RE: Turbo Esprit pricing, chassis changes, etc.
16, here's my two cents worth:
PRICING:
Here in San Jose, CA, the local Jaguar dealer has a 1985 Lotus Turbo
Esprit, 19K miles, showroom condition Red with tan interior - $39K
About a year ago, same place, a 1984 Lotus Turbo Esprit was selling for
$22K (needed work). The few random samples I've seen run around $30K,
but those are probably '83-'85 cars. Anything newer than that is
upper $30K and beyond.
CHASSIS:
indeed a stressed member of the suspension (A-arm function). This
unreliable feature tended to chew up CV joints. 1979 was also the year
of the Series II (S2) Esprits; these also were using the halfshaft/A-arm
scheme. 1980 was the last year Lotus Esprits were sold in the USA
(officially)? In 1981-83(?), the Series III (S3) was introduced outside
the USA. However, the only official S3 chassis sold in the USA was the
newly introduced Turbo Esprit in 1983(?).
I was under the belief that all Turbo Esprits were S3 chassis-equipped.
As far as desirability, the S3 is the way to go, especially at the $30K
range.
By the way, I coincidentally just called the Lotus factory in Norwich
to inquire about factory tours (my vacation around June 21). For your
information, June 12,13,and 14 tours (10:30AM and 2:00PM) are still
open - come on down! I am planning to go July 10 @ 2:00PM.
If you really want it straight from the horse's mouth, Lotus' number is
011 44 953 60 8000 (this dials direct to Lotus Cars Limited in Norwich).
There is an 8 hour ahead time difference from the West coast.
Eddie
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