1977 Lotus Esprit - Jay Leno's Garage

This one-owner Lotus Esprit is unlike any other you've seen on the road! Jason and Detlef Claudius have been maintaining and modifying this 300 horsepower wedge since it was bought new in '77.
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1977 Lotus Esprit - Jay Leno's Garage
• 1977 Lotus Esprit - Ja...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage

[@2slushpuppies]

I don't want to engage in any of the negative comments or really start anything. However, this is my father and grandfather. My grandfather isn't, I don't want to say shy, but he wasn't exactly comfortable talking for the cameras. He came sort of last minute because he wanted to see the garage and meet Jay Leno, he wasn't really prepared to talk at all unlike my dad who was prepared to talk about the car. My grandpa drives every day, my dad didn't say he "hasn't driven in 20 years", he meant that he hasn't driven that car in 20 years, he has his own car that he drives to work everyday. My grandpa doesn't have dementia (not even the start of dementia) and my dad wasn't stepping on his toes or speaking over him. And as for passing the car on, it's still my grandpa's and when he dies he will pass it on to my dad, and eventually when my dad dies he said he is going to pass it on to me. Also, it was my dad that was invited to the show when he took the lotus to a car show, like I said before my grandpa decided to come along last minute to see the cars. Anyways I noticed that there was some confusion about them, and I could see how someone who doesn't know them personally could come to some of these conclusions. I hoped you all enjoyed the car, it's fun to ride in.

[@Alkemyst426]

If what was on that car was indicative of his regular work, your grandfather is one helluva machinist, in addition to all the other stuff he's done. I hope I can get to something approaching that level one day. He did seem quiet on the episode, but now your explanation helps make a lot more sense of it. It was a pleasure to watch, nd some of the stuff your grandfather did to that car was just great. Glad you and your whole family are enjoying and caring for these machines. I may be a Mopar car guy first, but a well made, well cared for car is a joy, no matter who built it.

[@leenevin8451]

Nice car he’s done there. How come he doesn’t drive it anymore. I understand these are not easy cars to drive everyday

[@HorryCountyBoy]

2 generations of true Lotus enthusiasts spawned a hentai fanboi.. right FaKE neWs!¡!¡

[@2slushpuppies]

lee nevin The car wasn’t really meant to be an everyday car anyways. It’s a model to show what they can do for your car. But my grandpa is getting older and the car is just more difficult to manage than the car he drives regularly.

[@2slushpuppies]

HorryCountyBoy I don’t think you really know what hentai is, but whatever you want to believe man ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@terrywbreedlove]

You really have to admire the old man. Knows what he is doing. Knows what he wants and makes no bones about it. Bravo pops

[@adamtrombino106]

That fuse and relay box upgrade was the smartest thing a Lotus owner could ever do! It's upgrades like that, that I appreciate. All original doesn't always mean fully functional. Nice work!

[@jordangagat]

In 1990 v8 engine toyota End production 2004

[@impslap7620]

This is an excellent example of the culmination of great craftsman honing his craft on his personal vehicle over time. Much respect to the owner and his son. Amazing car!!!

[@etherboy3540]

The quality of work on this thing is really first-rate. It may well be the best Esprit on the planet.

[@davesracingchannel9261]

etherboy Would you please give my racing channel a Subscribe

[@1183newman]

I would rather take a stock Esprit HC or Esprit GT3

[@P51]

etherboy NO doubt

[@TazioN]

It certainly won't be as the best thing about any Lotus is the handling which is light and delicate with surprising good ride. He has changed the wheel size and it is even remarked on in the video that the tyre width is wrong for that model making it feel heavy. Lotus used to survive financially by finessing handling for other car companies they were so good at balancing cars out. So I doubt an Esprit with the balance and spec changed from factory standardcould be described as the best in the world.

[@legostarwarsrulez]

Renny Robertson he said the steering felt heavier, not the car. Thicker tires with no power steering will do that.

[@chadwhite1198]

That was wonderful. Thank you. Props to the father who built such a beautiful machine. Props to the son who paid such tribute to his dad.

[@Dan-oi3vx]

Yes sir! The son is really proud of his dad. As he should be. Can tell by the way he talks about his work

[@iseeolly9959]

I live about 1 hours drive from Hethel.....now and again I visit Colin Chapmans grave....it's very small and normal, I've never seen fresh flowers on it.....you'd never believe that in a little english church yard one of the greatest people of influence in F1 and road supercars is laid to rest. Thanks Jay.

[@ireneuszpyc6684]

communists say that government is everything: they will never understand what a genius is, and where the wealth really comes from

[@bernardguynunns5658]

If you think Chapman's grave is obscure you should check out Churchill's!

[@TheHesK9]

Where is it? I live in Norwich and have never seen it. I used to deliver newspapers to his house where his wife still lives. Huge place

[@SubieSpecial]

Awesome to see them on Jay Leno’s garage. I’ve been to their shop multiple times as a friend was restoring his Lotus S1. Complete wealth of knowledge. Thank you for keeping it alive!

[@iliveindetroit1]

son has big respect for father, love these guys..great vibe.

[@biffy7]

1. He does excellent work. 2. I remember growing up that the Esprit Turbo engine was the 1st production engine to break the 100 bhp per Liter ratio. 3. One day, out of the blue, my friend stopped by my house with one of theses. We went for a ride, was my first true sports car ride. Great feeling of power and speed.

[@howardschaefer1445]

I think it was Car and Driver back in the '60s that said the best thing to do with a Lotus is buy it, take it completely apart and put it back together properly. They sure did that.

[@rslemieux]

That's funny! When my Elise front clip got wiped out by a deer, after the body shop put it back together all the annoying squeaks/rattles were cured!

[@caribman10]

Too right, sadly. Like I said, a legendary car, in all the worst ways.

[@rockfan3299]

Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious

[@hTyKn1]

@@rockfan3299 Lots Of Torque Usually Sideways

[@pepstein]

Great episode! Love Leno's line: "Having a Lotus is like falling in love with the wrong woman. It's just... you know it's a mistake, but uh, it's so exciting, you've got to do it."

[@jonparkes7006]

Peter Epstein Yes peter , that grabbed my attention as well. This series and this episode is so well done. :)

[@deviklovecraft3835]

Can confirm. I own an Elise and an Evora... both have been a PITA to own but I’d do it again for certain 👍

[@johnmacnabb7562]

Yeah..like a mistake to own one ever...)

[@trashpanda314]

The same could be said about several of my car choices. Being an eccentric nut isn't easy! Lol

[@guysmith1192]

@@trashpanda314 well said. And i feel your pain brother

[@bwxmoto]

Still a very cool looking car all these decades later.

[@frankhoward7645]

I still think these G body Esprits are the coolest looking cars ever made. Period.

[@deanroddey2881]

I always liked the latter ones with the spoiler. I thought that those were some nice looking cars.

[@veritasvincit2745]

Time has been particularly kind to the shape of the early ones. I rarely see one on the road but did spot a white early one at a petrol station last year. It still looked great and was generating interest. I'm fifty and to me they still look modern or even futuristic. To someone younger they probably stand out for the opposite reason in that they look retro.

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

Lotus always manages to get the proportions and lines perfect. They look good from every angle and sit nicely on the road.

[@wirewrks]

Looks like the elder Claudius addressed most, if not all, of the issues that plague the older Lotus Esprits. He took it from; *LOTUS ~ Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious,* to something that is probably very reliable and fun to drive. I've always been drawn to these cars from the Series 2 forward, but shied away because of their issues. Now, after seeing this, it's got me thinking about finding one of these for a new project.

[@kinghaggis6786]

One of my all time top 10 cars. Beautiful!

[@Cammi_Rosalie]

I love the wedge look. I love the Esprit. But sadly, the closest I have ever been to owning an Esprit, were my black Esprit jeans back in the 90's. I have my Fiero though.

[@billybowbob2071]

Yup. Great design! That's why I'm still rockin a fiero at 44 yrs old 😁 Except I dropped in a 1994 4.9 caddy engine 👍

[@raz_nick4048]

3800sc on mine, thinking 1984 bumper pad front and rear bumpers on my fastback to get that wedge shape

[@UberLummox]

His long history of deigning (Fiberfab!!!) probably makes this the best one one Earth. This guy is a true master craftsman. Seems like his son has the talent to take over the legacy. "The guy" that specialize in certain cars are all dying off. Much thanks for the great vid!!

[@bluevomit2361]

Oh my good god that thing is DIVINE, piece of art, finest car design in the planet.

[@Kwaka28]

Jay is one of a few blokes who is a genuine car guy, he knows so much information that we as the viewer gets the most form all the cars and bikes in an hour.. thanks for the show mate.. hope to see many more..

[@SilverfoxJB]

That was the first car I fell in love with and this is the finest example I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning machine.

[@Zeketelemaco]

“And now you’ve passed it to your son?” Eventually 🤣🤣🤣

[@ooferrell]

That part had me dying

[@UhhhhhnooOOo00oO]

Dementia?

[@Neojhun]

HaNooo Hell No, the very opposite. The guy is still sharp and witty.

[@RoeShamBoe]

that's not how demetia works. you can be focused one minute and confused the next. it's not a light switch. that being said, if the man is suffering from dementia, it's early stages.

[@jd-py5nm]

wouldnt go to the kid till i was dead lol

[@supernpstr]

This episode is the epitome of Jay Lenos Garage. Talking about cars so passionately with real car enthusiast especially cars from the 70s and 80s. Enjoyed this one a lot.

[@davesracingchannel9261]

supernpstr Would you please give my racing channel a Subscribe

[@Jorge-Tamacas]

This is my favorite Lotus. As far as I know the Esprit V8 could make more than 350, but the gearbox wasn't capable enough to take more than that, that's why Lotus decided to limit the power to 350hp. A beautiful Esprit!

[@five65live57]

R.I.P Sir Roger Moore.. bond brought me here

[@christianbuczko1481]

Changing a car like that is so often done poorly, but that one has been done well, even though its far from original. It's been improved, without changing the style or intent, its the way a lotus should have been built in the first place.

[@roverwaters3875]

stfu

[@kyongslist]

oh and who are you to say what way a Lotus "should" be built in the first place? have you even driven or owned a Lotus before? think before you speak you tool.... This car was designed and built by the man himself, whose racing team was by far the cream of the crop at that very time, head and shoulders above even Ferrari. Get a clue you idiot.

[@christianbuczko1481]

Every lotus I've seen on the road except the elise family had its bonnet up, those older cars are extremely poorly built, the electrics are second rate. The body panels often don't fit well and the interior wasn't great either. You cannot compare them to a Ferrari for build quality, and that says alot. Only the elise family, including exige and exage were any good. 70's and 80's British cars were pitiful. This car has had its weak points fixed, it lacked power, so had a later lotus engine, the electrics replaced, so will be far more reliable. What made a lotus good, the drive experience has not been changed so Colin Chapman can't moan. The things he had nothing to do with, quality control is what was wrong, that's down to communists screwing up the British car industry, not Colin chapman. You lotus fanboys can go back to trying to make your cars work, this bloke has already done it and produced an awesome result with the very best of design from Colin chapman.

[@christianbuczko1481]

@rover waters, nice contribution to the conversation. Very eloquent, you really went along way to explain why you disagreed.... Now go back to window licking as your brains obviously not capable of making any actual criticisms of my comment.

[@PeterPaoliello]

well said

[@jonathancohen479]

Every time I see this car all I can think of is Sharon Stone in her Lotus Esprit outrunning Michael Douglas in his lil' 5.0 Foxbody Mustang on the PCH in Basic Instinct. Epic!

[@jameswhiteii4679]

Do not forget about Pretty Woman!

[@ZhongShanWang]

Such a masterpiece... No longer a car but a piece of great art.

[@mac1mike]

grew up working stone throw away from their shop PBC, lusted over the Esprit as they went on road tests. Always wanted to work for them, in hindsight, they would have never hired me. It's just father and son from day 1. These guys are cool AF. Bought my '00 Esprit and the son Jason gave me a lot of tips and pointers without asking for anything in return. They really care about the cars more then taking peoples money.

[@dickeyseamus]

Best Lotus Esprit I've ever seen. Amazingly done!

[@nukedathlonman]

You know, I'm surprised Jay doesn't own one of these. But what a really nice example - very much appreciated being able to see it. :-)

[@hngrypanda5973]

I have the most upmost respect for people whom sole passion is specific brand or car. They are meticulous to everything inside and out of that particular brand. They really pour their heart and soul into those vehicles.

[@user-sy5yw2dj3k]

Love the way Jay lovingly brushes the A pillar and window while getting in. Just a beautiful car❤

[@gsxawd981]

Love that style. Color combination aswell!!

[@Clay3613]

The Steelers aren't tan you doofus. Black would've been much better than tan on yellow.

[@Matt_from_Florida]

Norfolk Yellow. Had one that color myself.

[@MrOso36]

Mr Claudius did a great job on the Lotus. I got a kick out of the fact that he built his own a vacuum form machine, like doesn't everyone.

[@copheart]

That machined aluminum and caps etc, just beautiful. This is the nicest Esprit I've ever seen.

[@jrbbikerx3309]

This car is absolutely beautiful. All the custom machines parts are very tastefully done, as if an OEM upgrade!

[@aussiebloke609]

I've always loved that old saying about Colin Chapman's philosophy on lightness: keep removing parts from the chassis until it collapses, then replace the last part you removed. :-D

[@gregorytimmons4777]

aussiebloke609 Lotus Europa. Half the rear suspension of every other IRS and none of the durability.

[@mctavish199]

I think there's another one attributed to CC that a race car should cross the finish line and then collapse into its component parts.

[@aussiebloke609]

I've not heard that one before, but I reckon it's probably true. A race car should theoretically run out of fuel, blow the engine and gearbox (back then, anyway - before they had to last for multiple races) and generally fall apart as it crosses the line. Otherwise, it can be deemed too strong, carrying more fuel than necessary...basically, heavier than necessary. Remind me of the old BWM turbo engines, making something like 1300hp in qualifying trim - and only good for one warm-up lap and one hard lap before being relegated to the junk pile.

[@stephen300o6]

His drivers were disposable.

[@einsteingalang]

aussiebloke609 k

[@MickeyMishra]

it's kind of sad we don't have more fathers like that anymore. they really are a Dying Breed

[@user-xj8os4cr1l]

Father is one of those old school artist engineers. Brilliant. I know the sin probably is very brilliant himself. Thank you.

[@Retrogamer71]

I think I could watch this episode on permanent repeat. A really beautiful classic car and lots of amazing things including an astounding interior. Thanks for hosting such automotive excellence Mr. Leno. This lotus esprit is something above mere form.

[@slcorts]

Dementia, not likely. More like Claudius is respectful of all the effort that his son Jason put into getting invited and doing the show with Jay. If you knew Claudius he is a brilliant engineer and mechanic and not going to step in front of Jason when he put in the effort to get onto the show and show his car with Jay. Another words don’t make comments about people you don’t know and on an subject you have no clue about. Yea and I was one of the few that got a rear break kit on my 78 S1 Esprit. Great job Jason and Claudius.

[@Unit_104]

"break kit" lol

[@caribman10]

I'll bet those breaks were surperb.

[@vashsant]

Flawless car. That one is absolutely pristine!

[@desertmav8632]

My favorite!! Love the Esprit, so fun to drive! While I got a good deal on mine, it cost me LOTS to keep running and LOTS to get it whipped into shape to sell. But I LOVED it. Been waiting for Jay to do an episode on the Esprit forever, especially the Guigiaro early body style.

[@tubadude905]

I lived in Norfolk, England in those days and used to see Colin Chapman driving around on occasion. I know lots of folks that worked at the Hethel factory. Was there when Lotus won the GP championship and Chapman, Mario and crew paraded the F1 cars and JPS support vehicles through Norwich - that was fantastic.

[@MichaelBacon212]

That blow off valve sounds amazing.

[@User6327]

HKS SSQV which sounds so out of place on a car like that it’s hilarious.

[@Skeeter66]

Sounds like the HKS SSQV with insert.

[@joekunedo]

Sounds like a chirping bird sometimes it's awesome.

[@charlieanddadreviewsandcha2243]

I love how it’s upgraded but lotus upgraded. Not like a derelict or something. It’s a natural progression to run better, more reliable, more power and the machined parts looked like if they made that Lotus today they should have been there. All the way down to making a machine that forms new plastic pieces for those that are no longer available. The shroud over the motor electrically opening. Talk about keeping that era of lotus alive for those that have the love for them. Priceless!! That old man is a genius. I think the son may have been talking for him for many a reason but he was no dummy either very knowledgeable as well. He restored one early on although never got to drive it. So yeah it runs in the family, awesome work.

[@donaldsalkovick396]

Love the sound when he starts the engine....in every video. It's recorded so good that it sounds like the car is in my living room! With the surround sound turned on of course

[@ramspace]

I'm always so impressed about how much these guys know about cars.

[@jamespisano1164]

I enjoyed you on the Tonight Show, sir, but Garage is your best show. You do a great job with it. Its entertaining, funny, and always different, and I'm amazed how you keep finding novel content. This is your best work!

[@krusher74]

Remember Jay Lotus is English and were not a nation of V8 cars, 2L is a big engine in the uk. and with a turbo is a much smaller lighter package.

[@juststuff8742]

@@joebryant8500 technically he is correct, as lotus were based in hethel near Norwich, which is in the England

[@juststuff8742]

@@joebryant8500 ok, I see where you are coming from, sorry

[@NeeoDroid]

Crazy how these 3 mans had a great conversation about this piece of engineering properly done and updated. Really liked the video!

[@roadwarrior6810]

What an awesome job of updating a classic. That body style is timeless.

[@shaunportlock4924]

That is better than any esprit that ever ever came out of the factory.

[@charlestonsilverman5486]

Great content as always but it would be awesome if you guys could fix your audio - Every video i watch on this channel has really inconsistent audio which is a shame because the content is so good - For this particular video i had to max out my speaker volume to barely hear dialog but when Jay make s a joke and starts talking loudly or the car starts it almost blows out my speakers.

[@jcollins1305]

A wonderful father and son. Really love Jay’s enthusiasm. Nicely done gents.

[@fj717]

This right here is more than just a car video. Thank you Sir Leno for all these amazing content. ♥️

[@GETUPANDGO]

This thing always reminded me of Danger Mouse's car, lol

[@dAADADADADAADFDFSDF]

The volume level on this channel is way lower than the others ones. Anyone the same?

[@ja.935g67]

Agreed have to crank it all the way up to hear normally

[@ja.935g67]

Just make sure to turn it down at the very end where he honks the horn.... Every time

[@ooferrell]

This volume is almost as low as the way my balls hang in 110 degrees weather....but its 😎 lol

[@Boemel]

been an issue since years.

[@hastyberford]

I have to turn off everything in the house just so I can hear them.

[@1969EType]

It's always refreshing in this day and age to see a classy car owned, improved upon, maintained and (at one time) driven by an even classier gentleman. Thank you for sharing this car, Jay.

[@GM-fh5jp]

What a pleasure it is to see the work of an obviously brilliant engineer with sublime fabricating skills. His work on that car shines with quality,engineering flair and attention to detail. Excellent episode Jay,thanks.

[@psk1w1]

During the drive, they talked about the Lotus V8 not being particularly powerful for what it is. The car was limited by the Renault 25 gearbox, which simply ca't take the power which the V8 is easily capable of. Lotus stopped making the Esprit because they couldn't get any more of the gearboxes. I hear that the chassis would need major mods to fit a different gearbox - but surely that is do-able? Especially for a manufacturer. Actually, it would be interesting to hear what an aftermarket engineer said about that issue - such as this duo. So how about it?

[@captainswoop8722]

Point was the V8 was a lot less high stressed an in theory more reliable.

[@jeanferret9497]

Lotus. Lots of trouble, usually serious. My great uncle's step son had a Lotus Elite. Gorgeous looking, went like stink and handled like a go cart. It caught fire on his drive and nearly burnt his house down. He moved to BMW soon after. Like TVR, to a lesser extent, Lotus has been about great engineering, handling and style but nobody remembered to hire some quality control inspectors. The Esprit Turbo is one of my all time favourite cars but I would always be wondering if it would start.

[@kimisdaman]

Did you see the Wheeler Dealers episode where they "fitted a new chassis" to a TVR? Who completely pulls a car apart and rebuilds it on a new frame and considers it a repair?

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

My favorite Lotus of all time. Love the lines on the body and the back window black scales. Truly a beautiful car

[@spazemonkey376]

These early Esprit are my favorite body style Lotus, the subtle changes really make this car stand out without taking away from the original look. With an era of seeing so many shops make improvements to air cooled 911s I’m happy to see other shops branch out and improve on other cars.

[@frankhoward7645]

18:07. He never dove his Elan? Come on Jay, you owe him a test drive!

[@FabledHeroes3351]

Such a lovely design! 13:36

[@davesracingchannel9261]

J Double C Would you please give my racing channel a Subscribe

[@MrCROBosanceros]

Typical Giorgetto Giugiaro (Italdesign) design. Familiar lines to Maserati Boomerang,concept car from 1971.!

[@jakybakey8473]

What a lovely craft

[@FabledHeroes3351]

Daves Racing Channel Done

[@FabledHeroes3351]

Broj 1 oh wow really

[@victornoir3594]

What a glorious finesse of the legendary Esprit. Well done gentlemen! I love the Lotus ethos, and this fits well. I owned an Elan SE 1968, for 25 years, and enjoyed every minute. Sprinted the engine, upgraded the chassis to spaceframe, leather trimmed it, alloyed the tank and the suspension members, and duo-ed the brake circuits. It drove like a car 20 years younger. Chapman was a genius at chassis design. I did try an Esprit, which was great to drive, but at 6’4” it wasn’t the car for me. In my Elan I just got a cold head! Beautiful design job on the Esprit by Giugiaro, way ahead of its time. It made contemporary Ferrari’s and Porsche’s look dated. The rear light pods are from a Rover SD1, which launched the same year.

[@djbillye4943]

dad is so humble and sincere,good man

[@jrt9]

Front end reminds me of my old Triumph TR-7. I miss it. But this is a beautiful Lotus.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

The TR-7 in poo brown is a great looking 70's car.

[@ldnwholesale8552]

While not my sort of car even before Jay said it I figured it was not pommy wiring. It seems a far better finished car than Lotus ever made. They had a good basis for a Sports Car but were woefully finished.

[@NGC205]

I really enjoyed both of these guys. Completely honest and very, very interesting. The grandfather's had one heck of a life.

[@bruceweigle7597]

i was born in 1962 and remember seeing a Lotus Europa when i was about 12 or 14. It was the most unique car i had ever seen. To this day i remember it like it was yesterday. Ive been a big fan of Lotus ever sense.

[@outofbluepills]

Being in love with sports cars in Jr. high and high school in the '80, I always thought of Lotus as totally being in the same class as Ferrari and Lamborghini, all three more interesting, beautiful, rare, and charming than Porsche. Ferrari had a unique, romantic mystique, but as amazing, unattainable, exotic sports cars, Lotus and Ferrari were both perfect examples. I never thought of the 308, for example, as being anything but a well-matched competitor of the Turbo Esprit.

[@sabeelra]

Lenos humble approach makes me love the channel even more :) . Good job

[@davesracingchannel9261]

Sabeel Rahman Would you please give my racing channel a Subscribe

[@sabeelra]

Daves Racing Channel sure

[@TheBasher-_-]

His good boy schtick never gets old. It's slick comforting. NBC is lucky they gave him a second show because Jay has talent

[@YasumotoUS]

Thank you for sharing this example of a life's work by father and son. What a great instance of an elegantly modified classic.

[@reaganbobbitt9281]

Awesome job! Thanks for sharing your passion and a beautiful work of art with us!

[@gregorytimmons4777]

19,000 miles and totally rebuilt. Yeah, it's a Lotus.

[@andyp9040]

Gregory Timmons well LOTUS does stand for Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious!!

[@MNlotus1]

As a lotus owner, they are mostly toys for the road. I own 2 and they dont get driven much. I am afraid to be on the roads in these cars as i was rear ended my a lady on her cell phone when i was driving my caterham 7. Lotus's cant stand a chance against a suburban. This is why i know my lotus's have low miles...

[@hypnotised-clover]

Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious.

[@andyp9040]

Otters vintage too slow! Lol

[@hypnotised-clover]

@@andyp9040 I didn't know that youtube comments were a race now, stop being childish.

[@PHARRAWAY]

Love it 💘

[@jameshughes2885]

Hello Jay, Long time comedy fan and motor head. I really enjoyed your lotus show. The questions you ask are so informative. I am also an exotic car enthusiast. I will continue reading and view your site. I am so impressed with all the cars you have in your garage and even separated by the country. Thanks for letting us into your automotive hobby. I didn't realize how many cars you have.

[@fgherb7697]

Thanks for sharing. It’s truly a beautiful thing to see the son keeping it going. Thanks dad your an amazing man!!

[@edwaggonersr.7446]

I love the car. Pretty cool. The guest seemed knowledgeable about his dad's work and the car.

[@mcbige1]

always loved the Esprit shape (and the Deloren shape) , i had the James bond white one as a toy back in the 80's, press a button and the little wings would come out, worth some money now if i kept it. remember the silver esprit in pretty women? Notice the tesla model 3 in the backround just as jay mentions Sean Connery. wonder will they be talking about that car in 40 years time!

[@davidhicks57]

What about the black one in Basic Instinct

[@spacecadet35]

The guy that designed the Esprit also designed the De Lorean :)

[@blueman5924]

Wow. Talk about a labour of love ! I can't imagine the work it took to change out the entire inside leather and trim twice over. Nice work guys !

[@mikedubya9313]

I absolutely love this car, definitely a timeless classic

[@robgreene1776]

HOT Rod ! "I like to make things look like they came from the factory.../..." Spectacular Lotus, well cared for. Thanks Guys !

[@johnmoser2689]

I remember when the turbo esprit was faster than anything 0 to 60 in 4 seconds I was in awe of that car it was soooo wicked cool

[@naskabeer950]

GOOSEBUMPS! this man has done what we wish we could do. Make our classic a vision of perfection in our eyes.. Salute

[@GregALotus-Ducati]

I have been to their shop. met both son and dad and they are truly nice people. They charge my AC on my '89 Esprit and we chatted for a bit. The dad is old but still in the game with great craftsmenship which is amazing. Hats off to these guys.

[@Zqud]

Ahhh i love your videos Jay!!

[@davesracingchannel9261]

Zqud Would you please give my racing channel a Subscribe

[@HoosierDaddy_]

I was fascinated by these when I was a kid. I still don't know what about that wedge design looks so good.

[@zzygyy]

I think its the aerodynamics. Watching this car in "The Spy who loved me" and owning the hot wheel version

[@daviddouillet4138]

Man I wish the craftsmanship of this family could go on between generations, that's some serious skill with decades of experience.

[@EvilSSP]

I've been seeing Esprit videos popping up everywhere lately. It's like the world rediscovered this car.

[@jakybakey8473]

Good day! Mr. Bond!

[@JEMHull-gf9el]

He didn't ay it!?!?!

[@jakybakey8473]

Yeah, I guess Jay thought the joke was getting stale. Might have been funny though if he said it just as he was getting in.

[@1dlively]

I love the Lotus Esprit. That car is very well modified and maintained.

[@davesracingchannel9261]

1dlively Would you please give my racing channel a Subscribe

[@gerrywagner491]

I know both these gentlemen and may I just say they are both gentlemen of the HIGHEST order! I own a 1989 Lotus Esprit SE and Detlef & Jason Claudius have both been so generous with their time and knowledge, always spending time with me when I visit them from my home in New York, (they are in California). I was with them just yesterday in their shop in Cerritos, CA and again they gave me as much time as I wanted...Jason literally walking away from an engine he is rebuilding. In this piece with Jay, Detlef lets Jason do the talking but I assure you Detlef needs no one to speak for him...I enjoy every minute I am in conversation with him. Since I'm in New York, its not geographically possible for me to bring my Esprit SE to the Claudius shop but I do send them parts of the car...for example, Detlef made and installed a new gear shift boot for me which is better than new! You saw how he modified the engine cover in his Esprit...I talked to him yesterday about me sending him my engine cover to do the same for mine...I love how the chargecooler can be seen through the cutout in the cover which is his modification. Keep up the good work Detlef & Jason...and though I have not met Jason's son, I admire his comments in this blog about his family. It is obvious this is a wonderful family!

[@KhyoteJinkens]

That car looks soooooo good. Everything about it. The shapes, paint, interior, the stance, everything. It is so nice.

[@stitcha123]

0:57 Leno: How are you sir? Father: I’m fine and you sir? Leno:

[@aftastosk6016]

This is really excellent.

[@davesracingchannel9261]

Aftastos K Would you please give my racing channel a Subscribe

[@SmeetCoProductions]

Love seeing just about any car that has years and years of love lavished on it. A treasured vehicles specialness always shows.

[@SLIDESPOT]

I have to say as a non car guy I get really caught up in this show and Leno's appreciation and love for craftsmanship and for cars in general is fun to watch. Below I see some reaction to negative comments about non TV people looking uncomfortable or what not......yeah, I am pretty sure the majority of these guys do not enjoy being on camera. They just want to talk about cars and Leno is understanding of that. Learning a lot through these videos so I appreciate that.