Barn find (well sort of)

[Seamster15]

If it really is number "2" it maybe worth doing?

 

[BenzComander]

Agree, but you may have to wait 25 years for it to return your investment. Unless Lotus have a return to F1 and the road cars become collectable.

I read recently that the classic car market is looking good again, it just needs lotus to win Le Mans!!

 

[barryj]

If it really is number "2" it maybe worth doing?

It is #2 just checked it with the JPS register..............................I dont think it will ever be financialy worth doing but if that was the only driver in life then no old cars or houses etc.... would be left.

BTW Mario Andretti has #1 he was presented it in 1979 after winning the F1 world championship for Lotus.

 

[Howard]

Gotta do it then mate !!

Hopefully the son will get back to you soon and let you know how much he wants for it ...

 

[Parrot of Doom]

this makes no financial sense to restore...
...but you have to (or at least find somebody to do so instead if you don't fancy it)

They never do, but then again buying a new car on tick makes no financial sense either - and yet everyone does it.

If I had the space and a garage, I'd be looking to buy something like that. It could take 5 or 10 years, I wouldn't care.

 

[neilrr]

Why has it been parked / abandoned for so long?

 

[Swiss Toni]

It looks like the Domestic JPS No2 - there were Federal, Domestic and Rest of the World numbers so...

Mario got No1 (Federal) - actually he got No2 (Federal) at the ceremony, then No1 to keep. BUT there is a RHD No1 (Domestic - UK) and a ROW No1 too.

Does it begin to look like Lotus were being run by crooks (well, a crook) at that time?!

If it is Domestic No2, then;

Chassis Number 79030686G
Engine Number 907790316137

Apparently the JPS Esprit from the Lotus Collection sold through COYS in 2004 for over £20k (Estimate was £6k - £7k) - http://www.coys.co.uk/auctions/lot.php?auction=31&id=26924

If you look at the Range Rover thread, buying an Esprit is similar financial lunacy, only less comfortable (hey the RR and JPS will have some parts in common!!!!).

 

[mark.t]

if it is a John Player Special car the you may only be allowed to drive it in open spaces where the public will not be affected

 

[barryj]

It looks like the Domestic JPS No2 - there were Federal, Domestic and Rest of the World numbers so...

Mario got No1 (Federal) - actually he got No2 (Federal) at the ceremony, then No1 to keep. BUT there is a RHD No1 (Domestic - UK) and a ROW No1 too.

Does it begin to look like Lotus were being run by crooks (well, a crook) at that time?!

If it is Domestic No2, then;

Chassis Number 79030686G
Engine Number 907790316137

Apparently the JPS Esprit from the Lotus Collection sold through COYS in 2004 for over £20k (Estimate was £6k - £7k) - http://www.coys.co.uk/auctions/lot.php?auction=31&id=26924

If you look at the Range Rover thread, buying an Esprit is similar financial lunacy, only less comfortable (hey the RR and JPS will have some parts in common!!!!).

Thanks for that, already had the chassis/engine number from the JPS register and it is #2 without a shadow of a doubt. I will update you on my progress to aquire the car.

 

[SG CL500]

They never do, but then again buying a new car on tick makes no financial sense either - and yet everyone does it.

If I had the space and a garage, I'd be looking to buy something like that. It could take 5 or 10 years, I wouldn't care.

Don't get me wrong - I would also be in the queue - and it makes even less sense for me as I would have to farm out most of the work

 

[Ian B Walker]

Ahem.........if you eventually turn it down I am a little interested to say the least.

 

[Aswall]

Proper car, hope you get it

 

[robert.saunders]

Agree with the philosophy, go for it - of course it makes no sense, but that's what makes us human and perhaps here, more importantly, what makes us British.

I hope you can acquire it and restore it; what a lovely thing to be able to do

 

[barryj]

Ahem.........if you eventually turn it down I am a little interested to say the least.

I know what you mean, but you will have to join the line behind all the salivating folks on the Esprit Forum

 

[Rob77]

Good luck with striking a deal with the son. I'd enjoy reading about the progress of its restoration

 

[Rory]

I know what you mean, but you will have to join the line behind all the salivating folks on the Esprit Forum

These boys? Nice story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/6292354.stm

 

[Howard]

Wow !! what a lovely story , really shows the good side of human nature , too much of what we read nowadays is people doing bad things ....

:bannana:

 

[Rory]

Wow !! what a lovely story , really shows the good side of human nature , too much of what we read nowadays is people doing bad things ....

It did occur to me that he might be a bit hacked off - they nicked his lifetime project and finished it in 5 weeks!

 

[Fandango]

It did occur to me that he might be a bit hacked off - they nicked his lifetime project and finished it in 5 weeks!

Rory, you strike me as a "glass half empty" type person

 

[Howard]

If anyone wants to come over and steal mine and get the rust on the front arches done , and see if you can sort out the noisy wheel bearing while you're at it , it would be much appreciated ....

I'll book a day off with flu and let you know , i can leave the keys in it , and a list of jobs if you like ?