1978 LOTUS ESPRIT S1

1978 Lotus Esprit Description:

PRICED TO SELL!

1978 Lotus Esprit S1

For sale is my 1978 Lotus Esprit which was subject to a 2+ year complete body off chassis extensive rebuild. During the process we incorporated numerous modifications/enhancements to both the running gear and body by adding newer technology and updated conveniences. This car offers a driving experience like no other Lotus Esprit S1. The completed car has been finished with a high degree of detail that puts this iconic sports car in a class of its own. Motor Trend Channel new show “Autobiography” filmed the car for use in their season finale episode which was about the James Bond Esprit. My car was used to capture close up details of an Esprit and was aired in the very beginning of the show.

Body

Numerous body panels were expertly grafted onto the body that were originally on a 1986 Turbo Esprit including the lower front valance, the front lid, door sills, rear engine lid with the iconic louvers and the rear body panel including the tail/spoiler which has been completely molded in place without the unsightly factory seams. The rear valance was also taken from a Turbo but not until a second exhaust outlet was created to allow the fitment of four chrome exhaust tips. Both front and rear bumpers are custom fabricated to provide a more appealing look then the large factory design. To achieve a more monochrome unbroken look the black plastic molding that surrounds the car at its mid-point was removed. The factory originally utilized the molding to cover the surface where the upper and lower body panels were joined together. Instead of (properly) finishing the seam they covered it with the black plastic molding. To continue the color flow, we opted to paint the factory black exterior door handles body color also. The front and rear side markers were removed due to their awkward shape and size, leaving the side of the car clean without interruptions. The exterior mounted radio antenna was removed and relocated in the interior with a hidden electronic type. All emblems and stickers were removed except for the iconic nose badge.

The entire car was disassembled and inspected to determine its overall condition. The body shell was stripped of all paint down to its factory gel coating. It was then block sanded to ensure all panels were straight. All minor cracks were repaired and eliminated. Once all the superficial imperfections were repaired each panel was painted with numerous coats of polyester primer then sanded smooth then reassembled and the body mounted to the chassis to verify its fit and to adjust the gaps and alignment. Once satisfied with the body fit and panel alignment it was once again taken apart readied for paint. After an additional coat of primer and hours of block sanding multiple coats of urethane color and 2 coats of clear were applied. Once sufficiently dry each panel was sanded then buffed to a high gloss. The paint is a beautiful metallic silver which highlights the car’s classic design and sharply pronounced lines. The chosen color is further complimented by its red leather interior. As mentioned, the body received numerous enhancements resulting in it being a one of a kind Esprit. There is no other Lotus Esprit like this in the world.

Interior

After completely disassembling the interior we began its restoration with the seat frames which were rebuilt and strengthened. We fabricated custom aluminum dash panels to hold 6 VDO gauges in the center with numerous switches on the left panel and the air conditioning/heat controls and a USB port to the right. To the right of the gauge binnacle is a custom console that houses the touch screen radio, video screen and back up camera monitor. We replaced the inefficient heat, defroster and air conditioning with a Vintage Air unit. The factory upholstery was replaced with 5 hides of beautiful rich red leather using it to cover all surfaces then matching the color to a Wilton Wool carpet that was used on the floors, rear bulkhead and lower center console. New seatbelts and a Momo steering wheel were fitted. The interior is luxurious yet sporty and looks outstanding with the bright silver exterior.

Engine and Drivetrain

The most significant mechanical enhancement to the car is the replacement of the factory 4-cylinder engine with a V8 engine. The engine used is a Buick 3.5 liter, 215 ci all aluminum assembly. The block, cylinder heads and intake manifold are aluminum. The engine was completely rebuilt utilizing a 300 ci crankshaft and connecting rods with aluminum pistons. The crankshaft and connecting rod bearings were machined .010 under stock dimensions. The aluminum intake manifold and 500cc carburetor are new from Edelbrock. The distributor has been rebuilt and matched to the engine specs by a Buick engine expert. A high-volume oil pump was fabricated and installed along with a remote mounted oil cooler and filter. Mild steel exhaust headers were fabricated along with a complete custom exhaust system terminating into 4 chrome outlets through the custom rear valance.

A custom aluminum adapter plate was fabricated and utilized to allow the engine to bolt to the factory 5 speed gearbox. A new custom spec flywheel was fabricated along with a new clutch assembly being installed. The gearbox was inspected and cleaned with new oil added. The half shafts were disassembled, rebuilt and reassembled using new parts as needed. To continue our attention to detail the exposed area of the aluminum gearbox/differential case was polished to a high gloss.

To provide efficient engine cooling the radiator was rebuilt with a new cooper core installed. Three electric fans provide the needed air flow to cool the radiator. Two large diameter stainless steel tubes are used to transfer the water from the radiator to the engine. All new rubber hoses and belts were installed along with a 180-degree thermostat. The 2 fuel tanks were sent to an automotive chemical stripper where they were subject to an acid bath to remove any old fuel and contaminates. The tanks were found to be solid requiring no further work then painted black and a new fuel gauge sending unit installed.

The underside of the engine lid was appropriately modified to allow clearance for the V8 engine. The engine compartment has been finished with removable panels covered with a charcoal colored trunk liner material giving the area a clean finished look.

Chassis, Suspension & Brakes

The factory “backbone” chassis was taken from a 1986 Esprit Turbo then completely dis-assembled and powder coated in an Anthracite gray. The suspension and brake pieces were also powder coated to match. The Spax coil over shocks were inspected and found to be in good working order. The front and rear coil springs were also found to be in spec. The rear springs were refitted while the front springs were reduced in length to allow the car to sit lower giving it a more aggressive stance.

The 3-piece wheels were manufactured by BBS in magnesium for lightness and strength. They’ve been powder coated to match the chassis in Anthracite Gray and finished with polished rims. The wheels were rebuilt with new bolts/screws and center gaskets then fitted to Sumitomo HTRZ 205/50ZR16 tires in the front and Sumitomo HTRZ 275/40/17 tires on the rear. These tires were chosen for their handling characteristics and aggressive looks.

The brake system also received a complete rebuild and restoration. A new dual master cylinder was matched to a new vacuum booster with new brake lines installed where necessary. The four brake rotors were resurfaced then installed with rebuilt rear calipers while the front brakes were upgraded with 4 piston Wilwood calipers and 12” rotors. New stainless-steel brake hoses and new parking brake cables were installed to insure maximum braking performance.

The factory installed plastic hydraulic clutch line was replaced with an uprated stainless-steel line.

Electrical

A new custom-made harness was fitted along with a new Coach Controls panel which contains fuses and relays in one compact housing. The control panel was mounted on the front bulkhead for ease of access if need be. All wires were ran from the control panel into the interior area then routed as necessary.

The starter motor and alternator were rebuilt, and a new a/c compressor installed. The factory dash gauges were replaced with VDO black faced Cockpit Series gauges. A backup camera was mounted under the outside rear license plate recess for assistance when reversing and can be monitored through the touch screen radio mounted in the center console.

Overall

The car presents itself very well with its beautiful metallic silver paint, its contrasting wheels and its beautiful red leather interior, making it is both stunning and unique. I started with a very sound California car and added modifications, enhancements resulting in a car that is gorgeous to look at while being a thrill to drive. Lotus cars were built for performance and handling. To achieve this Lotus designers incorporated Colin Chapman’s requirement to “add lightness” thus resulting in a compact interior seating area, therefore drivers over 6’ might find it difficult to comfortably fit in the car.

Although the car has yet to be shown as it has only test miles, it should do very well in virtually any show. The car was built to be enjoyed! This car will compliment anyone’s collection. I will assist the buyer with shipping to anywhere, worldwide.

I’ve priced the car to sell at $42,900 which is far less then what it cost to build. If you have any questions, please call or text me at 714-609-3685 or e-mail me at stallerl@socal.rr.com.