- Same Owner since 1983

Description for Lotus Esprit 1978

This car is number 558 of about 718 Series I Lotus Esprits built. It has a white exterior—like the one in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. I have owned this car since December 1983, when I bought it from a teenager in Florida and brought it to Southern California.

I rebuilt the Stromberg carbs, upgraded the radiator fans, and got her running and enjoyed her for a few years. Then I started some more upgrades with Lotus Prepared by Claudius in Cerritos, California. Eventually I had it taken apart and painted white over gold that glistens in the sunlight. The ESPRIT logo in the correct, original location and outline font, but in gold lettering. At the same time, Claudius added the S2 front spoiler, which we integrated into the bodywork and painted with the body color instead of black. He also added the later, ventilated engine cover and louvers to replace the closed cover and glass panel. I've never had any overheating problems with the car.

Claudius also did the custom interior in tan leather and fabric. He also replaced the original factory Wolfrace wheels and painted these at the same time to match. Mechanically, he rebuilt the engine and upgraded the induction to the Dellorto, European configuration and I enjoyed many more years of wonderful driving.

More recently. I had Claudius upgrade to a more powerful starter motor, the carburetors were rebuilt, and Claudius added the Aeroquip fuel feed lines to eliminate the banjo fittings that leak and cause fires. The shift linkage cable was also replaced and everything works great. I enjoy driving my cars, but don't push hard and there are a few little nicks from rocks, and the usual wear from years of use, but there are not a lot of miles on the car and the car has never been hit or damaged in any way. I've never had a problem passing smog inspections and everything is current and ready to enjoy for many more years to come. Shop Manual included.

In summary, some key features:

· * Has been upgraded and worked on by Lotus Prepared by Claudius for over 30 years: including, custom paint job (white over gold), custom tan interior (leather and fabric) and mechanical service and upgrades

· * Engine rebuild and upgrades also by Claudius

· * Same owner since 1983

· * Has been garaged indoors and covered in Southern California since 1983

· * Ready to enjoy!

· * Light, fast, super responsive - more fun than a $500,000 car!