Lotus Esprit Restomod vs Lotus Esprit stock

[@mikeg8835]

Really appreciate the effort that guys put into his car, but the standard look appeals so much more. Those 17" rims look so wrong

[@neilturner6749]

I don’t think the actual wheel size is the issue, it’s the raised ride height caused by the tyres fitted being of far too high a profile

[@englishmanintransylvania8607]

And possibly even not legal if the overall diameter of the wheel and tyre exceeds the original (difficult to see for sure but certainly looks it). If the overall diameter is increased then, for every rotation, the mileometer would record a smaller amount than was actually traveled (as the mileage uses a meter that counts each Revolution of the drive shaft). This would effectively be ‘clocking’ the mileage. The profile of the tyre would need to be reduced to match the overall diameter of the original or the mileometer recalibrated to compensate for the increased travel per rotation. Also the number plate is non legal (if used on the road) as it’s registered after 1974 when the silver on black changed to black on yellow/white. It’s a fabulous restoration and it’s great to see someone take the time. However, the devil is in the detail and these really stand out as things that (in my opinion) let it down. I’m sure people will think ‘so what’ about the wheels etc. But how would you feel if you found out the car you bought thinking it had done 80k miles had actually done 100k?

[@trusstingod]

@@neilturner6749 the black rocker panels make it look higher than the stock car as well

[@557.vision]

anyway, he could‘ve adjusted the riding height - would look great with his wheels AND sitting more down.

[@steveluck9541]

Looks like it’s on stilts. Looks more like a monster truck than a super car.

[@comeberza]

The wheels and black front lip make the restomod visually look sky high

[@paulandre560]

Both cars are real nice but the wheels just don't look right on the restomod car. They just look a inch too big. No different when I see old muscle cars with anything beyond 16" in diameter - just looks wrong and usually makes it ride like crap on top of it. 20" rims and cars that used to have 15-16" rims look like a clown car. Now when it comes to the EFI, it makes the car 10 times more reliable and twice as fun to drive. Nice mods on everything else.

[@etilhcir4645]

I was thinking the same thing

[@bunter6]

Yeah I think maybe only going to 16" would have been a better choice.

[@neilturner6749]

It’s not the actual wheel size that’s the big visual issue, it’s the raised ride height caused by not fitting tyres of a low enough profile

[@timcameron9023]

Yep - a brushed finish not polished would also have calmed down the wheel visuals too. Lower profile tyres would also help

[@strongereveryday2302]

I think 18's look perfect on old muscle cars. Tread to tread height and offset are all that matters. 20's don't work because they throw off the geometry. But 16's look like balloons. I hate tall side walls.

[@delahayenator]

Usually like restomods, and love the Esprit. This one not so much though Wheels to big/stance not right . Car sits too high. The concave front rim makes it look like a truckwheel imo. Also don’t really like the interior, seems a bit of a collection of stuff. And the arrows in the turnsignals and stopsign in the brakelight…. Come on, its a Giugiaro designed car, it doesn’t need that. Look how the original car sits and then look at the restomodded car. Not an improvement, probably also not in handling.

[@GTE_Channel]

I feel like Esprits always sit to high, even when bone stock. I don't like the larger wheels either. But that's just my taste, it's no critique.

[@delahayenator]

@@GTE_Channel ah, never really noticed. I think the non modded car looks great the way it sits. Maybe its been lowered a bit? in the 70s all supercars had more groundclearance than nowadays, l'esprit des automobiles des 70s :). Have a look at a 512BB or a Countach for example. It goes with the era. A bit bigger rim can be nice but should be really subtle imo.

[@silverbackdp]

i was about to say the same thing.. the wheels fuck up the whole car.

[@danielwatson3273]

The guy did a beautiful job and there are a lot of cool upgrades, but it looks like a 17 year old got a hold of it and changed the wheels, maybe if the wheels popped less and they were toned down a bit.

[@nickp1548]

​@@silverbackdpmakes it look a bit like a Matchbox toy unfortunately. Otherwise very nice

[@biketech60]

I like Mark's wider tires , but not so keen on such a large diameter . Other than my one nitpick , Mark is my hero . Fabulous job all around and thank you for sharing your joy with us !

[@SB-vb8ch]

Fair play for making it your own. Others can express opinions but it's your car so your choice. The work looks to be well considered & executed. Nice job.

[@donquixote3927]

Love it. Really good restomod and I get the feeling Mark and his contractors knew exactly what they were doing.

[@johnschotz1614]

One the best looking car design.

[@ynothump2566]

Great video and presentation! The Esprit still looks as awesome today as it did back then. I grew up as a kid with an Esprit poster on my bedroom wall lol

[@shahnawazvlog6266]

I have Esprit S2 new back then they are the best looking car for their time! love it a life time car that every young man should own a Lotus.

[@memorialgardens1664]

Good job mark looks lovely 💯🧠🤝

[@blackvanandrobin6413]

Awesome. You failed to mention what depth it can now dive to. Plus are you still using the original surface to air missiles or have you upgraded to the tomahawk system ?

[@chrispraz5198]

Double 00 bad ass! Such a Special car.

[@jonathantennantphotography2869]

Love the early Esprits both great cars but fitting 17" wheels ..... sorry the car looks more like a Hotwheel car or beach buggy . I'm sure Colin Chapman would be turning in his grave.

[@team3383]

Its awful. Only improvement on Colin's car are the lights which didn't exist back then.

[@jonathantennantphotography2869]

@@team3383 to be honest I think any wheel in the correct size would look better then the wrong size wheel. At least it’s a talking point

[@team3383]

I've just changed from 14 to 15" on my Alfa (Duetto) and you have to strain to see the difference, but the car runs and rides a lot better. The ones fitted here are too big for the car no matter what design (Not to my taste) but probably cheap because replica Wolf Race rims are expensive. They just LOOK wrong. He has ruined the original car with what he's done apart from the lights (w'out the side repeaters and extra badges). One of those people who adds a badge and then ONLY stares at the badge which is GOOD in his mind, instead of stepping back and taking in the whole picture which is vile ...

[@terencebrown7872]

Superb job Mark - I sold my '88 Esprit Turbo some years ago and currently driving a Vantage but still miss the Esprit hugely. Enjoy your brilliant example and the undoubted appreciation that goes with it. Best tegards, Terence

[@calazam118]

I’ll pass the compliments on to Mark! I’d love to have a Vantage as more of a daily car at some point in my life. Equally as stunning as the Esprit for sure! Thanks for commenting!

[@motorfab7014]

I like this exemple of restomod, when design is not touched Good job👏

[@calazam118]

I’ll pass on the compliments to Mark. 👍🏻

[@ghowells5433]

Stunning restoration and resto, upgrades are really nicely chosen and make it more useable and reliable. Will come over and have a closer look when back in Herefordshire.

[@MrFlyingguy]

yes, wheels subjective..... but the rest is totally spot on and most of all, thank you for sharing and many congratulations

[@stephanmartini4514]

I had a Lotus factory publicity photo of a gold S2 Esprit (side elevation, taken at Hethel) colour printed and stuck to the fridge when I was studying design back in the 90's and yes, along with the then new Speedline wheels the sills & front spoiler were black painted. Now that I work for the company on its future models, I can think of no car that I'd better enjoy driving to work from Norwich down those winding Norfolk lanes than a Restomod pre-S3 Esprit. Thanks for the share guys, look fwd to future video uploads of these cars.

[@calazam118]

Amazing words and thanks for the compliments as well, it really means a lot! I’d absolutely love to have a modern Exige or Elise as a daily next to the Esprit but I’d like to try living with one for a weekend first to see how I get on. However arranging that is hard hence why I have an Abarth haha! I’d also love to take my Esprit home to hethel but it’s not quite ready for such a long trip right now. Thanks again!

[@davec7051]

Thanks Callum - great article. Mark - well done, an awesome job on your Espirit. 👍👍

[@calazam118]

Thank you Dave! Really appreciate the support, I’ll pass your compliments onto Mark.

[@mrdainase]

The restomod looks really well thought out engineering-wise with a very useful hike in engine power - and love the colour! I did wonder if the engine cover might reflect off the rear screen and obscure the view, but that's a small price to pay for such excellent cosmetic work. I can't help but think 17" wheels is just too big and 15" would work better, the nose-down effect disappears with wheels that size and the car looks a bit like it perched on stilts. Interiors always divide opinions. The seats and dash cover are gorgeous, personally I would go full digital for the driver's display with 3 screens to look after the dials, sat nav and heater controls, then use put a roof console in for the remaining minor buttons (backlit square avionics ones for that multi-colour glow!) and clock. Then get one of Land Rover's Clearview mirrors to look after the reverse cam. That little lot would hurt anyone's wallet but it's still a gorgeous motor regardless. Oh, and the original is a peach too!

[@christophermichael.w.7577]

Everyone tends to go big with the wheels. I have done it too. You see vehicles with 20s and you think that you will be sensible and go with 17s.Then the vehicle sits high.I always lowered mine ,but for handling I love 15 inch rims with Pirelli tires

[@mrdainase]

@@christophermichael.w.7577 Going up in diameter usually means the wheels will be heavier, impacting unsprung weight. One slight change I would like to see is getting rid of the black seam line that runs round the body so it is left with just the crease behind it. As we all know, the seam is a production feature but it's also quite ugly, particularly where it runs around the arch lip.

[@smokyr6139]

What a fantastic video presentation, looking more professional every time. These 2 Esprits look stunning together… looking forward to seeing them on the road together soon.

[@paulmcadam6825]

Just found your post. I'm a lotus fan and of anything mid engined. I'm in Guyana, South America and we have at least two 1970s Elans and a 1990 Esprit Turbo SE 1990 here. I'm a proud owner of a Sw20 MR2 Turbo, mid engined so close enough for. You've got a new subscriber. Great video. Keep.up the good work!!!

[@calazam118]

Amazing comment!! Amazing how the Lotus/mid engined world brings us together!! I bet there are some amazing driving roads in your part of the world, and an MR2 sounds like a wonderful car to drive them in!! Thanks for subscribing it really means a lot!

[@Stringwar]

That restomod is delicious. I prefer the stance and wheels of the original. But very good work.

[@idesignyou...9257]

Wow love all the updates on Mark's Lotus, would love to see them on the road, please make it happen! :)

[@Arreldee]

I'm a huge fan of restomods when they're not outrageously modified and my word Mark had done a tremendous work! No offense Callum but I'd have his car over yours (that is amazing nonetheless) everyday of the week. If I were to nitpick however I find his alloy wheels a tad too big but that's about it. Great video, keep up the good work!

[@calazam118]

Thanks for your kind words, I agree Marks car is wonderful in so many ways but I would never swap it for my baby haha! Still though, he’s done some amazing things to it and I’m so happy with how it’s been received.

[@asennad]

@@calazam118 Those replacement switches are just plain wrong.

[@neilturner6749]

Its not the bigger wheels that I’ve a problem with, it’s the wrong tyre-profile size fitted that’s raising the ride height.

[@andrewstubbings5628]

I bloody love it, I have always liked the S3 really cool and understated, you have made it look amazing!! 👍👍

[@calazam118]

I’ll pass on the compliments to Mark.

[@ohgoaway3610]

Nicely done guys, really like them both

[@calazam118]

Thank you!

[@benmarr352]

Really nice work, thank you for sharing. 180 lb/ft from 2.2 litres, that is 82/litre - amongst the highest of all time.

[@calazam118]

Thank you! That’s what we like to hear 👂 😁👍🏻

[@stingray120]

Outstanding work, love the looks and attention to detail. I think the wheels look spectacular.

[@JBsC6]

Love the two lotus sports cars and I really like the resto mod wheels chosen. Looks fabulous

[@rhannay39]

The wheels make it look like a cartoon car.

[@hkingkong]

Very cool, thanks for the great presentation 👍

[@calazam118]

Thank you! I’ll pass the compliments on to Mark as well 👍🏻

[@claudiushempstead9893]

Excellent content. Really enjoyed it.

[@calazam118]

Thank you! Really appreciate that 👍🏻😁

[@vision2002]

I do like the restomod, but would do the body colored sills and front splitter - looks great on the more original car. Also agree with the other folks on the wheel size - would have gone for 15" maybe 16" max.

[@marcandsebe]

I had an S2 Lotus Esprit. Mine was in white. An amazing car in its day.

[@bockersjv]

First impression is those wheels look HUGE. It looks like it’s on stilts too. But both beautiful cars.

[@SkotiM]

Really great video, love the enthusiasm over the mods.

[@kb9072]

Sills And front valance should be body coloured. That black makes the car look like it's raised up. Love light treatment and the sun filter on the windscreen.

[@leeattwood5443]

Looks really cool

[@kellywilliams3777]

I would love to know more about the EFI upgrade. what ECU and equipment was needed, how the crank timing was done, wiring changes, tank modifications, etc. Overall - very nice job and thank you for sharing!

[@calazam118]

Thanks for the comment! We are planning on making a video answering questions such as this to save trying to fit it all in a comment.

[@susanhenderson2322]

Worked on these when new, no 2 cars were the same from the factory due to different suppliers and teams building them. Nice work but I don't like the stance /wheels but it's not mine so irrelevant. Disliked working on them back 8n the day and hated the turbo version more so you must love them to spend so much time and effort on it. Good work.

[@dianerandise6612]

Great job on the restorations and upgrades! Beautifully done. I still like the original better. However I would take the restomod in a heartbeat! Cheers 🥂

[@davyboy888]

Callum's original all day long. Sorry Mark, not my cup of tea. I've seen tons of great modded Esprits, all the way through to the extreme racing silhouettes produced by a friend of mine, Tom Shephard of Maguires, during the 1980s... this one just doesn't float my boat at all.

[@calazam118]

Each to their own, this is why this video was made, to start discussions 👍🏻 Thanks!

[@barryfeatherstone1616]

I always loved the Mk2 Esprit & drove many during my time with Charles Follett in Berkeley St, W1. I'd love a restmod (but am not a fan of either the original Wolfrace wheels or those newer versions.... to my eyes it now looks over-tyred and I don't ever remember any Lotus needing more mechanical grip ..😊) Each to their own though as you say.

[@calazam118]

Very diplomatic, thanks for your comment 👍🏻😁

[@jonrobertsemea]

Guys - love it. I've owned a '76 S1 Esprit for many years now, so I know these cars pretty well. Very nice restomod - top job - especially the homage to the Wolfrace wheels !!

[@calazam118]

Wonderful to hear from another owner, and especially another Guigario owner 😁!! Thanks for the kind words and I do agree, those wheels aren’t everybody’s cup of tea but I think they look snazzy!

[@BombDaBass2000]

I think we all agree! These 17 inch wheels.. geez

[@D-day-1996]

It's a remarkable car

[@ryswal]

Great job, very impressive!

[@keyboarddancers7751]

I nearly jumped out of my skin when the music started!

[@74haydo]

Nice work lads!

[@kamranabid3600]

Great job thanks for posting! Why not go the turbo route for even more power but in keeping with he car?

[@moto9492]

Others comment the wheels look too big, but I believe they'd look perfect if the body lowers were color matched. The eye is tricked when comparing the ratio between wheel size and car size (and the black lower paint visually reduces the car size, therefore making the wheels appear larger). More proof? Look how the 14 inch wheels on the fully painted Esprit on the left seem a bit smaller than normal compared to a standard, black-lower Esprit S2, say, in old pics. Maybe just switch wheels around on these two cars for a day to see...

[@neilturner6749]

No it’s not a visual eye trick, it really is riding far higher than the original because the bigger wheels haven’t been properly coordinated with lower profile tyres that match the increased wheel diameter.

[@reglockyer9234]

Great minds eh!!!

[@bernardwarr4187]

Lovely car, just needs one coil cutting off each road spring. Very nice work

[@jameslove1363]

Not one for the purist however great attention to detail, I personally love what you’ve done with it PS Watch out for the Lotus police. Cheers Jim

[@kevinwilliams1421]

As he said it’s personal choice… and it’s his car

[@herbiee22]

Ready for offloading with the alloys on the restomod. Just because you can...doesn't mean you should. Original is preferred. That's all I'll say...

[@nazcaplain]

I used those brake dust covers just long enough to realize that my brakes would very quickly overheat and stop working. Also, I might've like the 17" wheels if I wasn't directly comparing them to the stock size. That said - it is smashing, mazel tov!

[@SKYSAW59]

Sensational!.. But at huge cost, i imagine. Im doing a ground up on my Europa Special, and its a money pit! 😆

[@SlippingTime]

Tastefully done. Thanks for sharing!

[@calazam118]

Thanks for your kind words! 😁

[@raymondlonghurst4655]

Wheels look terrible

[@iliafigueroa4820]

Agreed 100%! Astonishes me how no taste is so common!

[@dodruaidh9146]

Fascinating. Thanks

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

Love the restore mod, except for the wheels (why do so many restore mods get suck aborrhant rims)

[@rolandyap8640]

Nice mod. The addition of a roof cockpit audio would complete the nostaljia ✌️

[@reglockyer9234]

I love it.Ive got an Esprit restomod bubbling away in my head ,ready for my Lotto win.Im wonering if the wheels would look better with the sills and front spoiler body coloured.The current restomod way with instruments is to get electronic dials with an original look or at least original details.Only thing i dont like are the garden shed project switches.

[@martinchapman8674]

It appears that Marks wheels has increased the ride height over standard cars ride height, which surely has a detrimental effect on value

[@cupidstunt22]

It's riding like a tractor

[@neilturner6749]

Yep it’s not running tyres of a low enough profile to compensate for the increased wheel diameter.

[@G5_VXCw-xN-]

@@cupidstunt22 doesn’t feel like it 🙃

[@neilturner6749]

The restomods sitting way too high. Thats not an issue specifically with the increase in wheel size, because that can be compensated for by a reduction in tyre profile, but the tyres fitted are far too wide resulting in too high a profile, thereby raising the ride height.

[@lincolnpinkoln359]

I bet hes knackered the ride and handling..Colin Chapman was known for his 'sweet' handling chassis designs.Od have the standard car over the scooby do mobile any time..

[@rosscampbell7275]

Nice to see the gold! I have a gold 1980 S2 as well. Black leather. A/C. It was purchased by a Dr. Richard Gold in 1981 in California USA. Considering that only 80 Esprits were built world wide in 1980 , I'm thinking that gold with black leather and A/C would be pretty rare. I have contacted Lotus cars to get an actual number in that combo but they want me to get a certificate of providence which is $500 my money. So no. The car had a flash paint job before it came to Canada when I purchased it in 1994. Here's the bad news, it was a bad job and in red!! So back than it had no real value, so I started doing a retromod. Yes when I get it mechanically sound, it will be going back to gold. Need a paint code but again $500. You all may ask what's taking me so long ?? Well lots of retromodding and life, but now retired. My wife god bless her says the Esprit gets 5 years to the gallon!

[@andrewgardner9615]

Hope number plates are for show only on the "restomod" Esprit.How is the overall height of the tyres on 17s compared to original 14s? Has it changed effective gearing?Lovely car fixing reliability issues as well.

[@JamesCairney]

The modified lotus is lovely, but I'm not sure about the wheels, I can see why they were done and it makes perfect sense, but, still not convinced. Still a lovely car, so is the original one.

[@davidstuart4915]

loo big - comical n appearance

[@calazam118]

Thank you!

[@chefgromano5025]

I’d take the original one. Both nice though.

[@calazam118]

Thank you!! 😁

[@twoeyedbob]

Cool But the front wheels especially look wrong

[@jamesbaum4523]

Big 17" wheels on Giugiaro Esprits just don't look right at all.Excellent vid though and marmite wheels aside the resto mod Esprit has addressed alot of the failings of the early cars and with original S2 wheels fitted back on as much as I hate to admit it being a purist would be the Esprit for me!

[@I999-g2s]

Definitely the original car for me. But the restomod is very cool too.

[@barrysleafer8347]

Had an esprit v8 in at work a few months back looked mint but what a money pit every time we fixed it something else would randomly break on it The owner bought 18 months ago and hadn't even managed a full week of driving it We motd it three weeks ago during the emissions test the left turbo decided to shit itself for no reason whatsoever we fixed it and the the guy sold it We worked out in the time we had it he'd spent nearly 8 grand on it

[@cupidstunt22]

It may be just me, but isn't the restomod car riding a touch on the high side?

[@daviddesert3132]

Interesting! I'm thinking of soon getting an esprit and each week l change my mind between a s3 or a 1989 se. Getting 220hp from a modified G car is a good upgrade...any thoughts from owners?

[@lincolnpinkoln359]

Looks life Halfords had a clear out and it ended up on the restomod..😣

[@sw651]

Got home from work just in time.

[@calazam118]

Haha! You still have 72 minutes, just time for a cup of tea I think 🤔 🫖

[@sw651]

@@calazam118 I've been waiting for this one since you mentioned his car in a previous video.

[@calazam118]

@@sw651 Ahhh! Sorry it’s been a bit of a wait, but hopefully the video is worth it. I just managed to film with Marks car before it went away the next day for its winter workshop session. I look forward to hearing your thoughts when it’s out 😁

[@allareasindex7984]

Is the restomod’s ground clearance greater than the original?

[@Omegaman1969]

Both great cars but the wheels are just way too big on the resto mod car, looks silly.

[@JuicyFruityify]

This is definitely his car. Magnificent job. I'd be mighty proud of that. But for me, give me the original. Those wheels appear too big and though custom to look like the originals they, too simple and the rear could be wider. Too many things look off for me. I'd love those SEMA guys to get a hold of it and ever so stylishly enhance it while looking seamlessly original.

[@stephen300o6]

Is that monster truck version for going through deep puddles?

[@stevierogguitar52]

Hi guys , how can i improve the extreamly dim pannle lights on my esprit turbo in the binnical ? led's ? can anyone help with this question ? great cars by the way love em.

[@chargeheadsuk]

The future of restomod is EV conversion. Beautiful cars these and similar to my TVR EV conversion in style 😍⚡🤟

[@rocket63]

Great work. The restomod, sits too high for my taste and the wheels are too large for my liking. Conceptually i like it otherwise. Standard looks squat and balanced by comparison.

[@SajidHussain-lj5mr]

Wery nise karz 👍

[@fritzmuller8246]

Love the Restomod BUT the wheels are too big. I'm sure the run ratio on the motorway is improved a bit but it's just hideous. Good wheels but two sizes too big. Lovely work though, from one restonmodder to another.

[@neilturner6749]

The big wheels could work if supported by lower profile tyres that would maintain the original ride height and stance of the vehicle.

[@calvincooley1074]

I love the modern vintage wheels but the car needs to sit lower.

[@spinnetti]

Iconic shape, both look great, though the modern wheels just don't work - originals much better. Amazing how far cars have come since then!

[@christophermichael.w.7577]

I tend to like the restomods.I like a car that you can drive everyday and have it be fun to drive without going crazy with the mods.

[@inspectable]

Is that an MGC in the intro?

[@calazam118]

It’s actually a B GT, I owned two of them a 71 and a 72 then the Lotus Elan Plus 2 S/130. An updated intro featuring the Esprit will be coming soon…..

[@lancraft]

Beautiful Restomod. The switch-gear and instruments are not in keeping with the type of car, should be black-faced, modern font, and rocker switches. Left headlamp pod doesn’t look flush. Dust covers reduce brake cooing. should remove since those wheels are so easy to clean, & car looks better without. Why no ride in car???

[@calazam118]

Ride in the car coming soon 😁

[@sammygirlie345]

Love the mods wheels not so much

[@grrfy]

Those wheels and painted mirrors look so wrong.sorry.Dark sills and the gold look mint though!

[@astrobuddsy6230]

The original car looks great

[@cannonfodder4812]

I think finding a 16" wheel with a tire to keep the same or only slightly larger tire diameter, would look mu h better than thos 17s. Ive seen 4x4 trucks with less ground clearance.

[@wessmith3161]

The restomod is a stunning build I echo many other people's thoughts on the wheels though, just too big. Even with a lower profile tyre I don't think the stance would look better than the original. Everything else though is top notch.

[@axi0matic]

The mechanicals are superb, but not keen on the aesthetics personally .Aside from the overly large wheels, the LED lights are a bit naff and the interior has two different shades of brown, which looks odd. The instrument binnacle is a bit of a mess too.

[@Auto_Funk]

Brilliant! I love the resto mod car! Wheels are slightly too big aesthetically but it's nice to be able to put modern boots on it and I dare say the car drives better for it....! I owned a Stevens Esprit Turbo so understand first hand how these improvements must no doubt transform the Esprit! Great content!

[@neilturner6749]

The bigger wheels haven’t been compensated for by the appropriate reduction in tyre profile, so it might have more lateral grip simply because the tyres are wider, but it’ll handle like an absolute dog in comparison to the original.

[@Auto_Funk]

@@neilturner6749 I agree to an extent but in fairness the profile is significantly reduced... The unsprung weight may be an issue... I would have personally gone 15" front and 16" rear with probably something like a 205/55 on the front and 225/45 or 50 rear which may have been less extreme. But I reckon it probably handles pretty well. Speaking from experience as I have owned an Esprit and experimented with different sized wheels and tyres during ownership...