This Series 1 Esprit is one of 718 S1s produced. These cars Have been lauded for its handling and is said to have the best steering of any Esprit. The S1 Esprit can be distinguished from later Esprits by a shovel-style front air dam. Fiat X1/9 tail lights. lack of body-side ducting. Inside the car. the most obvious indication of an S1 Esprit is a one-piece instrument cluster with green-faced Veglia gauges. The Series 1 embodied Lotus' performance through light weight mantra. weighing less than 1. 00kg (2. 05lb). Lotus' claim of 0-60mph in 6. 8 seconds and a top speed of 138mph.
This is actually an S1 Esprit. It has a very late production date. (May 1978). Lotus was gearing up to produce the S2's (which started production in May 1978) and were starting to add some of the production changes to the line before actually introducing the S2. This car has a few of those changes. Dual headlamp motors. some additional body to chassis attachment points. The battery was moved to the very rear of the boot. Mine had the battery there but I preferred the location in the S1's so I moved it back. Lousy access but better weight distribution. The heater fan has dual fans like the S2's.
This car has received a complete Frame-off Restoration (see photos). Numerous Powder Coated parts as well as the best quality of paint finishes. Best quality used thorough out. Koni shocks. Stainless exhaust. Epsilon 3 piece wheels. Griffin Aluminum radiator. Spal cooling fans and much more. Chassis and suspension components all powder coated. Body stripped to bare fiberglass. epoxy primed. and painted in Glasurit base coat clear coat paint to a better than new finish. New factory correct interior.
This car is absolutely fantastic inside and out. Runs and drives as good as it looks. Traveled only 3. 00 miles since restoration.
You will not find a nicer S1 Esprit anywhere.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Happy Bidding!
Car is at
ww.kastnersgarage.com
to set up a test run 626-318-1289