I'm buying a Lotus Esprit S1 with a James Bond 007 spec from 'The Spy Who Loved Me'.

[@I999-g2s]

From a near perfect Esprit to a Macca and back again. What a journey. Had all sorts in my garage, but my mint/original TVR Cerbera stirs the soul like nothing else, so it stays and I never even dream of the unthinkable.

[@sportscarstory]

Now that’s a car! Keep watching! More mad decisions will come along!

[@chrisflee1]

Thanks for all the clear information, you come over as such an honest guy, just found your channel and working my way through your videos. Wish I hadn't watched your 355 videos as the need for one is beginning to take over my life!

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks for watching! We only started this year, so hopefully getting better. Yes, 355 - it’s hard not to want one!

[@maximXX]

It was in "For your eyes only" too. Blown up at the beginning, but they had a burgundyish one later on as well. Got to love them👍🏻

[@sportscarstory]

Yes. S2 I think. Still great to look at, and a much better car than the S1, but the S1 design is so pure. Thanks for watching!

[@elveggoloco]

The one in For Your Eyes Only was the Turbo Esprit, and one of the earliest ones. The two in the movie were actually the same car, just repainted. The colour is called Jupiter Red and it's a coppery-metallic red that looks good in any light. I saw it in the Dezer Collection Museum in Miami ten years ago along with a bunch of other Bond-stuff. It's been well-kept and still looks smashing!

[@MrMightyytau]

People laughed at me when I said Buy an early Esprit they have to go up, and they have, when properly fettled

[@sportscarstory]

You’re right. It’s the pure, unadulterated design, and you can engineer out the deficiencies with the expertise around these days.

[@Omegaman1969]

Great car!! I have an S1 505H and a Pre HE 1976 White XJS

[@sportscarstory]

Glad you approve! Let’s see if it’s a great car when it lands!

[@lesf4969]

Love this car , most iconic bond car to my age group, I like that your old one had the PPW reg similar to the original bond car 👍👍👍✅

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks! I worked hard to get that PPW plate. I bought a mini with that number and restored that too. Another story!

[@Omegaman1969]

I bought my S1 from California unseen and it was exactly as seen in the photos. I would say to insure it against transport damage as I had some forklift damage underneath that they paid out for.

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks for the info. I paid for insurance, ‘hoping I don’t have to claim. Did you convert to rhd?

[@Omegaman1969]

@@sportscarstory No I left mine as LHD. It’s so small it doesn’t actually feel like you’re driving on the wrong side. I also figured it would sell well on the continent when I’ve finished it. Just a few bit a bobs to do on the cosmetic stuff now. I did remove that horrible dash crash pad and fit the larger glove box lid.

[@sportscarstory]

I heard about the crash pad from Steve Fulcher. Not sure this one’s already had it removed. Have you got a uk rear number plate surround?

[@Omegaman1969]

@@sportscarstory Yes I removed the side lights and fitted the U.K. plate holder and U.K. rear valance.

[@Omegaman1969]

@@sportscarstory Looks like yours may have an aftermarket air con fitted by the looks of the vent in the centre of the dash. What chassis number is yours ?

[@manofthehour6856]

I don't care if this wasn't as fast as later models, etc. The lines are so exceptionally clean on the S1, and of course the Roger Moore Bond association hits the target just like the sub missles launched at the helicopter. Beautiful! May you cherish it for as long as you can!.

[@sportscarstory]

I absolutely agree. The S1 is very pure. Thanks for your sentiments!

[@markwhitaker3673]

What a great iconic choice in white with the ultracool tartan interior, and Wolfrace mags. You might consult Lotusbits re engine upgrades, throttle body injection and reliability mods given their experience with the wedgy Lotuses. Would like one of these to go with my 69 Elan. Looking forward to future videos-good luck and thanks for sharing.

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks so much. Glad you like it. Start of a long project I think!

[@benaskey6769]

Superb choice and a good investment. Always been one of my dream cars; The spy who loved me is ultimate Bond gadgets era, but I'm 6' 6" so no headroom for me alas!

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks! Yes not great if you’re tall. Do follow the project. Should I keep it LHD? Should I keep the original engine?

[@benaskey6769]

@@sportscarstory If it where mine, she'd be RHD, find a good PPW number plate and fuel injection on the original engine - The purists wouldn't be too happy with an incorrect engine in a £70k car

[@FridgeProductionsLtd]

Yes, at 6' 1" my (lack of) hair brushes the headlining in normal driving position, OK on a more relaxed reclined cruise using the headrests. You could remove the almost pointless seat adjustment mechanisms and gain a good vertical cabin inch.

[@LeeThompson-ee3dd]

Had one myself, everyone said don’t sell it you’ll regret it, I did and lived to regret it, it’s never perfect but nothing comes close for thrills.

[@sportscarstory]

Yes. I regretted selling mine. The only cure was to buy another.

[@AndyfromSurrey]

Still my all time favourite Bond car

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks. I agree. Subscribe to see its resurrection.

[@julianneale6128]

Fantastic! Just found your channel, so I'm a new subscriber.

[@sportscarstory]

Thankyou! I appreciate it.

[@elveggoloco]

If your previous one didn't run right then something was amiss, just merely being carburetted wasn't the issue. That said, adding FI to the original engine will probably score you a modest increase in performance. Just do it all sympathetically and in such a manner that it can all be put back to stock if the car's next caretaker wants to do that. Should be a smashing car in any case by the time you've got everything sorted, so wishing you the best with it!

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks for the comment! Yes my last one might have had something amiss. The next owner had to do some engine work after not too long a time. I’m just conscious that modern petrol with 10% ethanol evaporate very easily if there’s heat in the engine bay from traffic, and fuel injection should cure that (I’m considering the Barrets injection conversion for my e type) thanks for watching! Subscribe to see the project progress.

[@elveggoloco]

@@sportscarstory Maybe. Maybe not. I live in the southeast USA where it is warm most of the year and unpleasantly hot in the summertime. We have ethanol here too, and the overwhelming majority of old British cars here are still running their carburettors without much issue. I'm not saying don't do the FI, as that can be a really interesting project with great results if you get it right- but I doubt that it's the the easiest cure for heat-related issues so don't neglect that. If heat is truly an issue then the FI will merely be a band-aid. Early Esprits are infamous for poor cooling (especially S1s with their lack of intake-ducts to the outside world), so do everything you can to make sure that the cooling is as good as it can be. The radiator is woefully underclassed for the job it has to do, so look into a multi-core ali replacement and the best fans you can squeeze-into the available space. The S3/Turbo models had a better radiator but if I'm not mistaken (somebody please correct me if I am), I don't think you can retro-fit that without MAJOR surgery to the front end structure. Make sure the plumbing is all clean and clear, make sure the passages and jackets in the engine are all clean and clear, and make sure that the water-pump is at its best. Get the silicone hoses for every hose. Make sure the top-tank is all clean (they are notorious for rusting). And after doing all that, if there's some way that you can increase the amount of fresh air passage through the engine compartment without ruining the car's external appearance, make it so. Best of luck, I'm pulling for you and wishing you great success! Can't wait to see your car return to glory!

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks so much! I’ll try and get it right (including the cooling!)

[@2ndAmendmentX]

I agree. Iconic car.

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks. I appreciate you saying that!

[@davidstuart4915]

Hi, David here, Steed Jag project fan. Looks like u are doing it again, choosing a great project. - Also, as u say, very realistic price and a good starting point. Cant agree on spending same amount as car on a cloth re-trim though!! - I am convinced u could get an excellent job done for less than 30% of that bill.... 4 ITBs should retain great induction sound and add reliability and reduce spit back. Try bike units at a fraction of cost of Jenveys / similar? I had a 100% mint gold Elite with oatmeal leather back in the day...my sister had a black one at the same time - they looked great parked nose to nose in the drive :) Fit a turbo roof console with stereo? :) Hows the Steed mobile progressing?

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks for your reply David. Very interesting. Steed project has been held up at Fibresports- Steve’s had Covid, & we’ve had to do the last minute adjustment to the entrance to the side vents. But should get it back this week or early next. Thanks for keeping an eye!

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

I look forward to seeing you work on this

[@sportscarstory]

Thankyou!

[@smudgetherealmc]

Looks-wise I feel that the S1 is the truest version (probably true of many cars not just Espirits) compared to later ones.

[@sportscarstory]

Yes. After the S1 the original Guigaro design was slowly eroded/ messed with

[@steve291274]

Just found your video. Great watch....👍. I've owned and still own Lotuses(Evora and 90s Elan at the moment), Owned 3 Esprits, later ones but never a S1(Holy grail...😎). Like your idea of fuel injection but please keep it stock engine. I know spider used the zetec but to lift the lid and not see a 900 series engine in an Esprit it loses it originality, I think anyway. Only my opinion and end of the day it is your car and whatever you do I'll look forward to watching the videos on the car. Very best of luck it all...👍

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks Steve. I’ve decided I’m definitely going to stick with the Lotus engine. I had a long chat with Mike from Lotus bits, and he reckons, with fuel injection, the original engine is fine. Must say, I can’t wait to see it at Southampton!

[@VesaGuardian]

For me, the Esprit S1 is the most beautiful car ever made. I badly need to have one.

[@sportscarstory]

Lovely things. Not terribly reliable, but I can work on that!

[@kavinskysmith4094]

Might I make a suggestion, I've always played around with the idea in my head of putting the Elise's motor in one of these, maybe you should try that for a project, like toyota reliability, gas mileage and capability with the old school bodywork and know how of Colin Chapman and you have the facilities to put a project like that into play, I dont, plus lotus did it themselves to replace the aging rover motor, so it kinda works out and would be in the spirit of the car I figure also if you want a perfect gift for the wife, Mercedes 500 SL , schmee-heee 150, you always have to do his name like Cryten trying to call rimmer a smeghead, went by a place in the US during one of his videos that had cars in it so I took a look and they have one in lipstick red with a black interior, for pretty fair money I noted it and bring it up as my mothers always wanted one, never been a fan however, like its funny for the most part with mercedes, the era they were best at, was when they were that most boring save for the top on the thing, which apparently literally likes to explode on the driver, like how hard is it to reach back and put it up like a corvette lol like atleast use an air hose so you can hear the leak and NOT get drenched in hydralic fluid lol also the engine note, alot of that comes from the sound of the carbs, modify it for electric ignition, put an EFI unit on it, that will improve the power, reliability and predictablity of the motor without ruining the attitude of it as cars were using cap and rotor all the way up until the 90's I found, the other thing is the radiator, which is key to the cooling, something moore noted with the thing in sardinia it overheated, so it needs a better radiator and fans, or maybe its got the sunbeam tiger problem where they didnt seal the radiator properly, as you have to make sure it goes one way, and doesnt suck the hot air of the engine bay by accident which that one was doing, like as contrary to basic sense this seems, you have to seal the sides so the airflow goes one way like those are what I would do if I wanted to keep it stock, plus the different in electronic ignition well it was noted on the 73/74 dodge charger, that it was like the emmisions and detuing stuff had never happened with how much of a difference that made now imagine that on a lotus where that was marginal at the best of times also make sure you coat the thing in anti rust oil and wax before it goes on the ship, those containers arent sealed shut and its going to be in the salt air

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks so much for your observations. All very interesting. I’m going to check out the viability of an Elise motor.

[@FridgeProductionsLtd]

@@sportscarstory an Alfa Romeo 3.0L Busso and ZF gearbox would be better. It has been done in an S3. You wouldn't need a turbo charger!

[@drew699]

Great car. Will you keep it LHD?

[@sportscarstory]

Not sure. What do you think?

[@sportscarstory]

Lovely motor right enough.

[@ldwp6395]

At 13k it's definitely worth a punt. I think a genuine s1 Esprit built in white really is a great investment, even if it doesn't increase in value alot over the next few years, I doubt it will go down.

[@sportscarstory]

I agree! Thanks for the reassurance though!

[@tonyhale7403]

Great project. I had a series 2 in silver back in the day and was stupid enough to part ex it for a Lancia HPE (family life!) Good luck with this project and do you leave it left hand drive or go for a conversion ?

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks! Not sure about leaving it LHD or converting. What would you do?

[@tonyhale7403]

If it's for the wife, I would convert it but if you want access it yourself sometimes perhaps keep it lhd.

[@davidsherrick824]

I had bought a 1986 Alfa Romeo GTV6 back in 1993, one owner with 78K on the clock. All maintenance records,, for $2500, .. add a Zero behind it Now. Bond car in Octopussy. Love you're Lotus !

[@sportscarstory]

Thankyou. Yes I’d love a GTV6 too. Brilliant car! Thanks for watching, do subscribe, more coming!

[@theloneranger2101]

I really hope all goes well for you. Will you be converting it to RH drive?

[@sportscarstory]

Thankyou! Not sure whether to convert. What do you think?

[@johndavey72]

I really thought you'd lost the plot .......until your closing comments 🤣🤣🤣 l had no idea this were so valuable . Will you keep it LHD ? So what birthday surprise did you give your lady ? Don't tell me .....a full size snooker table 🤣🤣🤣 Cheers !

[@sportscarstory]

Actually I ought to get on with the birthday present. Times running out! I’m not sure about LHD or rhd. What do you think?

[@paulhunter123]

Rhd its a British car​@@sportscarstory

[@Kolinu2]

This is going to a great project. Will you convert it to right-hand drive?

[@sportscarstory]

Good question! I’m not sure. What do you think?. It should be relatively easy, but I’m torn. I definitely want to get the uk number plate surround though.

[@JuliaDickson-sn4mi]

I would convert it to right hand drive, the driving pleasure will be enhanced. I drive my Lotus to France a few times a year and find it frustrating to keep asking my other half if it is safe to overtake, and the Esprit is wide.

[@fv1291]

You'll have to get a cool license plate for it. You and Gary Eats from KZbin should share a ride and meal together.

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks. I’ll have to check out Gary Eats. Thanks for watching, more coming!

[@am19arch]

Best design ever ….

[@sportscarstory]

I think it’s right up there! Thanks for watching!

[@ronnoshie3030]

I LOVE THE ESPRIT S1 I OWN 3 OF THESE CARS I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM

[@sportscarstory]

They are beautiful I agree. Thanks for watching!

[@bigislandvip5540]

Brave man they were not well made or reliable cars new, let alone 47 years old.

[@sportscarstory]

They were terribly unreliable for sure. I’m going to try and get this car reliable by focusing on the bits that go wrong. Cooling id the number one, furling number two. Let’s see how it goes!

[@mb4773]

Yes, Agee completely. Good luck. You know what you’re doing…

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks hope so. Please subscribe for more on this project.

[@maxv1455]

The car is definitely worth it. This Lotus starred in the movie "Pretty Woman" with Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. The steering wheel should not be moved, in my opinion, but the engine should definitely be replaced with a modern one with fuel injection. And you're right about the sound, the four cylinders don't sound like a V8 at all. But the interior upholstery, I'm sorry, but in my opinion it's terrible! You can also choose modern upholstery using modern materials and not this horror in the style of Ronald McDonald! Respect from Russia!

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks. Yes the esprit S3 was in Pretty woman. It was a much better car, but the S1 was the pure design as Guirgaro intended. & the interior? Yes it’s mad, but very 70’s! Thanks for the comment!

[@StephenParkes-e9y]

Personally I’d go with modern reliability and with a decent exhaust they don’t sound half bad as they didn’t have the most reliable engine if I remember correctly plus if done nicely are a pleasure to drive,

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks. I might go for a Zetec unit. A bit sacrilegious, but more power & reliable.

[@FridgeProductionsLtd]

Not sure how much you were involved in restoring the last S1, but you’re into a lot of work to get it working as a usable car. Unless divorce is an option. It’ll need a full rebuild and retrim. Having spent the last 7 years doing just that I know you’ll be into £35,000 without even thinking too hard. That’s on top of your purchase price. And that’s doing it yourself and at 2016-2022 prices (when most of my outlay was made). As for market value, they’re struggling to sell for £70,000 currently. You’ll also struggle to make it RHD as some parts are not available.

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks for the info! I’m going to keep it LHD I think. I think a top draw resto with the mad interior will still get £75k. But to be honest, I don’t intend selling this one. I’m probable going to sell one of my etypes to fund the project. My main worry is finding the missing parts. I had a real struggle with some of the bits on my last car, and that was a few years ago. It’ll be worse now.

[@FridgeProductionsLtd]

@@sportscarstory yes, I think you set out your intentions well. Those elusive parts are your problem if wanting to return the car to factory (where the top value is, if you need to eventually cover your outlay). They do pop up from time to time, but at a price, and it may take some patience. This would be particularly a problem if swapping to RHD. It would be interesting to know what the Federal S1 lacks in originality. I think you are correct, for the right car £75K would be achievable, again waiting for the right buyer. Interestingly, the early Esprits are gaining popularity Stateside where classic car prices are more buoyant, as they are in Europe. So retaining it in LHD may be beneficial to you in the long term.

[@sportscarstory]

Yes, part of my decision in keeping it LHD is the fact that the USA market is much stronger and bigger. Thanks for your thought.

[@jeppenordfosskristensen7319]

Nice Project 👌🏻🇩🇰🇬🇧😎

[@sportscarstory]

Thanks? Should I convert it to LHD?

[@lancraft]

Why go back to it? Unless you nut & bolt restore this one, it’s not gonna be nearly as nice as the last one.

[@sportscarstory]

I intend to nut and bolt it. It’ll be like the last one! Should I keep it LHD ?

[@TheGav0071]

Lets be honest, yr really buying it for yourself, not for your wife. Does she even like the car and appreciate what it represents? This is my dream car, and have wanted one since 2009, but I'd install air con as I now live in Florida.

[@sportscarstory]

I was joking! My wife would kill me if I gave her a Lotus! Yes it’s proper dream car for me. Someone in the USA has put Aircon in, I’m going to try and keep it.

[@paulhunter123]

One of these car blokes who never gets his hands dirty. Just pays the man to fix things

[@sportscarstory]

I try and do a bit. I do a lot of sourcing, and fix small things, but you’re right I’m no mechanic. I love my cars though.

[@jameshutton5979]

Aston Martin & Lotus are bigger than Bond!

[@sportscarstory]

Yes

[@hTyKn1]

You sold a RHD one and now you're buying a LHD one. It won't be worth as much as a RHD car when you're finished.

[@sportscarstory]

Maybe not, but if I can get to a good car again I’ll be pleased. Would you convert it to rhd

[@hTyKn1]

@@sportscarstory That depends on what your long term plans are for it. Europe is a big market if you do decide to sell it and obviously they would want LHD. If you're going to keep it then converting to RHD would be an option. The worst bit of that will be moving the handbrake as you'll need to get the outer sill off and to do that the petrol tanks will need to come out as there are rivets under the tanks. So not a 10 minute job!

[@sportscarstory]

The petrol tanks are currently loose and the body will be coming off the chassis. I suppose If I’m going to do a conversion I’ve got to commit early in the project.

[@MrSnicol]

🥱

[@sportscarstory]

I like your A35

[@MrSnicol]

😂

[@j308s7]

Are you sure your wife will be delighted with a LHD Lotus Esprit??.........

[@sportscarstory]

Errr. No. & it’s arrived now. She’s not jumping up & down. Next video coming soon. Thanks for watching!