I Bought the Last Iconic Supercar You Can MAYBE Afford!!! (I got a REAL PROJECT)

I have ALWAYS wanted a proper mid engine supercar, but I checked my wallet and the F40 is out of the question! With a lot of searching I grabbed a 1979 Lotus Esprit, which is one of the all time best looking, proper iconic supercars! I went out to grab it with a bunch of my buddies and we had a blast just trying to get this thing fired up! We shot this before we had wireless mics, but the sound is pretty decent.
Edited by @jamesgravey
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[@sublime929]

Quickly becoming one of my favorite channels to watch. I absolutely love your honesty, nobody ever says what they paid for stuff. Keep it up man, you're as rare as they come.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Same here! Love the videos

[@LowMedow]

Needs A K Series

[@StayTunedTA]

Thanks man! Just doing our thing over, having fun and making car vids.

[@bubbacomputer]

Tony is a true class act for sure!

[@johnsalley1081]

Just found your channel! I’ve been looking for an Esprit S2. What did you guys ever do with it??

[@ShouldKnowBetter]

That is a great purchase Tony, as was your 911. I live 60 miles from the factory, let me know if you need bits putting in a box and sending to you. New bits are not cheap though although their are some excellent specialists. Its all together and looks very cool. Don't forget, Colin Chapman knew what he was doing, he won the fastest races! These cars went through our race workshops in the late 1980s early 90's with Elans. They do have peculiarities. Research is key. Sometimes it seems like you have to go back 5 steps to move forward one. However you will ace it, I am sure. Well done.

[@madmaxington]

You're gonna need a Rock Auto sponsorship! If the gears and gasoline guys can get one from Advanced for buying WD-40 and brake pads every episode, you can definitely swing a deal Tony. Want to see this thing rip!!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Really excited about this project. My dad had a 77 when I was learning to drive stick and he always encouraged me to take it out may he rest in peace. Very fun car when you get it sorted. Corners on rails, great brakes, good comfort, and quick steering. Like a go kart. Not fast but not slow and so exotic. Center of gravity is really low. Colin Chapman knew what he was doing. I hope you get to have some fun with it. The headlights work on vacuum and are a common problem. You get used to the pedals but it’s really tight down there. Wear skinny shoes, no boots.

[@schmuhf]

That is an AWESOME project, Tony. Can't wait for more content.

[@TonySims888]

Had one of the turbo Esprit's in my shop a few years back. Did all the suspension bushings, refurbed the shifter, rebuilt the steering rack, did intake, exhaust and turbo gaskets, plugs and wires. A lot of turbo lag compared to modern cars, but fun to drive if you keep it spun up. And tiny inside, but far less claustrophobia-inducing than a Europa!

[@josephgrace8504]

Little Devil hoodie is a BMX Classic. Love it!!

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Great content! love the budget oriented nature here, many youtube channels are hard to relate too with their daddy's palatial estates and massive shops. The budget HRG stuff was always great too, looking forward to a Tony-Lotus commercial in the style you did the Widebody Vette, that was pure gold!

[@benbrown2119]

Watching you getting the Lotus running brings me right back to high school when I had a Renault R10 rear engined car that I had to crank start (because the starter was bad) and then hand throttle like that until it warmed up a little. Fun little car. This Lotus should be a riot to drive.

[@scottburrow8717]

Hot Rod Garage if it comes back for another season, will no be the same without you on it. Just now found out you had a KZbin channel now. Definitely will be supporting this channel.

[@charlesputt8588]

HRG is already putting out new eps with Lucky and Alex Taylor. Still worth watching either way.

[@MultiHotrod74]

Tony- Those SU carbs you have on there work very well, but one thing I've found with them is on a cold start, even in warm conditions, they absolutely NEED the choke. I didn't hear any mention of that when you guys were fiddling with them.

[@e.s.bryant765]

You have over a 100 thousand subs!!!! Keep it up Tony, we appreciate the content.

[@danielcarroll5667]

I'm jealous ! Worth every bit of what you paid , always been one of my favorite Cars to look at , constant velocity carbs HATE stale ethanol gas , or maybe you're low on "kindling" by exhaust manifold , you & your Friends are funny as hell , have fun with it !

[@americanrambler4972]

I had almost forgotten about these. And yes, they are very good looking cars! Especially in dark colors. That metallic paint is killer looking. Glad you found one.

[@spinyuk]

Wild :) I'm in the UK, so have seen quite a few of these in the flesh, unlike the stuff you normally feature :) My tenuous link to these cars is that my dad had a Morris Marina back in the very early 1980s, which uses the exact same door handles :)

[@StayTunedTA]

Very cool! Yeah, this thing has bits from tons of different cars on here.

[@TheREALOC1972]

Fastly becoming one of my favorite channels, I love how honest you are. You should do a Smog/Malaise Era car, They are the HOT build right now because they are still affordable, the parts are still available at the local and online parts stores, they were generally taken care by their owners really well. Just do what us regular guys are doing, clean it up, fix what need fixing throw a cheap but good paint job on it and daily it plus have fun with it on the weekend going to Cars and Coffee's and Cruises. Kinda what you did with the 1980 Dodge truck but include a paint job.

[@DWH300]

From what I'm seeing. A fantastic find at an amazing price. With your wrenching skills and a lot of love. Overtime it should become the special car it started as. Just one request. Please No LS swap. Really miss you and Lucky on Hotrod Garage but I'm happy to be a sub on your U-Tube channel.

[@viphar2739]

Can’t wait for more videos of this car. Seems like a great project

[@dew2667]

Totally iconic 70s exotic car, not a supercar by any stretch. The Mazda Miata is a kick to drive for the same reasons the Esprit was in its day....Lotus built some of the best handling enthusiast cars ever. A totally epic build! I'm a new subscriber and already primed for more!!

[@Hangoversteer]

Super cool. Can’t wait to see videos of it being driven hard. Great find Tony!

[@wschell4023]

Love the Esprit. Thought I saw it on your lift earlier and have been waiting for more vids. Wish I would have bought one 10 years ago when excellent ones were $20-25,000. I’ve had to settle for its very similar forerunner the Europa S2…it’s even smaller, about 1500 lbs, but same basic backbone chassis, suspension and transaxle under fibreglass body. You’re definitely going to love how it handles!

[@AlistairLattimore]

Excited to see where you take this Tony! I wonder how much cleaner you could make the engine bay by modernizing it with a Haltech 😎

[@ehdeesign]

Lotus was the Sponsor of the Monterey Classics one year. As such, there were a significant number there. During the pre-race parade, the Lotus's contingent was by FAR the best looking group. It was the most Speed Racer parade moment. That day, Lotus became the all time favorite. I was a Porsche kid before that.

[@staceyrenner5418]

Hell yes! Always loved these things, looking forward to seeing more of it!

[@mroptical1982]

Hello Tony the new car looks interesting can't wait to see what you have in store for it. Wishing you and your family well Take Care Sir

[@theodoredemartini570]

I knew I saw something fun on the lift when you were tearing down that Pontiac 400

[@shanechopko5523]

subbed! Idk how it took me so long! Glad you made the switch to private production so we can get a glimpse of the future projects. You have a great combination of tastes and shows that you’re a true car guy, not just into classic hot rods but also drifting and interesting euros! The esprit has found a great home.

[@jowiislizzant1384]

Love the channel Tony! Thanks for all the kickass content

[@roythomson1426]

Really looking forward to seeing how progress is made on this project, it was a dream car of mine but prices have gone to high here in the UK. Strange carb's on it though, it must be US spec. We had twin Dellorto DHLA carb's here for one choke per cylinder.

[@Daniel58racer]

Lotus stands for Loads Of Trouble Usually Serious Awesome cars though. Love the videos, have fun with this one.

[@mwrcrft]

but it swims

[@BlindBatG34]

Being an 80’s kid I always loved the Esprit. On the bright side 1800lbs is pretty easy to push (if the calipers aren’t locked up).

[@trashflood7883]

Really enjoying your eclectic taste in cars and wishing you all the success Tony, keep it up.

[@johanbjork1650]

Congrats. I had the 4 seater version of the time, a 1978 Lotus Elite. That was euro spec w two twin 40 mm Dellorto carbs. 160 hp. I believe the US Stromberg Zenith version had 140. These engines are robust with regular oil changes. Rebuild the carbs, change the timing belt and hopefully you should be good to go engine wise. I used mine as a daily driver for 4 years.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Awesome pickup for an affordable supercar! I didn't realize how light these cars really are.

[@corkforbrains]

Just discovered your channel Tony.. Seeing that rinsing off that baby first thing brought out the kindred spirit in me! Lookin' forward to being a spectator here as you always seem to have the BEST adventures! Here's to a great start on the New Year my friend!!

[@jacobtipton148]

14:36 guy trying to drink with the lid on haha

[@racer193wr]

I knew it was an Esprit as soon as the video popped up... If it needs one of everything please put some power into it and make it a truly super car.. they always get built back to stock and while they may be moderately fun to drive id bet it could be better with power and brakes to match their handling and looks..

[@bgee461]

Honda/Acura K20 power would do well in there

[@1one3_Racing]

Yeah. Make a $30,000 car into a $5000 with a K swap.

[@JamesJoyce12]

why do pl want to ruin perfectly good balanced cars with stupid engine swaps and obnoxious exhaust systems

[@phuzz00]

Adding a turbo would be in keeping with later Esprits, and a modern turbo (and maybe fuel injection) would really pep that engine up. Modern Lotuses have used Toyota engines, so maybe that would make more sense than a Honda?

[@bgee461]

@@1one3_Racing Ariel Atom?

[@isaaccan3155]

Pretty cool Tony. That’s a decent investment. Talk to Tavaris about parts supply. He had a later one but similar drivetrain and he had a parts car.

[@baloonia1]

^ This.

[@mattbaker5364]

Man, I'm such a car nerd I knew what it was just from the outline in the thumbnail. Cool score, dude! So jealous!

[@JunkyardsandBarnFindswithSean]

Love your new channel Tony, I dont miss an episode! Keep it up!

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I'd be happy to have a Pontiac Fiero. That's as close to a mid engine supercar that I'll ever get. I'll be lucky if I can even get one of those

[@OpenRoader]

The Esprit is basically the same size as a 308 Ferrari, which is 1 foot shorter than a 2nd gen Toyota MR2 and the roof comes up to the side mirror on the MR2. So, yes, these are small cars

[@OkieRA29]

Forget the 2nd gen MR2. Get a 1st gen 85 or 86. The supercharged has more power, but the NA version is a lot more fun to drive. It is a total 9/10ths car

[@eager400]

Audio and quality is great! Keep up the great work Tony.

[@gregterry521]

I love this channel. Tony and crew rule, reminds me of old school roadkill when it was just a couple dudes having fun and making it happen.

[@Kr8zyVids]

Yeah!!! Dream car of mine here, glad it’s in good hands and will be brought back to glory. I do think a Honda K swap with 6speed would be a fitting upgrade

[@Nick-tx2fl]

300hp N/A K24 in this thing would be amazing. Plenty of power for the weight of the car, but still usable. That would be an absolute joy to drive

[@biscuitninja]

2.0 or 2.4? Turbo or no?

[@brendantaylor6879]

Love Tony, love what everyone is doing. But if you want this channel to reach the next level, PLEASE make sure the audio is good. With just the mic on the cam, everyone is super quiet so I ramp the volume, then you put music over a montage I'm RUNNING to my keyboard trying to lower the volume. Don't have this problem with HRG! You don't need a crazy setup, just get some wireless lavs and put them on people and in/on the car, and mix it all later. For our ears sake! Thanks!

[@stephinepaul7483]

In the late Summer of 1986 in NYC I bought TWO De-Tomaso's---A Green 67 Mangusta with the 302 and the ZF 5-Speed. It's one of 401 built. The other Car is a '71(first year of production)Pantera with the 351 and the ZF 5-Speed. I paid $6000 for the pair. I was 22 at the time. In 1988 I bought my first Mustang...a Green '68 Shelby GT-500KR Fastback from a Philadelphia Police Impound Auction for $375.00. All these years later I still have them. The Shelby still has a Rod knock and burns Oil but I never tore a Car apart before. Ahh the days when crap like this was cheap. Have lots more crap like this/never bought a 'New' Car/Truck in my life. Been enjoying the Channel,it's seems to be progressing quiet well. Keep it up.

[@brandongreene3213]

dudes mullet is awesome

[@jimkirk4742]

Do you still have this car? It’s been a year.

[@jordanhaddock1202]

K-Swap would be sick in that lightweight platform.

[@joconnell3473]

100% would sound awesome as well.

[@destro513]

Wouldn't be cool at all. Much cooler to get this running perfect and break the Lucas curse. This is the whole point of this rare car. English heritage, engineering, dreams and ideas. The queens supercar.

[@mason6556]

Would way rather have this engine gone through and fixed up. Keep some heritage, keep the awesome sound, we don't need to k swap the world.

[@destro513]

A proper swap would be a cosworth or Rover V8, Montreal engine with zf5 trans axle. The untimate swap with be a 90s lt4 dohc zr1 engine which was designed by lotus

[@joconnell3473]

@@destro513 I was holding back from saying it needed an LS swap!

[@glynotglen1098]

Congratulations on joining the Lotus fraternity Tony. They’re great cars once you get them sorted. Enjoy the restoration process. Thankfully plenty of parts and specialist suppliers around still.

[@vibemusic7598]

Subscribed immediately. I've been aching for a Lotus Esprit Mk1 swapped with Volvo 2.3 T5 engine. Been digging around for available donor Esprits today, stumbled upon your video, will keep track of your project! Bets of luck!

[@paulwells4203]

Another great video, subscribed. I was a little concerned about the big friend of yours: he started off drinking either a king can of beer or energy drink but later appeared to take a swig of what looked like gas additive lol. Hey its all good, it was cold out. Its great to have friends that will come out on a cold day to help work on your car. I like the honesty of your shows, where sometimes things don't go according to plan but with effort and thought (and a king can) it all works out in the end. Keep the shows coming Tony!

[@att0987654321]

Loving the content awesome build looking forward to it! 👍🏻

[@carneconcarne]

Love your video style. It's kinda pure and honest to me and you taught me a lot. BTW, Are you still in contact with the guys from Roadkill and HRG? I enjoyed watching you with the actually wrenching part of MT. The episode with Mike and you doing a wheelie in stubby Bob was one of my favorites. Keep them videos coming 👍😎

[@paulolson734]

In the mid 70s I rode in a coworker's Lotus Europa. It weighed around 1400 lbs IIRC and was (under)powered by a Renault something or other 4 banger. Acceleration was nothing to get excited about but the cornering! Gokarts had nothing on this car. Went around corners like it was on rails. What a hoot.

[@HoTrOds0are0ForEver]

Awesome Tony. This was one of my favorite era for sportscars too. You got to save it Tony. i am also looking forward to the videos along the restoration journey.

[@davekeller79]

You got a subscribe from me! Loved your work on Motortrend but love this DIY even more. Best of luck - hope you get some good momentum and keep this channel rolling!

[@qmopar]

Too funny - last video in your shop I saw an Espirit on the rack and now I find out its yours! Way cool Tony! It'll be great to see this back on the road. 1800#?!?!?! I love the term "add lightness" Love the channel!

[@STAY-GOLD-VINYL]

Stay Tuned is in my top 5 and a Saturday morning cruising the StayTuned back catalog is a nice way to chill before the weekend chores!!

[@donparker1823]

You have so many ultra cool projects at your house. I have all the tools and scars on my hands and forearms from working on old cars but my last old car took the wind out of my sails for that kind of work {1994 Silverado 4WD single cab short bed}. But I do so enjoy watching the experts bring these sweet old rides back to life.

[@user-bp6bq3iy7z]

Too funny. I’ve lived in Mansfield my whole life and never got all those lights green on Trimble. You must have a charmed life. Love your videos!

[@D.C._Nowak]

Thank you for buying a Lotus! Love these cars. Really looking forward to the progress.

[@73Shovelhead68]

I’m stoked on this one! Looking forward to seeing it come together.

[@makeitwork583]

Ooo, this is going to be a fun series! Love the feeling of your channel. Be well.

[@tylergates772]

Sick project Tony! Always liked the look of the older Esprits. Should be a head turner once finished for sure.

[@mushkamusic]

I should point out....love the channel Tony, can't wait to see what's in store for the projects!

[@robinfinlayson1343]

great episode man!!! best one yet

[@WhiteBullsBBQ]

Love Stay Tuned. Most slept on car show on the Tube. PA Represent 💪🏻

[@farmerron2954]

Cool watching a Lotus comeback. They are fun little cars. Those sidedraft carbs will come around with a little love. Man, were a couple of those guys still in the car when you found it? They look like they came right out of the late 70's. Too funny. Thanks for the great content Tony! Really enjoying your show.

[@scottimusgarrett15]

That's pretty rad, Tony! I thought for sure you got a Pantera! Lookin' forward to this restoration/build/whatever you want to do with it!✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

[@madrew2003]

That's really cool Tony! The early ones are the lightest, so good find!

[@carsmartsmedia2324]

Nice find! Always liked these.

[@jeffb495]

Love the new project car! Looking forward to this one🤙🏻

[@paulhansen7667]

Very cool, love the stealth fighter looks and pop up headlights too!

[@tgi3197]

Nice find Tony. She looks great. I forgot how much Pontiac borrowed from that car as far as styling for the Fiero. Loving your channel, keep up the good work of beautifying Pa.

[@andrewmeadows2596]

This could become the best automotive channel on youtube.

[@ronnestman4696]

I love Tony’s work on hot rod garage! ( with lucky of course) Glad I found his channel 👍

[@impslap7620]

Good find! Those BBS wheels are so dope!

[@youlooze2me]

Growing up riding bmx in the philly area i have to say i’m liking the little devil hoodie.

[@jakespeed63]

So excited to see this come to life. It’s always been one of my favorites.

[@chrisw5837]

Looks like a cool project. I think even with only 160 hp this will be a fun little car as it’s so light. Looking forward to more vids.

[@rickymitchell2014]

I subscribed for the Pontiac engine build I just recently inherited my dads 1970 gto 455 4 speed 12 bolt rear end car have been wrenching on it absolutely love the info you are putting on your videos

[@chesspiece81]

Tony did you see Tavarish's Lotus project and think "Wow, that looks terrible! I want one myself so I too can go through that kind of torture and misery." He did start off with one and ended up getting a second one to try and make one good one out of. They are both still in sad shape.

[@kaydesign]

The Lotus Esprit is a Icon! Congratulations!

[@johnmcguire8225]

Love the Esprit's from that era. Great find.

[@Nick-tx2fl]

Man, I love these old Esprits. Great looking cars, right at home cruising with much more expensive exotics

[@lemayg1337]

Pumped for this!

[@audiokyle]

Bruh, you are the man! HE HAS A MOUSTACHE, he has a Lotus, nothing else needed.

[@tannermurrays2558]

Great video as usual! Sound was good on the previous video. Only issue with this one was the difference of volume between voices and cranking.

[@kurtpoblenz2741]

I love your eclectic taste….. Pontiac, mopar , lotus , street bike. Never a dull moment. Your killing it with this utube channel 👍🏻👍🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@michaelatkin2562]

Nissan 240

[@diyhell8712]

Awesome. That cars on my shopping list too. Will be watching with interest.

[@ronhonig]

Awesome project!! I feel in love with these when I saw them for the first time in the Bond movies. Geeez that was so long ago.

[@charlesshamseldin9555]

This is one of the best channels on YT hands down

[@joshbrekke6374]

The old slant 4 with Lucas Electric! Beautiful Lotus Tony!!! I love it!!

[@Obamaisgey]

Awesome! I have always wanted a Lotus myself.

[@james2925]

I gotta say I agree with you about that nobody ever says what they paid for the project and that's the most important thing most of the time .great job guys on the honesty and all the content... you got me watching 🤔🤔🤪🤪

[@decayingcorpse]

Nice buy Tony. Always liked an Esprit.

[@batnutter]

A guy with a vicious mullet holding a Bud heavy watching people start an English car is what makes this channel great

[@markhoward3851]

Still my favorite Bond car! Great find, love your channel.