Used 2001 Lotus Esprit Used V8 SE 3.5L V8 Twin TurboL Gasoline Manual

Seller Description

2001 Lotus Esprit V8 Twin Turbo.A well maintained late model V8 with many performance and reliability options. This car had a complete engine rebuild in 2016, using forged pistons and gates racing timing belts. Other performance modifications include a Quaife limited slip differential, performance ECU, racing clutch, custom stainless exhaust system(with 2002 style rear grille), all-aluminum radiator, and upgraded suspension components. Over $4,000 in service was just completed in May of 2019 to be sure the car is mechanically sorted for the next owner. A detailed PPI from a local Lotus-trained mechanic is available upon request. The car has a new battery, starts and drives great, and has no service light. The A/C blows cold.
Full size photos and additional details can be found here:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3ou6tw77500srma/AABoSkX6_YG_hNfqtRLNIvV4a?dl=0
The Lotus V8 twin turbo engine is an incredible feat of engineering, considering it was designed from scratch by Lotus for a production run of about 1,500 cars! Though 3.5L is small for a V8, the flat plane crank and twin turbos make the engine capable of 500HP. Sadly, Lotus detuned the engine to 350HP to protect the Renault transaxle. The aftermarket ECU and sport exhaust in this 2001 likely puts the power in the 400HP+ range, but I have no details on the ECU or dyno results. The transaxle has been upgraded with a Quaife LSD, which I am told can help the Renault box handle more power. But with all Esprit turbos it is advisable to have your fun on the open road rather than with burnouts at the stoplight.
Lotus Cars USA imported 95 Esprit V8s in 2001, of which only 6 were finished in New Aluminum metallic (code B35). The 2001 model year cars are essentially the same as 2000 cars, however Lotus addressed some engine cylinder issues with a fix applied to cars produced after the summer of 2000. The 2001 model cars represent the 6th model year Esprit V8, and in my opinion should not be directly compared with early V8 cars in terms of quality and reliability.
Please note that the car will not pass California emissions with the current exhaust setup, OEM catalytic converters will need to be installed. Please check the emissions laws in your area about the use of aftermarket catalytic converters. The modifications to the car were done by the previous owner, who undoubtedly spent over $30k including the engine and differential rebuilds. The performance upgrades are a little extreme for my taste, and the exhaust is very loud. The racing clutch is also something to get used to. It's an incredible car, but it just doesn't fit my driving style.
The car does have some minor issues that did not bother me, but could be addressed. There is a small stress crack at the lower left windshield that looks old and stable. It appears someone filled it with epoxy. The driver's side door mirror is loose, and a new inner structure from SJS is included. The tires are older (2008/2009) and might be "expired" by some inspection standards (please replace them before testing the 175MPH top speed). The brake pads are getting low (between 5mm - 7mm) and should be replaced. The driver's side door trim at the window is losing its matte black paint. The car has a 3M-style clear bra on the leading edges and it is discolored or otherwise imperfect in some spots. The wheels have some chipped paint at the tire bead. The custom exhaust is a bit low and touches the 2002-style exhaust grille. Some of these issues involve personal taste (tires, wheels, exhaust, brake pad compound) and the buyer can do what they like to address them.
Included with the car is the following:
- Spare tire and complete tool kit
- Owner's manual and miscellaneous papers
- One key and two keyless remotes and alarm programming key
- Rear body color valance for factory style exhaust- Body color roof
- Parts receipts from 2013 through 2016 for engine, clutch, differential rebuilds as well as other upgrades- Lotus Certificate of Provenance showing a build date of November 8th, 2000.
This car is located in Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355 (about 25 miles from Philadelphia and 110 miles from NYC). The car has a clean PA title in my name. The car has a clean Autocheck showing 3 owners including myself. The car was delivered new to Symbolic of La Jolla, California. It later went to Canada and was reimported into the USA by myself in 2018.
Sale details: Buyer must pay a nonrefundable $500 Paypal deposit within 24 hours of listing end. The balance is due within 7 calendar days of listing end, by either cash in person or wire transfer. Please collect the car within 14 days, or let me know if you need more time. If you need to have the car transported, please be aware that I am not liable for any damage that occurs between me and you. It's best to inspect the car at pickup. In accordance with PA law, the title must be assigned and notarized when the car leaves my hands (it can't be left "open").
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