guess I have a new favorite Lotus color. GLWA!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1608838823, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5510702, "authorName": "Romus007", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/romus007/", "bidAmount": 5500, "content": "$5,500 bid placed by Romus007", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608839034, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5510786, "authorName": "Calstickshift", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/calstickshift/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Another one of those magical BAT moments when a car I didn't know I wanted shows up out of the blue.", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1608839514, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5510887, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvx8yEHvqgQ", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608840020, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5510890, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE-ufSxdBEw", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608840055, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5510896, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd3sskMqx7w&list=PLlMsQlrnJXm94vTTRZ5jphdptK_Mtg8Wy&index=3", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608840082, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5511154, "authorName": "spyderfly", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/spyderfly/", "bidAmount": 5600, "content": "$5,600 bid placed by spyderfly", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608841312, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5511166, "authorName": "spyderfly", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/spyderfly/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Any problems getting past smog?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608841341, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5511219, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "She's passed smog twice now; no issues, and low numbers. Last smog was in June of this year 2020. I believe that the last test is in the pictures.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1608841531, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5511611, "authorName": "MitchB", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mitchb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "No A/C on this, then...\r\n\r\nSomeone here will know - when did Hethel start galvanizing the frames..?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608843601, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5511709, "authorName": "lagunatich", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lagunatich/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "As usual, first series of cars look the best before \u201cupdates\u201d dilute the design purity.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1608844034, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5511729, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "MitchB, she does not have A/C as the early G-cars did not come with it. As for galvanizing that happened in the later series.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608844114, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5512156, "authorName": "vipermike0217", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vipermike0217/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Magnificent original example. WOW! The first of my 3 Esprits was a very late 1978 S1. Already had three radiator cooling fans a must for cars if AC will be fitted. Socked to see air pump emission system. What a great interior upgrade from the stock acrew like fabric.\r\nThis DOHC 4 valve engine is capable of 225-250 HP. Dave Bean Engineering in northern Cal did mine. At about 2100 pounds, 225-250 HP, this car goes! And at 2100 lbs handles like nothing else in the world. Hand built means owner can do about anything in his or her garage. I did for 10 years. :-)\r\nGood luck to the new owner!", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1608845677, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5512221, "authorName": "miniblubyu", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/miniblubyu/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Oh I want this!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608845893, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5513590, "authorName": "330Jim", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/330jim/", "bidAmount": 6000, "content": "$6,000 bid placed by 330Jim", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608856664, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5513761, "authorName": "eberin", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/eberin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I've 'met' the seller online via forums but not in person (he lives about 35 mins from me). This S1 looks really nice and with California smog and 2021 tags - definitely cool. Even the smog results are amazingly clean - usually low emissions means the engine is in great shape. Worn engines usually can't pass California smog and these number look even better than my 87 Turbo Esprit's numbers. The interior, while not original and mentions originally the 'tartan' interior, looks really good and close enough to original 'look'. The car looks original in nearly every aspect otherwise. The Euro bumper kit is really nice too, although I'm one of those weird guys that like the protuding USA versions. The engine mounts from Lotus by Claudius - shows how serious the seller was about upgrading some of the S1 early engineering features (S1 Esprits use the drive shaft as an upper link; the OEM engine mounts can be 'challenged' and the LBC engine mounts are more like the Turbo versions from what I heard). @MitchB - galvanized Esprit frames started with 2.2 and onward to S3/Turbo Esprits. The S1s did have optional dealer installed air-conditioning available. I have a copy of an S1 Esprit AC dealer manual and it admittedly is a 'add-on' quality to it. Overall car and extra parts look like a great offering. GWLA.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1608861142, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5513799, "authorName": "TR68", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tr68/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "120 miles by the seller? How long have you owned this car?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608861940, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5513807, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TR68, I've owned her just under three years.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608862099, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5513850, "authorName": "TR68", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tr68/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Desloc 120 miles in three years? That can't be right.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608863250, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5513870, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TR68, I picked her up with 46,406 and she now has 46,528 so that's about right. She was down for over five months between when pulled the carbs for rebuild and I finally got around to installing them. The rebuild was only about two weeks the rest was just me. :D I don't drive her in the winter and this year it's been too hot to drive a car without A/C. I do run her a few miles every so often to keep things good.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608864398, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5513964, "authorName": "Pietak", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pietak/", "bidAmount": 6500, "content": "$6,500 bid placed by Pietak", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608867111, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5513969, "authorName": "Jdoblado", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jdoblado/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TR68, I don't see you bidding for this car, so why so concerned? I also have a Esprit, and know guys that have these cars and keep them as museum pieces, just warming up the engine for a couple of minutes without taking them out of the garage. It all depends on the owner", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1608867299, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514047, "authorName": "TR68", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tr68/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Jdoblado I research cars before I bid on them. Unlike you, I have a BaT purchase on my record. And it's a Lotus. I'm looking to add another Lotus to the garage and an Espirit is high on my list. In my experience, cars that sit for years without operating often have very significant problems down the road. Many parts need to be replaced. In many, many ways, lack of miles ages a car more so than driving them. Warming up the car for a few minutes does not reduce the moisture that collects in oil. Further, it adds to the moisture as there is another cool down cycle causing condensation. It takes a good 20 minutes for oil to reach maximum temperature and that is driving, not idling. Moisture in the oil can cause corrosion.", "likes": 11, "timestamp": 1608870743, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514051, "authorName": "TR68", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tr68/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Desloc She looks like a beauty. I dont know how you can stay out of her. I put 800 miles on my first Lotus the first month I had her; 10k miles the first 2 seasons. You are a stronger man than I am. GLMA, but you won't need it.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1608870903, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514071, "authorName": "shanon", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/shanon/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sweet, GLWS!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608871608, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514089, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TR68 thank you", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1608872278, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514131, "authorName": "ranchracer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ranchracer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Love my \u201891 SE but there\u2019s just something about these early \u201cdoor stop\u201d Esprits that\u2019s so darn cool. People are always commenting on my Esprit, \u201cHey, that\u2019s the James Bond car right?\u201d Nope. These S1s are the true Bond mobiles! Best of luck with the auction seller. Beautiful S1. \ud83d\udc4d", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1608874324, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514181, "authorName": "hallo-mcfly", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hallo-mcfly/", "bidAmount": 12000, "content": "$12,000 bid placed by hallo-mcfly", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608877682, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5514305, "authorName": "TR68", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tr68/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Are tires still available in these sizes? My searches are coming up blank. Date code on the current tires?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608901057, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514392, "authorName": "vipermike0217", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vipermike0217/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "\"'James Bond car\". Wife looked over at me in the movie theater, \"Why is Roger Moore pounding the steering wheel pad to blow the horn? Its in the signal stock, isn't it?\" LOL!", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1608904817, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514519, "authorName": "notabbiente", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/notabbiente/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "i approve of both the styling and the colour", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608908208, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514582, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TR68 Tire date code is May/Jun 2011 and they were installed Feb 2012. You can find these size tires in obscure brands in the M/S section but they are disappearing leaving Coker Tires.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608909453, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514664, "authorName": "JiminRichmond", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jiminrichmond/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TR68 - this past summer, I got some General Altimax RT43s. For the front, I bought 195/60R14 86H on Amazon as they were no longer available at TireRack. For the back, I bought the same Altimax tires in 205/70R14 from TireRack but they are only T-rated. I have no plans to exceed 118 mph so they work for me. That was what I could do without going to the vintage specialists.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608911574, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514665, "authorName": "summerdownunder", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/summerdownunder/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I noticed that the rear turn signal lenses have been replaced with the yellow ones from the Fiat X19. The OEM ones were red. I owned a S1 just like this one (540H) for about 20 years, same color outside but the interior was brown and champagne. For what it's worth the story was that the original S1 only came in red, white or blue because Chapman got a good buy on the remaining paint when they stopped production of the Concord SST.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1608911576, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514671, "authorName": "mrjirey", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrjirey/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I always loved the pure wedge of the original cars. Great color combo too", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1608911842, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514818, "authorName": "7veloce", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/7veloce/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Brief history of the S1 Esprit as far as I know. The original owner, a farmer from Modesto, CA purchased the car from Ferrari Lotus of Los Gatos shortly after he saw the Bond movie with the white Esprit S1. Miller, 2nd owner in Stockton, CA. Steve K, 3rd owner in San Jose, CA and got the car in 1982. The engine was rebuilt around 42K miles. He drove the car later from San Diego, CA to Vancouver, WA when he moved there in 2003. Tom S, 4th owner in Fort Collins, CO purchased the car in Dec 2011 with 43, 887 miles. Full tune-up with timing belt and new tires, new center caps for the wheels, new fuel pump, etc. Chris P, 5th owner in New Orleans, LA purchased the car in March 2016 with 46,343 miles. No info after that. Maybe the seller can fill in the rest.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1608915747, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514879, "authorName": "TR68", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tr68/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@JiminRichmond Thanks for the info. Agreed that exceeding 120 mph is not a high priority, but I wish there were more mainstream, higher performing tires than \"General\". Lack of tire options is disappointing. Tires can make or break a car's ride.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1608916973, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514884, "authorName": "TR68", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tr68/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Do I understand properly that the coolant leaks from the radiator?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608917063, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514915, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@summerdownunder, the UK version utilized the yellow turn signals of a Euro and early US X1/9 while the Federal S1s used the later US red ones. I prefer the look of the yellow so I swapped them out. I still have the red that will go with the car.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608917753, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514931, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TR68, yes it is coming from the front either the hose fittings or the radiator itself. I was going to investigate further for the winter project but work is sending me elsewhere. I've checked the service records I wasn't able to find if or when the radiator has been serviced. Being the age and milage it is not surprising.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608918114, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5514921, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@7veloce, I picked up the car in 2018 with 46,406 on the clock from a dealer in AZ. Got it registered in CA and then started to make some plans to get her back to stock but work decided to send me when she can't go.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608918157, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515061, "authorName": "Brian_M", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brian_m/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TR68 agreed, the worst thing you can do with cars generally is to have them sit, fire them up for a short period and then shut them off again - said it before and I will continue to do so - because it is true. Especially so with Lotus, in my experience. \r\n\r\nWhich is why I used my S1 as a daily driver - okay, I only had it for 4.6 days before it caught fire but I WOULD have used it as a daily driver as I did the Elite before it...which didn't catch fire!\r\n\r\nI keep my current Lotus fully insured throughout the year for just that reason, find the time and ideally good weather to take it for a blast. Won't be bidding on this one as I found the S1 to have the worst seating position of all of the Esprits, yes you do make the adjustment after a few miles but...\r\n\r\nFine car, should do well.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1608921656, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515228, "authorName": "7veloce", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/7veloce/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The radiator leaks are from the non-factory hoses. They somehow do not seal well, especially the one on the lower right. The radiator is a custom brass 3x oversize one put in by Steve and cleaned and checked by a shop in Denver when I had the car from 2011-2016.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1608925492, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515262, "authorName": "Vince812", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vince812/", "bidAmount": 12250, "content": "$12,250 bid placed by Vince812", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608926204, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5515409, "authorName": "Tiretrend", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tiretrend/", "bidAmount": 13000, "content": "$13,000 bid placed by Tiretrend", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608930023, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5515491, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@7veloce, well that clarifies that.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608933005, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515543, "authorName": "montecarlo77", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/montecarlo77/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Brian_M You just made me feel lucky, my S1 did not catch on fire for about 30 days after I bought it. I have thought about buying another one because these are fun to drive, but fires and unreliability are not something I like as much as I did when I was 21 which is when I bought my blue S1.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1608934222, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515662, "authorName": "CNP", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cnp/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I bought this car from @7veloce. Nice honest and original car. I had some issues with overheating, not sure if those have since been resolved. I didn\u2019t know about the tartan seats as original spec. That\u2019s a nice bonus. Paint was original as far as I remember and had a nice patina.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608938178, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515675, "authorName": "TR68", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tr68/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This car really needs a driving video.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608938599, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515687, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TR68, links are at the bottom of the thread and posting again:\r\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvx8yEHvqgQ\r\n\r\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE-ufSxdBEw\r\n\r\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd3sskMqx7w", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1608938932, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515688, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TR68, links are at the bottom of the thread and posting again:\r\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvx8yEHvqgQ", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608938947, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515692, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "more:\r\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE-ufSxdBEw", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608939031, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515694, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "one more:\r\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd3sskMqx7w", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608939053, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515697, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@CNP, I've had no issues with overheating and the tartan was finding the scraps. There's a huge piece of the green behind the rear panel.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1608939149, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515701, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "All, shift linkage bushes, minus the one under the shifter, we all replaced this summer. To be honest my plan was not to sell her. However, we are moving for work and unable to take her with me and hope someone else will enjoy her rather than put in storage for a few years.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1608939339, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515846, "authorName": "73MustangBill", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/73mustangbill/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "It appears that there were only 18 Lagoon Blue cars for the Federal market. One was converted to a race car, which sold on EBay 5/2020. One apparently was repainted white, with a Lotus PBC body kit, and Rover 3.5 liter engine. \r\n\r\nI agree with Eddie Berin on the bumpers. I prefer the Federal bumpers over the Euro bumpers. I made a mold to make new rear bumpers out of the original urethane, and love the look of the new bumper. It flexes like it is supposed to without damage. I plan to make front bumpers soon.\r\n\r\nFor any of you that are worried about fire, yes, it is a design flaw, mounting the carbs directly over the distributor. It is a good practice to check your car over on a regular basis, including switching the fuel pump on and checking for fuel leaks. Hopefully by this point, the plastic T in the fuel line by Lotus has been replaced with brass, and I don't know about this car. If you use fuel with ethanol, you should use modern fuel-injection hose designed to be used with ethanol. I aonly used ethanol-free fuel, but still hav the upgraded fuel hose. I've installed a plastic shield around the distributor to hopefully prevent any carbeques.\r\n\r\nRegarding regular running, yes, run your Lotus on a regular basis. That is why you buy them. \r\n\r\nThese are not Honda Civics, and require regular maintenance. If you are one a strict budget and can't afford regular maintenance, maybe you shouldn't own a Lotus. If you have to depend on a shop to service your car, I would HIGHLY recommend that you research who in your area will work on your Lotus before buying. If you are a fledgling mechanic and can tackle things yourself, most of the smaller tasks are within the realm of your average DIYer. A timing belt service on a Testarossa is required every two years, requires the engine to be removed, and costs over $20,000. Don't whine when you have to spend money to service your Lotus.\r\n\r\nFor the winner of this auction, or for any other Lotus owners or fans, I have a lot of files on my web site for Lotus Esprit S1/S2, including a searchable parts manual, service manual, wiring diagram, VIN database with links to pictures of over 150 cars, maintenance schedule, at www.holycows.net/Lotus", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1608945435, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515867, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@73MustangBill, yes the plastic T has been replaced you can see in the refurbished carb pictures.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1608945970, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5515877, "authorName": "73MustangBill", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/73mustangbill/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Desloc, kudos to you. This is probably the most extensive set of photos that I've ever seen for an Esprit up for sale. Even the Emission Control decal is there, which I guess is required for CARB. Great job, great car. I hope it sells for a TON of money. It's time these cars get the appreciation that they deserve.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1608946274, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5516753, "authorName": "amigaboy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/amigaboy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "oh mouse fur, where would we be without ye? :) The S1, S2 and S3 are the best looking Esprits, IMHO - not a fan of the silly Turbo with all the 'hang-on' air dams and spoilers everywhere to spoil the clean wedge lines. the Peter Stevens later Esprits are nice too but not the same car. \n\nGLWTS, wish it were mine! - love the color and the inside-out mag wheels are easily the best for this car - https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/17624681-lotus-esprit", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609003842, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5516767, "authorName": "mbleiweiss1", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mbleiweiss1/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The Euro bumpers really help the style on these. Wish I had never got rid of my series one, it only had 27000 miles on it. Remember fondly driving it from Salt Lake City to Canada to go Salmon fishing. On the way back a short occurred in the horn wiring, and every little bump on the road word activate the horn. I ignored it until I went pass a group of Bikers, got nasty looks as the Esprit honked like crazy at them. Pulled over at the next rest area, followed by a group of motorcycles, and received many smiles as I crawled out from under the front after disconnecting the horn wiring.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1609004256, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5517200, "authorName": "racer417", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/racer417/", "bidAmount": 15500, "content": "$15,500 bid placed by racer417", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609018063, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5517201, "authorName": "JMF", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jmf/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@mbleiweiss1: What body color and interior did your car have?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609018067, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5517266, "authorName": "Tony-K", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tony-k/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This car, 348H, has been a known entity in S1/S2 owners circles for a long time. Lagoon Blue is a rare color. A few of the Lagoon Blue cars have been cut up and/or modified severely. One very nice original example was exported to Italy about 9-10 years ago. Another had a Turbo Esprit body kit added and then sat for a long time in the muck of New Orleans and is in very poor shape. Not many around, and in terms of originality, despite the interior retrim and silver stuff on the sills, this car is second only to the one that went to Italy, in both condition and correctness (of the ones I've seen in the past 20+ years). If you want Lagoon Blue, this is one you should go for; who knows when another will present itself. \n\nThe current owner of this car has been active in the online communities and seems to be asking all the right questions and doing all the right things. His photos in this auction are a good representation of how thorough he has been in discussions. You can find some content from at least one previous owner on thelotusforums and the yahoogroups archives. \n\n@Desloc -- Good luck with the sale. This car deserves a great home. :) \n\nTo the winning bidder: Enjoy this rare beauty . :)", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1609021611, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5517284, "authorName": "nowhere", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nowhere/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "In his buyer's guide Graham Arnold rates all the Lotus cars on a scale of 1 to 10 in three categories: Fun, Investment, Anguish. The S1 Esprit got 9 out of 10 for Anguish. I still want one. The S1 looks perfect. Even the Federal bumpers don't take much away from the looks.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1609022477, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5518092, "authorName": "vipermike0217", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vipermike0217/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My 1978 S1 was Lagoon Blue. Bought new from Sportique Motors Long Island New York. Didn't have tarten seats. Champagne and brown. Kept it for 10 years. Later owned 1989 SE and 1994 S4. Love e'm.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1609082050, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5518573, "authorName": "E.Bugatti", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/e.bugatti/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "\"It corners like its on rails.\"", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1609098013, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5518917, "authorName": "we_prefer_panasports", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/we_prefer_panasports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "We prefer this simpler design over the later, bloated versions.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609109176, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5519217, "authorName": "RPSA2", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rpsa2/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Enough about the anguish index, and \"lots of trouble usually serious\" idiocy from people who have never owned an Esprit. No, you don't want to buy a project or one with serious needs, but what kind of nitwit buys a rundown exotic and expects anything other than misery? A well-sorted Esprit (as this one appears to be), will be mildly irritating from time-to-time (clutch master hoses, bad grounds, etc.), but for the most part, there are no nuclear winter scenarios here. Yes the SM/Merak gearbox is pricey if it takes a dump. That said, it's designed to handle significantly more torque and horsepower than in this application, and I've never seen one go bad in a non-turbo Esprit. Ignore timing belt change intervals at your own peril, but even if you blow up a Lotus 907, the rebuild bill will be half of a 911's. Want an anvil? Buy a Corvette. Want what was essentially a Giugiaro concept car from a championship F1 constructor? This is your car.", "likes": 22, "timestamp": 1609120003, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5519906, "authorName": "Tdskip", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tdskip/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "So addressing the radiator leaks \u201cjust\u201d requires the proper hose, presumably from a UK specialist?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609168187, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5519910, "authorName": "Tdskip", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tdskip/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Jdoblado - I would cooperatively remind you (and others) that questions and commentary are not the sole purview of active bidders here. Indeed BAT would be hugely diminished if that were the case.", "likes": 10, "timestamp": 1609168367, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5519977, "authorName": "bringatrailer", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Videos have been added at the end of the auction.\n--BaT", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609169623, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5520131, "authorName": "7veloce", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/7veloce/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "More info on the car repairs and maintenance over the five years I had the car: Installed new General Altimax tires purchased from TireBuyer.com; replaced all the belts; adjusted the valves and set timing several times; boiled the radiator, replaced a non-OEM lower radiator hose; replaced smog pump filter -Balwin BF-PA 3412, air filter WIX 46004; rebuilt brake master by White Post, new pads, new front rotors; installed a new engine cover seal using BMW E30 trunk seal; purchased the special floor mats from Europe, jack and lugnut wrench, spare wheels and tire; replaced all rubber fuel lines; installed a new SU AZX1307 fuel pump, exhaust downpipe gasket (FelPro 25560), oil cap gasket, gas cap gaskets, Optima RedTop SC75U battery, oil drain plug; and changed oil ( VR1 Racing 20W-50 (6Qts) and oil filter (PH43) every 6 months. The car did not overheat even with a small leak. The only major issue was the connections to the fuel pump were leaking gas and I fixed it with a new pump, washers, fuel line, ect.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1609172043, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5520199, "authorName": "Tdskip", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tdskip/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks @7veloce", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609173210, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5520418, "authorName": "VolvoguyKC", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/volvoguykc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The Mechanic Who Loved Me", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1609176587, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5521056, "authorName": "Brian_M", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brian_m/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Tdskip well stated.\r\n\r\nStill not bidding on this nice S1 though, (back) muscle memory prohibits it :-)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609182491, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5521888, "authorName": "thesnyder", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/thesnyder/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The veglia instruments, like every early esprit I see, appear to be off center in the panel. Why is that so common, and can it be fixed?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1609187486, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5523176, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Tdskip, I am not going to confirm that the radiator leak \"just\" requires new UK hoses as I have not personally diagnosed the radiator and hoses. That information comes from a former and very knowledgable former caretaker. I don't want to promise anything that I haven't looked at.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1609193176, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5524067, "authorName": "vincenz0", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vincenz0/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "These are so cool, definitely on my bucket list to have one someday. This one is local, but I don't have the time nor space for it at the moment.\n\nHopefully it stays local and maybe I could buy it off the next owner in a few years!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609196429, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5525363, "authorName": "2020porsche", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/2020porsche/", "bidAmount": 16500, "content": "$16,500 bid placed by 2020porsche", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609214852, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5526561, "authorName": "Hudonmarwell", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hudonmarwell/", "bidAmount": 19077, "content": "$19,077 bid placed by Hudonmarwell", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609261406, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5528262, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@7veloce, thanks for your input and knowledge on her history.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609274562, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5530571, "authorName": "Louviere1", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/louviere1/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi, does this car has A/C?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609287523, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5530663, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Louviere1, not this one as the S1 didn't come from the factory with an integrated A/C system. There were some with a \"dealer\" installed unit but from my understanding it was very aftermarket.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1609288871, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5530817, "authorName": "2020porsche", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/2020porsche/", "bidAmount": 19500, "content": "$19,500 bid placed by 2020porsche", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609291295, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5530838, "authorName": "TR68", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tr68/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "A/C would add too much weight!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1609291640, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5531711, "authorName": "Hudonmarwell", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hudonmarwell/", "bidAmount": 22500, "content": "$22,500 bid placed by Hudonmarwell", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609334819, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5537261, "authorName": "classixxx", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/classixxx/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Agree with the comments below, how much does Ferrari maintenance cost? Chapman, Guigiaro & James Bond. All the Gran prix championship pedigree, style & panache anyone could ask for in a great color. So tempting..", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1609421937, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5537437, "authorName": "DKKY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dkky/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Let's take a moment this New Year's Eve to imagine the post-Covid roaring 20s that are hopefully within reach. Attitudes and emotions shift from cautious and banal to effervescent and life-affirming. Ford and GM have to warehouse the eight shades of grey that have been their best selling paints for the last 15 years, and cars with real style appear on every corner.\nWhat better car for that period of time than a Series 1 Esprit in a gorgeous blue? If you think a new 911 in glossy black is going to get more attention than this car at your local cars and coffee, you are mistaken. As for maintenance and reliability, if you haven't owned a 40+ year old car yet I have news for you: they ALL drip a little oil and have occasional needs. But we live in a time when there is a Youtube video for literally ever repair job, and search engines can track down the most obscure parts delivered to your door overnight. Five years from today, the owner of this Lotus is going to be happier with his/her purchase than just about any other buyer on BaT this week -- on the cusp of a more optimistic and frivolous tomorrow.", "likes": 17, "timestamp": 1609425447, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5537801, "authorName": "7veloce", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/7veloce/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I know one of the POs was trying to add A/C to the S1 but no luck in the end. I think this may be why the black box in the front compartment has an extra round hole on the right side (pic 128). I made a flat drip tray for the top opening (pic 126). The factory one was missing when I got the car.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609431773, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5538156, "authorName": "Rallylegend", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rallylegend/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Arguably the coolest of the 70's Guigiaro designs and IMHO these are still criminally undervalued for what they respresent compared to other 70's supercars.See a sorted Esprit on the road in the UK and the reaction they get compared to a Ferrari says it all! This one looks good and nice to see the seller is including the Euro bumper conversion kit which is probally the best part of $1000 on its own delivered to the US and gives the car back its classic original lines.At the current giveaway price if I had'nt already recently bought my Guigiaro Esprit I'd be bidding on this one!!\nGood luck to the seller,I hope it achieves the price it deserves..", "likes": 12, "timestamp": 1609436823, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5539099, "authorName": "johnnyb11", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johnnyb11/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I remember watching golf with my Dad seeing that teaser commercial before the TR-7 came out. I would say that THIS is the \"shape to come\" and always has been. This looks like a very nice Drive or Show to me. And it's a Cali car. No rusty frame. GL", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609443961, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5539658, "authorName": "BunkerJ", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bunkerj/", "bidAmount": 23500, "content": "$23,500 bid placed by BunkerJ", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609447057, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5539879, "authorName": "JanssenE", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/janssene/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "RPAS2- Well done!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1609448345, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5539894, "authorName": "maxjmodica", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/maxjmodica/", "bidAmount": 27000, "content": "$27,000 bid placed by maxjmodica", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609448418, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5539992, "authorName": "Cartera123", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cartera123/", "bidAmount": 28000, "content": "$28,000 bid placed by Cartera123", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609448974, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5540001, "authorName": "BunkerJ", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bunkerj/", "bidAmount": 29000, "content": "$29,000 bid placed by BunkerJ", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609449048, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5540008, "authorName": "Cartera123", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cartera123/", "bidAmount": 30000, "content": "$30,000 bid placed by Cartera123", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609449089, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5540060, "authorName": "BunkerJ", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bunkerj/", "bidAmount": 31000, "content": "$31,000 bid placed by BunkerJ", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609449374, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5540089, "authorName": "BunkerJ", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bunkerj/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sold on 12/31/20 for $31,000 to BunkerJ", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609449601, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 5540090, "authorName": "Mojave", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mojave/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Congrats @BunkerJ!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1609449603, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5540097, "authorName": "chemdude1232", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chemdude1232/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This feels like such a great steal. Congrats, @BunkerJ!", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1609449647, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5540104, "authorName": "SRF", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/srf/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This seems to be about the market price but I think the market is crazy and these gorgeous and iconic cars are absurdly undervalued. I'll call it a great buy. Congrats @BunkerJ!", "likes": 13, "timestamp": 1609449701, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5540109, "authorName": "Cornbread", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cornbread/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Lots of bang for the buck here. Great car.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1609449728, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5540193, "authorName": "Desloc (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/desloc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Bunkerj, congratulations", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1609450276, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5540335, "authorName": "JiminRichmond", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jiminrichmond/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@SRF - I agree 100%. My guess was exactly $31k, but I feel like it should have gone over $40k. For someone in California to find one this original that can pass smog, this seems especially good. Congratulations @Bunkerj and well done @Desloc", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1609451193, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5540354, "authorName": "Marlow42", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/marlow42/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@JiminRicmond My thoughts exactly. $40k plus...", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609451270, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5540357, "authorName": "Tony-K", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tony-k/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "And a Congrats to @Desloc and @Bunkerj from me, too! A fair deal on both sides in the current market, and as @SRF and @JiminRichmond have said, I agree, these are still undervalued.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1609451278, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5540380, "authorName": "Marlow42", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/marlow42/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Tony-K It seems the RM Auction prices a few years back created a false dawn.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609451351, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5540653, "authorName": "BunkerJ", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bunkerj/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks @Desloc for bringing such a nice car to the market. It's staying in California, just a few miles north of where it is now.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1609452604, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5540793, "authorName": "DKKY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dkky/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I hope you drive this car for 20 years. But if you choose to sell it before then, my informed opinion is that you're going to have a positive roi. Congratulations on a well-bought automobile.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1609453300, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5541424, "authorName": "DenverWoody", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/denverwoody/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "These aged particularly well, as the series one evolved into the later versions, but to my car guy heart the series one is the most desirable.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1609461061, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5541557, "authorName": "Spookey", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/spookey/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Congratulations. Really nice S1!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1609464067, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5653665, "authorName": "Eharms", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/eharms/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Trying to contact winner of this auction, wondering if you have any info on the floor mats pictured.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1611758785, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5653936, "authorName": "7veloce", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/7veloce/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I purchased the special floor mates from Automobilia NL for $113 on eBay in May 2012. Contact at the time: info@automobilia.nl It was marketed as Lotus Esprit turbo + V8 black light blue mat set. All of the Esprit uses the same mats.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1611762724, "type": "comment"}]