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@@ctr289 to do that requires: Two extra people (another driver, plus another camera operator) Suitable vehicle to film from Suitable roads to film on, possibly closed All of the extra time And it won't get any more views because of it. That's the reality. Remember when everyone went mad for drone shots? They died for a good reason
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii LOVE the Esprit!!! Since I was a kid with my MASSIVE white S2 poster on the wall (my Dad pasted it to the wall so it would stay flat with a nice sheen to it 😏). I've loved them since seeing the Bond movie. My jaw just dropped any time I saw one parked up or driving by, REALLY loved the V8 (in the yellow with that spoiler on the back)... They are just one of my top 10 dream cars to own! I would even buy a basic one JUST to have one! It's the shape & stance, the pop up headlights, in a way, it's kinda like my other favourite car... The Countach... MAN! I damn near fainted watching the Rory Reid/AutoTrader UA-cam video of the NEW LP800-4 Countach!! lol HELL!!! WHAT A CAR!!! 👌😏 😎🇬🇧
I love it too, I am sure Doug Demuro would have spent 5 minutes explaining all the quirks and features, but actually this stereo just deserves a separate video.
I love the story of the Esprit in 'The Spy Who Loved me'. A cheeky Lotus employee parked the prototype outside of the movie studio, until they called them up. During filming the stunt driver couldn't get the feel of the car. So a Lotus test driver showed them how it is supposed to be driven. They put him in the movie as the stunt driver.
The test driver did an absolutely spectacular run, only for the film crew to tell him "would you mind doing all that again and this time we will have the cameras rolling"
The test driver was Roger Becker and infact he was much more then a testdriver for Lotus . He was a project engineer that was involved in the Esprit Elise Evora.... He was in that era the one that was responsable for the fenominal driving capabilities of Lotus Cars
@@F8Tributo another fun fact: His son, Matt, used to spend evenings with his dad being driven around in Esprit and Elise. Later in life he himself would be spending his evening testing Evoras, Elises and Exiges as Lotus chief chassis engineer. He bailed out of Lotus in 2017 after Jean-Marc Gales arrived and ruined Lotus, then moved to Aston Martin. After Tobias Moers took control he quits because things were not going well with Tobias running Aston, then made a move to McLaren, only for him to spend an entire year without any project because... McLaren, and he now found himself in JLR as chassis engineer.
Anyone else love this car because it makes you feel 12 again. Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge on the C64 and Amiga 500! And obviously James Bond made the Esprit Uber cool.
Yup always lusted after one of these when I was a young fella, and spent many hours playing Lotus Esprit Turbo challenge on my Amiga 500. I had to laugh though, the wiper & indicator/horn stalks are identical to my first car - a 1975 Triumph Dolomite - no doubt from a parts bin shared with BL, along with all the other bits I recognise from mass produced british cars of the 70's and 80's - the door handles and so on.
My uncle ran a Lotus dealership in the early 80s and I will never forget the day he came to visit us in an identical spec car to the one you've driven here: white with red decals and red leather interior. I think it inspired my interest in cars, especially as my dad only drove a Cortina estate at the time. My abiding memory is the sound of the turbo whistling behind my head - not something I'd experienced before.
The Lotus Turbo Esprit isn't just one of the most iconic supercars of the 70s and 80s, it's a grade A film star. And I would absolutely love and adore one.
My mate had a JPS and I had a 2 litre MK4 Cortina. He lost his license for 6 months and put me on the insurance to drive him on a Friday and Saturday to the local nightclubs in Essex. Now not everything they say about Essex girls is true but if you're parking up outside TOTS Zero 6 or Dukes nightclubs the chance of pulling a corker goes through the roof😊 You just have to borrow the Lotus and not turn up in the Cortina for the second date ..found that one out quick 😂😂😂 Plus all the gain no pain
I had a friend that owned both a Turbo Esprit and later a V8... I got to drive both extensively and I have to say, I liked the look of the Turbo, but I LOVED the Twin Turbo V8 to drive. Both are supercars in my opinion. I'd take either.
I always liked that copper coloured Esprit from "for your eyes only", it's much prettier than in white. Having said that, if I was looking for an Esprit and the best one I could find was in white, I'd go with white.
LOVE these, having grown up with Roger Moore's Bond on TV. About 30 years ago my mechanic at the time had one in his garage. A young couple had bought it, and then the timing belt/chain went. Even back then a water pump was $750, and a set of pistons was about $2,000. Too rich for me then, too rich for me now. If that lotto ever comes my way...
Having owned such a vehicle the key i found was Use every week Sort out the starting procedure & let it idle for 5 min before you move off Sit slightly closer than you normally do Why Because you have to hit the floor every gear change with the clutch pedal Why Because your clutch will last 3 Times longer You can not as this guy did on the first time he gunned it Catch a gear Just a nick is enough to start the clutch/gearbox problem they can have By sitting 2 notches forward helps heaps Change fluids Never spin the wheels off the mark That is about it I drove mine for 2.5yrs it had a slightly tight 2nd gear when i brought it it had a slightly tight 2nd gear when i sold it Very Very COOL automobile
The perm! 😆 Man the 1980s were something else. Sometimes, I am very glad that the Internet exists. I don't ever want to go back to the days of Top Gear where you only got 5-7 minutes per car. Your show is terrific.
Oh that roof mounted audio equipment.❤❤ That was about the coolest thing on the planet when I were a lad! I can almost hear Kenny Loggins belting out of it!
The black active suspension Turbo Esprit still exists so I've found out - photos posted on a Lotus Owners Facebook group. It was on display at Lotus on 23 September 2023. I believe it was an employee reunion do at the factory.
In the 80s my parents used the petrol station at West Horsley in Surrey because it was cheap, and had attendant service (remember that?). It was also home to Bell & Colvill, Lotus (and other exotica) dealers. The forecourt was stuffed with Essex Turbos and S1 Esprits plus Porsches, Maseratis etc. etc. The petrol pumps have gone now but B&C are still there selling Lotus, McLaren, Morgan, Subaru etc.
I love the look of 80's cars. In my view, it was the last year that cars tended to look really distinctive. In the 90's the desire for more aerodynamics meant that a lot of cars began to look same-same in fundamental ways.
Great review. Perfect spec of esprit. Possibly my favorite dream car and coolest bond car ever. Apparently in the bond movie the stunt driver couldn't get it to skid enough so the Lotus test driver had to do it !
I remember as a kid in the early 80s, CAR magazine compared a Turbo Esprit with a Ferrari 308 and gave the victory to the Lotus which they reckoned had better handling as well as being a fair bit faster. A bit unfortunate for Ferrari as the car in the test was the newly introduced fuel injected 308 which was significantly less powerful than the carb version though this was remedied shortly after with the introduction of the QV model. I was torn as loved the shape of the 308 but remember how cool the Turbo Esprit looked in For Your Eyes Only.
I love this channel. You're enternainting and in the same moment you teach us something about cars we used to hang on our walls. Keep on going! Greetings from Germany.
As always" great revue, takes me back to when my best mate had one back in the 80's, that one was red and the glove box used to pop open each time we hit a minor bump, the attention we got was amazing" just loved every minute of driving around in it.
Best colour on this retro sports car. Red stripes and black bumper . The 0-60 was accurate. The non turbo was exactly one second slower . And on top of that the turbo would increase on the mid range power nicely . The esprit was great on the snow and winter roads . I had the non turbo. Neighbour had the white with red stripes same a in the vid
This is - I think this will always be - my ultimate analogue pocket supercar. It is everything that I look for in a classic sportscar that I simply cannot find in today's offering - be that ICE or EV. Anything that looks that good, handles that well or goes that fast, I could forgive a lot of problems for...
I work as a mechanic at an independent shop, we do a lot of weird cars, lots of expensive classics and so on. I just had the (dis)pleasure of doing a timing belt on one of these cars. What an absolute NIGHTMARE to work on! But man getting to drive this car, it’s so amazing, it sounds SO unique, and the turbo lag is delicious. Absolutely lovely driving characteristics, sharp as an arrow! I reckon it would be a killer candidate for a turbo K swap (I am not a purist) due to the fact that these engines are so temperamental. Awesome cars and such good looking machines
A friend of mine owned an 82 then an 86 model in which I learned how to drive a manual. I felt like the luckiest teenager in the world. What an amazing car. Jane's, I feel the same way you do about it. Great video again!!!!!
I saw one of these next to my school in Japan, the person was really kind and had this for 31 years, it was also naturally aspirated and extreme well maintenance without any tune or bodykits
Great review James and I love your “rampant fangirlism” of this amazing car… exactly how I feel about my copper fire dry sump 😍 It’s a very special car, not only is it one of the sexiest cars ever made, it’s so much fun to drive 🤩
Whistle huff whistle huff whistle flutter. I have a dry sump too, 1094, wouldn't part with it for the world. If the road is damp, it'll break traction on boost in 3rd gear. Always gets a response from the passenger that does....
Almost alongside your piece on the Aston V550, this is totally unexpected and wonderful! What an epic epic motor! I love it! Love love love it! There is no better looking wedge than the Turbo Esprit in my humble opinion. Thank you Jay. Thank you.
What a great car, I’m getting all sentimental, had an Esprit 20 years ago, fantastic fun, a real drivers car, no ABS, no power steering, seems so basic now, but that meant it was a relatively simple car to keep on the road….
I think I would take the Caroline Munro over the Barbara Bach but then I always prefer the British models. I do like that the interior of that car has as many wrinkles as most 80s models now though!
You might change your mind if you met Barbara in real life I got to hang out with her once when I was a teenager before she was married she was really pretty and the best thing is really nice
Excellent, I had an turbo esprit loved it best super car alway got a thumbs up. Never let us down did 2 trips to France and one to Belgium. Problem with esprits is prices low for years and to many DIY mechanics. Only thing really is make sure carbs rebuild and fuel tanks replaced for alloy so you don't get rust in fuel system. If you can get a esprit with sunroof which is pull out and makes it sort of targa top which is Fab in the summer. If original late HC model best as forged pistons.
Well Jay, yet another brilliant video where you are 100% on the money and excel further when driving one of the greatest cars that ever has been, is or ever will be made. You only confirmed the deepest truth about the excellence and legend this car represents, even beyond Bond, that makes those who love it love it even more. Hope you get one soon, cheap and working better than expected!
Great vid 🙂 Loved Esprits since I was a little kid after seeing The Spy Who Loved Me on release at the cinema back then, and yesterday, finally got to sit in one (just sit, not drive !) at the Stars and Cars event in Bolton, the smile still hasn't gone away !
The gearbox was not Citroën but Renault - from originally the 20/30 then the later 25. With the demise of the 25, gearbox supplies were in danger and signalled the demise of all Esprits - the last V8 still using the same basic Renault unit. (Remember, Lotus had already used the Renault 16 gearbox - and engine - in the Europa, ingeniously spinning it 180º and swapping the running side of the crownwheel in the diff. This box continued to be used, later in TX 5-speed form, in the Twin Cam Europa)
The s1, s2. S3 and Turbo Esprit had the citroen C35 gearbox. Early Stevens cars had the C35, but most Stevens cars and facelifts onwards had the Renault UN1 with the transition to UN1 happening in the late 80's.
A mate had one of those. Gave me a lft back from his garage around the North Circular one saturday evening - reckon that is one, if not the, fastest mid range accerating cars I have been in. A proper road racer, all the more dramtic because you are literally almost lying down. They don't make cars like that anymore and its a shame. They look cool too and Lotus is probably the coolest badge to have these days.........
As a former owner of a Turbo Esprit HC (for 15 years) I can tell you the most important thing about owning these is knowing someone who knows how to work on the motor. The other parts on these were fairly reliable and easy to replace. But these motors are very very difficult for most, even well seasoned, mechanics to properly work on. Miss the car though, that steering is just the best
I love your enthousiasm for this one. I own a rare S2.2 (88 units made) for over 10 years and before diving into motorcycles, I have driving many miles with my Esprit. I also do all restoration and maintenance on it.
Wonderful review of an epic car. It looks better and better as the years go by - the design is so obviously of its time but also somehow remains current and looks so so good. Even Elons cyber truck is rocking some Esprit angles so that's some sort of compliment I guess. The Esprit has always been one of my hero cars and happy to know it's as good as it looks.
My favourite of the wedge-cars. When I was a kid, my brother and I got a slot-car set as a present. It included a Group 5 BMW 320, a Porsche 959, a Porsche 928 and a Lotus Turbo Esprit S1 Race Car with a big rear wing. Obviously, two of the cars would belong to my brother and since he was the older one, he was the first to choose. He took the very cool Group 5 BMW with a BMW works livery and then it was my turn. I didn't even have to think, I took the red Lotus in a heartbeat. It just looked so cool. I loved this thing. He then took the 959 which left the 928 for me, which I always though looked strange, but was also the best to drive, so I guess it was fair in the end. :)
My Dad had this nearly exact car except the bumpers were white as were the wheels and it was awesome! He bought it in 1985 and picking me up from school was a joy to behold. The interior was burgundy velour and we loved it. Had a few issues which were ironed out and he used it as a daily driver. Just loved it!
You’ve answered a question I had about early Esprits - whether they felt vintage compared to how a modern car handles. With understandable high expectations from an icon, its gratifying to see its still great fun and usable in the 21st C.
Have been my dream to drive one since The Spy Who Love Me....Then got head over heels when seeing in For Your Eyes Only... absolutely remarkable car . I always prefer this model than the later models
Everyone seems to forget the movie “if looks could kill” which is how I fell in love with the car, my dream car and I was able to get a red 94 S4 I love it
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii LOVE the Esprit!!! Since I was a kid with my MASSIVE white S2 poster on the wall (my Dad pasted it to the wall so it would stay flat with a nice sheen to it 😏). I've loved them since seeing the Bond movie. My jaw just dropped any time I saw one parked up or driving by, REALLY loved the V8 (in the yellow with that spoiler on the back)... They are just one of my top 10 dream cars to own! I would even buy a basic one JUST to have one! It's the shape & stance, the pop up headlights, in a way, it's kinda like my other favourite car... The Countach... MAN! I damn near fainted watching the Rory Reid/AutoTrader UA-cam video of the NEW LP800-4 Countach!! lol HELL!!! WHAT A CAR!!! 👌😏 😎🇬🇧
Anyone else upon hearing James making "fangirl" remarks, think to themselves "Just get out there and INDULGE, man!" :) Given all the good stuff you've brought here, NO ONE will surely be churlish enough to deny you some proper fun. :) Oh, and if that Lottery win comes your way, and you can blag both one of these AND that Ariel Atom you know you'll have evil track day fun with, again, get out there and indulge. When it's pine box time, you'll make your exit knowing you had a ball along the way. :)
Good video and loving the comments too, so much nostalgia and genuine love from the 70's born. An Esprit Turbo (or Turbo Esprit) was also on my wanted list but as my wife doesn't like the wedgie 70's/80's look a curvy car won out, Loti are always on my radar and it's good to chat to owners at classics meets as they are a good bunch (and also appreciate my Chimaera).
1987 in Stockholm did I see a black Turbo Esprit with the text Lotus file with red paint in the back and beige leather parked. I hav loved them sense that evening.
I too have lusted after one of these for years- and eventually got to drive one a few years ago. And like you, I was not at all disappointed. They say never meet your hero - but I am glad I did. Still fancy one - but thing the running costs to keep it on the road would be massive. Cheers
my dad had a few of these in the 90s when I was a kid. I have pictures next to all of them and cherish those photos now. He had one idential to the one you'e driving here with the plate 'A9 LOT', a black one with gold vinyl, the blue one with red/silver (all turbo esprits) and a red s2. If not for Covid I'd have picked one up by now but prices are too out of reach. Very special cars & I'm incredibly jealous of him.
I’ve also always hankered after one of these, but the later V8 with the body kit and spoiler. But now you’ve shown me that roof mounted stereo, I may have to adjust my target... love it!
Was going to correct the "back to the 80s" comment with "back to the 70s" since the Esprit was released in the late 70s, but you're technically right if you say "Turbo Esprit", so I'll allow it (factory turbos that is) 😅
That very same copper Esprit from FYEO came up on ebay years ago. I watched it like a hawk. Went for buttons (by today's prices). Now that IS one drunken ebay purchase I wouldn't have dared regret!
Brilliant as always! Absolutely love these, always have. They just look incredible, even today. Plus, pop up headlights are automatically cool. Can’t believe the Porsche owner didn’t give a passing wave though 👀👀
Owned a white Esprit S2 for several years - yes, expensive to run and many times I decided to sell it, but once I got in it to drive to the dealer I couldn't part with it - it was my dream car having grown up with Lotus GP Team as my heroes...
Car Wizard *and* JayEmm have Esprits on UA-cam? They must be the next big thing! Seriously, love the Esprit, it looks fantastic. And I have fond memories of Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge on the Commodore 64.
Wow wow wow. James your Channel is the best. So many different cars.. I really love this car. Thanks for reviewing this one. Greetings from The Netherlands.
I own a green HC and an original LHD Essex in Germany. Both great cars! And driving them is … lets say its just fantastic! More 80s is not possible 🤘🤘🤘
There's are reason why Steve Cropley at Car Magazine 1982 called the Turbo Esprit...Hethal's Crowning Achievement. Glad the Editorial Glory meets the Scientific Facts. I always knew it would. 🥝✔️
I first saw a brochure for the turbo espirit when I was a young boy into BMX and break dancing lol I saw it at a dentists office and instantly wanted one I held it in high regards die to its looks and impressive 0-60 time as well as lotus being known for its handling prowess Always wanted one
CarVertical: The History Checking Service
Use this link or code "JAYEMM" for a discount!
www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/v3?b=1e4c9523&a=JayEmm&voucher=jayemm&chan=jayemm
You and a few other youtubers should find a second car to film from, I'm sick of window and fender views when driving the cars
@@ctr289 to do that requires:
Two extra people (another driver, plus another camera operator)
Suitable vehicle to film from
Suitable roads to film on, possibly closed
All of the extra time
And it won't get any more views because of it. That's the reality.
Remember when everyone went mad for drone shots? They died for a good reason
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii LOVE the Esprit!!! Since I was a kid with my MASSIVE white S2 poster on the wall (my Dad pasted it to the wall so it would stay flat with a nice sheen to it 😏). I've loved them since seeing the Bond movie. My jaw just dropped any time I saw one parked up or driving by, REALLY loved the V8 (in the yellow with that spoiler on the back)... They are just one of my top 10 dream cars to own! I would even buy a basic one JUST to have one! It's the shape & stance, the pop up headlights, in a way, it's kinda like my other favourite car... The Countach... MAN! I damn near fainted watching the Rory Reid/AutoTrader UA-cam video of the NEW LP800-4 Countach!! lol HELL!!! WHAT A CAR!!! 👌😏
😎🇬🇧
Love the eighties music at the start... nice touch.
That roof mounted Panasonic stereo is possibly the coolest thing I've ever seen 😍😍
I love it too, I am sure Doug Demuro would have spent 5 minutes explaining all the quirks and features, but actually this stereo just deserves a separate video.
I love the story of the Esprit in 'The Spy Who Loved me'. A cheeky Lotus employee parked the prototype outside of the movie studio, until they called them up. During filming the stunt driver couldn't get the feel of the car. So a Lotus test driver showed them how it is supposed to be driven. They put him in the movie as the stunt driver.
The test driver did an absolutely spectacular run, only for the film crew to tell him "would you mind doing all that again and this time we will have the cameras rolling"
The test driver was Roger Becker and infact he was much more then a testdriver for Lotus . He was a project engineer that was involved in the Esprit Elise Evora.... He was in that era the one that was responsable for the fenominal driving capabilities of Lotus Cars
@@gvybinWow, that's a phenomenal story!
@@F8Tributo the subtle correction is funny ash
@@F8Tributo another fun fact: His son, Matt, used to spend evenings with his dad being driven around in Esprit and Elise. Later in life he himself would be spending his evening testing Evoras, Elises and Exiges as Lotus chief chassis engineer. He bailed out of Lotus in 2017 after Jean-Marc Gales arrived and ruined Lotus, then moved to Aston Martin. After Tobias Moers took control he quits because things were not going well with Tobias running Aston, then made a move to McLaren, only for him to spend an entire year without any project because... McLaren, and he now found himself in JLR as chassis engineer.
Anyone else love this car because it makes you feel 12 again.
Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge on the C64 and Amiga 500!
And obviously James Bond made the Esprit Uber cool.
I knew someone would mention the Amiga!
@@papalegba6796 But this one *is* my dream supercar! Plus, I tried using normal boring titles for years on YT, it doesn't work
@@papalegba6796 I disagree. If you're really into cars for a long enough time, you will have many 'Dream Cars'. I certainly do.
Yup always lusted after one of these when I was a young fella, and spent many hours playing Lotus Esprit Turbo challenge on my Amiga 500. I had to laugh though, the wiper & indicator/horn stalks are identical to my first car - a 1975 Triumph Dolomite - no doubt from a parts bin shared with BL, along with all the other bits I recognise from mass produced british cars of the 70's and 80's - the door handles and so on.
Same door handles as my dad's K reg Morris Marina
The car, production, commentary, and soundtrack were exquisite on this episode. Well done.
Thankyou!
My uncle ran a Lotus dealership in the early 80s and I will never forget the day he came to visit us in an identical spec car to the one you've driven here: white with red decals and red leather interior. I think it inspired my interest in cars, especially as my dad only drove a Cortina estate at the time. My abiding memory is the sound of the turbo whistling behind my head - not something I'd experienced before.
Wanted to see the “burglar protected” sticker, wasn’t disappointed 👍🏻
I am shocked and pleased that you fit in that car.
It gives me hope.
The Lotus Turbo Esprit isn't just one of the most iconic supercars of the 70s and 80s, it's a grade A film star. And I would absolutely love and adore one.
My mate had a JPS and I had a 2 litre MK4 Cortina. He lost his license for 6 months and put me on the insurance to drive him on a Friday and Saturday to the local nightclubs in Essex. Now not everything they say about Essex girls is true but if you're parking up outside TOTS Zero 6 or Dukes nightclubs the chance of pulling a corker goes through the roof😊 You just have to borrow the Lotus and not turn up in the Cortina for the second date
..found that one out quick 😂😂😂 Plus all the gain no pain
😂 I was an Essex lad in the 80s and went to ALL those places, lived em. Elliots was my fav and I never failed 😉, even in a Mk3 cortina 😅
All versions of the Esprit have something very special about them.
I had a friend that owned both a Turbo Esprit and later a V8... I got to drive both extensively and I have to say, I liked the look of the Turbo, but I LOVED the Twin Turbo V8 to drive. Both are supercars in my opinion. I'd take either.
I always liked that copper coloured Esprit from "for your eyes only", it's much prettier than in white. Having said that, if I was looking for an Esprit and the best one I could find was in white, I'd go with white.
Yup, the copper car looked ultra modern at the time.
The white ones tend to explode when you smash the window anyway... and the copper ones are good in the snow.
If you are picking the colour of a Lotus, then it has to be JPS black and gold.
The Goodyear white wall writing on the tyres on the For Your Eyes Only Lotus, just so 1980s. Brilliant stuff.
LOVE these, having grown up with Roger Moore's Bond on TV.
About 30 years ago my mechanic at the time had one in his garage. A young couple had bought it, and then the timing belt/chain went. Even back then a water pump was $750, and a set of pistons was about $2,000. Too rich for me then, too rich for me now. If that lotto ever comes my way...
Having owned such a vehicle the key i found was Use every week Sort out the starting procedure & let it idle for 5 min before you move off Sit slightly closer than you normally do Why Because you have to hit the floor every gear change with the clutch pedal Why Because your clutch will last 3 Times longer You can not as this guy did on the first time he gunned it Catch a gear Just a nick is enough to start the clutch/gearbox problem they can have By sitting 2 notches forward helps heaps Change fluids Never spin the wheels off the mark That is about it I drove mine for 2.5yrs it had a slightly tight 2nd gear when i brought it it had a slightly tight 2nd gear when i sold it Very Very COOL automobile
The perm! 😆 Man the 1980s were something else.
Sometimes, I am very glad that the Internet exists. I don't ever want to go back to the days of Top Gear where you only got 5-7 minutes per car. Your show is terrific.
Love the subtle hints of Bond with the camera placing! i.e biker behind, reflection on windscreen etc
I've always loved Lotus. From F1 to their road cars.
The Esprit was a dream car I knew I'd never have and it's my favourite.
Oh that roof mounted audio equipment.❤❤ That was about the coolest thing on the planet when I were a lad!
I can almost hear Kenny Loggins belting out of it!
I remember this car being quite formidable in Gran Turismo 4. That's where I fell in love with it.
I remember racing against it on high speed ring in the turbo series and it was faster than it had any right to be
@@kdpwt I'd forgotten about that. Seemed so out of place.
This is by far my favourite interior that i have ever seen in any car ever!
Like you I’ve lusted over this car. It was my first wall pin up car and it was then matched by a 288 GTO - what a pair. 😎
288 GTO is another stunning looking car, much better looking than the F40 IMHO
The black active suspension Turbo Esprit still exists so I've found out - photos posted on a Lotus Owners Facebook group. It was on display at Lotus on 23 September 2023. I believe it was an employee reunion do at the factory.
In the 80s my parents used the petrol station at West Horsley in Surrey because it was cheap, and had attendant service (remember that?). It was also home to Bell & Colvill, Lotus (and other exotica) dealers. The forecourt was stuffed with Essex Turbos and S1 Esprits plus Porsches, Maseratis etc. etc. The petrol pumps have gone now but B&C are still there selling Lotus, McLaren, Morgan, Subaru etc.
I love the look of 80's cars. In my view, it was the last year that cars tended to look really distinctive. In the 90's the desire for more aerodynamics meant that a lot of cars began to look same-same in fundamental ways.
This brings back so many memories of my favorite car in "Test Drive" on the Commodore 64... It just had the best handling of all cars in the game.
Who else had this toy with the firing orange missle action?
Me!!! What a great memory that’s just brought back, thank you!! 😂
Oh, yes. I loved it✌ I also had the 007 DB5, a Batmobile, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang...
Me 😃 probably worth a bit of Money now
Corgi! Plus flip-out Sub vanes Lol!
My parents still have mine. Sadly without the missiles 🤣
Great review. Perfect spec of esprit. Possibly my favorite dream car and coolest bond car ever. Apparently in the bond movie the stunt driver couldn't get it to skid enough so the Lotus test driver had to do it !
I remember as a kid in the early 80s, CAR magazine compared a Turbo Esprit with a Ferrari 308 and gave the victory to the Lotus which they reckoned had better handling as well as being a fair bit faster. A bit unfortunate for Ferrari as the car in the test was the newly introduced fuel injected 308 which was significantly less powerful than the carb version though this was remedied shortly after with the introduction of the QV model. I was torn as loved the shape of the 308 but remember how cool the Turbo Esprit looked in For Your Eyes Only.
I love this channel. You're enternainting and in the same moment you teach us something about cars we used to hang on our walls. Keep on going! Greetings from Germany.
Danke :)
As always" great revue, takes me back to when my best mate had one back in the 80's, that one was red and the glove box used to pop open each time we hit a minor bump, the attention we got was amazing" just loved every minute of driving around in it.
Best colour on this retro sports car. Red stripes and black bumper . The 0-60 was accurate. The non turbo was exactly one second slower . And on top of that the turbo would increase on the mid range power nicely . The esprit was great on the snow and winter roads . I had the non turbo. Neighbour had the white with red stripes same a in the vid
This is - I think this will always be - my ultimate analogue pocket supercar. It is everything that I look for in a classic sportscar that I simply cannot find in today's offering - be that ICE or EV. Anything that looks that good, handles that well or goes that fast, I could forgive a lot of problems for...
I work as a mechanic at an independent shop, we do a lot of weird cars, lots of expensive classics and so on. I just had the (dis)pleasure of doing a timing belt on one of these cars. What an absolute NIGHTMARE to work on! But man getting to drive this car, it’s so amazing, it sounds SO unique, and the turbo lag is delicious. Absolutely lovely driving characteristics, sharp as an arrow! I reckon it would be a killer candidate for a turbo K swap (I am not a purist) due to the fact that these engines are so temperamental. Awesome cars and such good looking machines
A friend of mine owned an 82 then an 86 model in which I learned how to drive a manual. I felt like the luckiest teenager in the world. What an amazing car. Jane's, I feel the same way you do about it. Great video again!!!!!
I saw one of these next to my school in Japan, the person was really kind and had this for 31 years, it was also naturally aspirated and extreme well maintenance without any tune or bodykits
Nice!
The perfect spec turbo esprit..drove one 20 years ago and loved the handling
Great review James and I love your “rampant fangirlism” of this amazing car… exactly how I feel about my copper fire dry sump 😍
It’s a very special car, not only is it one of the sexiest cars ever made, it’s so much fun to drive 🤩
Whistle huff whistle huff whistle flutter. I have a dry sump too, 1094, wouldn't part with it for the world. If the road is damp, it'll break traction on boost in 3rd gear. Always gets a response from the passenger that does....
Almost alongside your piece on the Aston V550, this is totally unexpected and wonderful! What an epic epic motor! I love it! Love love love it!
There is no better looking wedge than the Turbo Esprit in my humble opinion.
Thank you Jay. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
nice Marina door handles ;)
Absolutely love how EVERYTHING on the interior is wrapped in leather. The older Cadillac’s had that, and were cozy af
I like the mad red interior. Not too badly trimmed for something whacked together in a shed by Bill and Nigel tbh.
Put on the kettle Nigel, we'll have a cuppa while wait for the glue to dry!😂😂
What a great car, I’m getting all sentimental, had an Esprit 20 years ago, fantastic fun, a real drivers car, no ABS, no power steering, seems so basic now, but that meant it was a relatively simple car to keep on the road….
First 30 seconds felt like the opening credits of an 80's TV Detective show 🤣
Colin the caterpillar reference will absolutely baffle international viewers ha ha
I really enjoy when you’re into a car and sharing your love for it even if i don’t care for the car personally is great ❤
I think I would take the Caroline Munro over the Barbara Bach but then I always prefer the British models. I do like that the interior of that car has as many wrinkles as most 80s models now though!
Such lovely lines
What a handsome craft ;-)
Great lines, and creative double entendre. You'll get cancelled if you had them in the bilge they call movies these days.
You might change your mind if you met Barbara in real life I got to hang out with her once when I was a teenager before she was married she was really pretty and the best thing is really nice
Especially Caroline in The Golden Voyage of Sinbad. Good lord..
Excellent, I had an turbo esprit loved it best super car alway got a thumbs up. Never let us down did 2 trips to France and one to Belgium. Problem with esprits is prices low for years and to many DIY mechanics. Only thing really is make sure carbs rebuild and fuel tanks replaced for alloy so you don't get rust in fuel system. If you can get a esprit with sunroof which is pull out and makes it sort of targa top which is Fab in the summer. If original late HC model best as forged pistons.
Well Jay, yet another brilliant video where you are 100% on the money and excel further when driving one of the greatest cars that ever has been, is or ever will be made. You only confirmed the deepest truth about the excellence and legend this car represents, even beyond Bond, that makes those who love it love it even more. Hope you get one soon, cheap and working better than expected!
Fantastic review James it’s still a gorgeous looking car nearly as exciting as when I got handheld defender game in the same year 🙌🏻🙌🏻🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
What a fantastic intro, the music and the struggling to start Lotus..... brilliant!
Great vid 🙂
Loved Esprits since I was a little kid after seeing The Spy Who Loved Me on release at the cinema back then, and yesterday, finally got to sit in one (just sit, not drive !) at the Stars and Cars event in Bolton, the smile still hasn't gone away !
The gearbox was not Citroën but Renault - from originally the 20/30 then the later 25. With the demise of the 25, gearbox supplies were in danger and signalled the demise of all Esprits - the last V8 still using the same basic Renault unit. (Remember, Lotus had already used the Renault 16 gearbox - and engine - in the Europa, ingeniously spinning it 180º and swapping the running side of the crownwheel in the diff. This box continued to be used, later in TX 5-speed form, in the Twin Cam Europa)
No, he's right. Early Esprits had Citroen gearboxes (from the SM), later Esprits used Renault boxes.
The s1, s2. S3 and Turbo Esprit had the citroen C35 gearbox. Early Stevens cars had the C35, but most Stevens cars and facelifts onwards had the Renault UN1 with the transition to UN1 happening in the late 80's.
Perfect car with the perfect spec.
Does Harry Metcalf still have his turbo lotus esprit..??
@@johnchurch4705 no he's sold it. His was a Turbo Esprit HC (higher compression), the last of Giugiaro styled Esprits.
Wonderful!!! I'm guessing almost every chap of a certain age who's into cars will lust after this car. I WANT!!!!!
This, this right here, is why I watch this channel! So good, on so many levels 😊
A mate had one of those. Gave me a lft back from his garage around the North Circular one saturday evening - reckon that is one, if not the, fastest mid range accerating cars I have been in. A proper road racer, all the more dramtic because you are literally almost lying down. They don't make cars like that anymore and its a shame. They look cool too and Lotus is probably the coolest badge to have these days.........
As a former owner of a Turbo Esprit HC (for 15 years) I can tell you the most important thing about owning these is knowing someone who knows how to work on the motor. The other parts on these were fairly reliable and easy to replace. But these motors are very very difficult for most, even well seasoned, mechanics to properly work on. Miss the car though, that steering is just the best
I love your enthousiasm for this one. I own a rare S2.2 (88 units made) for over 10 years and before diving into motorcycles, I have driving many miles with my Esprit. I also do all restoration and maintenance on it.
I’ve rewatched the introduction to this video on loop now and I just can’t get enough of it
Wonderful review of an epic car. It looks better and better as the years go by - the design is so obviously of its time but also somehow remains current and looks so so good. Even Elons cyber truck is rocking some Esprit angles so that's some sort of compliment I guess. The Esprit has always been one of my hero cars and happy to know it's as good as it looks.
Totally agree with you, it's design really has stood the test of time - and you can't say that about some other more exotic brands.
So true! Italian design is exceptional in so many ways. 😍🤩
@@claudiomarangone614 very true - I have an 80s Lancia by pininfarina and it looks amazing !
Harry Metcalf did a drive from Oxfordshire to Cortina where the Bond film was shot. It was very good across that long distance.
My favourite of the wedge-cars. When I was a kid, my brother and I got a slot-car set as a present. It included a Group 5 BMW 320, a Porsche 959, a Porsche 928 and a Lotus Turbo Esprit S1 Race Car with a big rear wing. Obviously, two of the cars would belong to my brother and since he was the older one, he was the first to choose. He took the very cool Group 5 BMW with a BMW works livery and then it was my turn. I didn't even have to think, I took the red Lotus in a heartbeat. It just looked so cool. I loved this thing. He then took the 959 which left the 928 for me, which I always though looked strange, but was also the best to drive, so I guess it was fair in the end. :)
Jay, thank you for the 80's throwback music. 🎉
That made this video much more enjoyable. 😊
That clumsy concoction of chords was not music..
My Dad had this nearly exact car except the bumpers were white as were the wheels and it was awesome! He bought it in 1985 and picking me up from school was a joy to behold. The interior was burgundy velour and we loved it. Had a few issues which were ironed out and he used it as a daily driver. Just loved it!
Burgundy velour sums up the 1980s perfectly.
You’ve answered a question I had about early Esprits - whether they felt vintage compared to how a modern car handles. With understandable high expectations from an icon, its gratifying to see its still great fun and usable in the 21st C.
You have literally driven my dream car!!! I, too, have loved that ever since I saw it in For Your Eyes Only
Have been my dream to drive one since The Spy Who Love Me....Then got head over heels when seeing in For Your Eyes Only... absolutely remarkable car . I always prefer this model than the later models
Everyone seems to forget the movie “if looks could kill” which is how I fell in love with the car, my dream car and I was able to get a red 94 S4 I love it
You probably wont see this as its an old video, but the audio balance and fades are perfect in your intro shots. Well done!
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii LOVE the Esprit!!! Since I was a kid with my MASSIVE white S2 poster on the wall (my Dad pasted it to the wall so it would stay flat with a nice sheen to it 😏). I've loved them since seeing the Bond movie. My jaw just dropped any time I saw one parked up or driving by, REALLY loved the V8 (in the yellow with that spoiler on the back)... They are just one of my top 10 dream cars to own! I would even buy a basic one JUST to have one! It's the shape & stance, the pop up headlights, in a way, it's kinda like my other favourite car... The Countach... MAN! I damn near fainted watching the Rory Reid/AutoTrader UA-cam video of the NEW LP800-4 Countach!! lol HELL!!! WHAT A CAR!!! 👌😏
😎🇬🇧
Anyone else upon hearing James making "fangirl" remarks, think to themselves "Just get out there and INDULGE, man!" :)
Given all the good stuff you've brought here, NO ONE will surely be churlish enough to deny you some proper fun. :)
Oh, and if that Lottery win comes your way, and you can blag both one of these AND that Ariel Atom you know you'll have evil track day fun with, again, get out there and indulge. When it's pine box time, you'll make your exit knowing you had a ball along the way. :)
Love that car. My first ever track ride was at Goodwood in an Esprit and it blew my mind but it was about 1982 and I had a Citroën GS Pallas.
the coolest looking thing
Great vid! Have owned quite a few Esprit’s, S1 and S3 turbo’s….love em! Great review, many thanks, keep great vids comin 👍
Good video and loving the comments too, so much nostalgia and genuine love from the 70's born. An Esprit Turbo (or Turbo Esprit) was also on my wanted list but as my wife doesn't like the wedgie 70's/80's look a curvy car won out, Loti are always on my radar and it's good to chat to owners at classics meets as they are a good bunch (and also appreciate my Chimaera).
Caroline Munro winking at Bond: One of cinema's greatest moments. Great car; great video. Cheers.
A gorgeous car that embodies everything 80s. I hadn't ever seen the Europa and wow, what a wild design!
Mt father used to own the John Player Special black with gold stripes. Loved that car.
1987 in Stockholm did I see a black Turbo Esprit with the text Lotus file with red paint in the back and beige leather parked. I hav loved them sense that evening.
I too have lusted after one of these for years- and eventually got to drive one a few years ago. And like you, I was not at all disappointed. They say never meet your hero - but I am glad I did. Still fancy one - but thing the running costs to keep it on the road would be massive. Cheers
my dad had a few of these in the 90s when I was a kid. I have pictures next to all of them and cherish those photos now. He had one idential to the one you'e driving here with the plate 'A9 LOT', a black one with gold vinyl, the blue one with red/silver (all turbo esprits) and a red s2. If not for Covid I'd have picked one up by now but prices are too out of reach. Very special cars & I'm incredibly jealous of him.
Next to the Countach this was my favourite 80s super car. Wonderful nostalgia driven video!
That intro was beautiful! Really the icing on the sweet cake that the rest of the video is!
I’ve also always hankered after one of these, but the later V8 with the body kit and spoiler. But now you’ve shown me that roof mounted stereo, I may have to adjust my target... love it!
Was going to correct the "back to the 80s" comment with "back to the 70s" since the Esprit was released in the late 70s, but you're technically right if you say "Turbo Esprit", so I'll allow it (factory turbos that is) 😅
That very same copper Esprit from FYEO came up on ebay years ago. I watched it like a hawk. Went for buttons (by today's prices). Now that IS one drunken ebay purchase I wouldn't have dared regret!
Brilliant as always! Absolutely love these, always have. They just look incredible, even today. Plus, pop up headlights are automatically cool.
Can’t believe the Porsche owner didn’t give a passing wave though 👀👀
Yeah they're like that
I'd have one in the Copper Fire colour, it's just glorious
Owned a white Esprit S2 for several years - yes, expensive to run and many times I decided to sell it, but once I got in it to drive to the dealer I couldn't part with it - it was my dream car having grown up with Lotus GP Team as my heroes...
I didn’t expect to see such an awesome interior. The leather package and stereo 👍👍👍
This car still look gorgeous ... I luv the Elite too
Car Wizard *and* JayEmm have Esprits on UA-cam? They must be the next big thing! Seriously, love the Esprit, it looks fantastic. And I have fond memories of Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge on the Commodore 64.
Wow wow wow. James your Channel is the best. So many different cars.. I really love this car. Thanks for reviewing this one. Greetings from The Netherlands.
I own a green HC and an original LHD Essex in Germany. Both great cars! And driving them is … lets say its just fantastic! More 80s is not possible 🤘🤘🤘
As soon as I saw the thumbnail of a white Lotus Esprit I immediately thought of Barbara Bach. So just for that I say thank you James.
What a masterpiece!!!! One of the most beautiful designs ever. I have an identical spec one.
Dude I'm not just saying this because we share the same name, but your videos are always top tier. And the production quality is phenomenal
There's are reason why Steve Cropley at Car Magazine 1982 called the Turbo Esprit...Hethal's Crowning Achievement. Glad the Editorial Glory meets the Scientific Facts. I always knew it would. 🥝✔️
I first saw a brochure for the turbo espirit when I was a young boy into BMX and break dancing lol
I saw it at a dentists office and instantly wanted one I held it in high regards die to its looks and impressive 0-60 time as well as lotus being known for its handling prowess
Always wanted one