I love my 83 calypso red Lotus Esprit, I named her Penelope It she is well sorted. After 6 years of ownership it has never let me down. It has never broke down and like any exotic car you need to maintain them. Problem with people is one thing breaks and they don't fix it and before long the car is need of lots of TLC. It is common with most any exotic. More cars in the stable to choose from and I will get to that later. Handling is excellent, turbo boost is awesome and for the money it is a great buy. Most people that pick on them never owned one.
I can’t believe how fast the prices shit up. Wish I had purchased one I drove 10 years ago. I was too picky then. Now I would have nearly doubled my investment and had a good time.
Casey, I am friends with the class expert on Esprits. If you want his contact info I will gladly send it to you. Good luck and enjoy the ride come spring. It will be here soon.
They can be reliable, Harry Metcalf of Harry's Garage had an identical one for a long while and it was fine, he even did a drive to where the sking location for the James Bond film where filmed with no issues at all. Like all old exotics they need a lot of maintenance and driving regularly.
Exactly, you are totally right. They’re 40 years old super car, so instead of being so specific about the color combination, he should have been more interested to find a good example with documented maintenance.
@@123brendan100 Does it though? With the ability to wrap any vehicle and color and combination you could imagine. Now if it's for resale or a collection that's one thing, but just to have the car why not get a good example and wrap the car whatever color you want
The thing that would most discourage me from Lotus ownership is enduring the endless litany of "Lots of trouble, usually serious" jokes from people who think they're the first ones to share that joke.
As an Elise owner, I can relate. So. Many. Idiots. Not only do they think they’re the first ones to share that joke, their ignorance reaches new heights as they don’t realize that modern Lotus have Toyota drivetrains. My Elise has been the most reliable car I’ve ever owned as well as the least expensive to maintain. I couldn’t create serious trouble with that car if I tried.
As a kid watching For Your Eyes Only, I absolutely fell in love with that gen and spec Lotus Espirit. I totally agree with Casey that it was a total waste and bummer to see them just blow it up. But then he shows up in the mountains with another Espirit in reverse spec. Beauty.👍 I guess Q always has another one in the garage.
@@drew699 Specifically, old *Lucas* electrics. ;-) You're right, of course, that age is a factor... but it really does seem like Lucas stuff is (or at least was) kind of dodgy even when new.
I got to ride in a '70s model Lotus Esprit in the late '80s. I was amazed at the performance and handling of that little car with four cylinders and quad carburetors. Even then I remember thinking how primitive the car seemed but was still amazed by the performance.
I have a 1986 lotus esprit turbo hc , I maintain it an it never gives me problems that shows people if you keep them maintained they don't break down period it's my 8th year with this car it's never let me down not once so all this loads of trouble usually serious crap is nonsense.
I totally LOVED my 1986 Lotus Turbo Esprit !! Red over Saddle Leather int. Identical to the one Sharon Stone drove in the movie.. Her quote was "Handles like it's on rails". And it did !! I've owned some really fast cars, but this little car was fast as all hell . Also, after 3/4 years of ownership and 0 cost except for general maint. I sold it and bought a Porsche 911 Carrera SC.
In the 80s I remember seeing my first one. Driving down the Interstate in my CJ 5 a white one come flying by me. I didn't know what it was at the time but it looked and sounded pretty cool. Congratulations sir, I am very happy for you. I seriously enjoy when someone finally gets a car that has been their dream. Dosen't matter if it is a super rare high dollar piece or a eyebrow raiser, if it is something that you have always wanted then that is all that matters. Enjoy your new family member brother she is going to bring you many happy memories.
I had a 1978 S1 in the very early 90’s. It’s the only car I always took the long way home in via the twisty lanes. It always broke down and over heated and I loved it!
Had a White 1982 Esprit S2 with Red interior and the normally asperated 2.2 engine. It had been my dream to own one since I could drive (second only to the Black and Gold JPS version) and my first drive in it was in the rain from London to Leeds on the motorway avoiding the trucks as you are so low they can't see you. Amazing quirky car, the handbrake is on the doorside and used to fall out the car having caught my trouser leg on it. All that is separating you from the engine is a plywood bulkhead so conversation isn't really an option. Drove it to the garage to sell it many times but just driving her made me turn round and take her home. Eventually had to sell as moving away and regret not having kept her in better shape - like all supercars you need deep pockets and lots of time ....
If the Esprit is unreliable then someone have worked on the car with no experience or it needs maintenance because the car is simple too work on and doo not break…that is my experience from owning one for 14 years…
Have owned my 87 Esprit NA HC for over a year now and only issue I had was from a dirty earth. 2 second fix. besides that, incredible fun to drive, reliable (may be due to the non turbo) and really turns heads.
As a Brit, I think we all fantasized about that car when it was driven out of the ocean. Glad you were able to snag one. You bear a striking resemblance to golfer Paul Casey, which is weird since you also share a name. An expat watching in Florida.
We all have our dream (to yourself) cars or cars that have gotten away or sold before enjoying. Doesn’t even have to be an exotic as those have shot up in price. If it puts a smile to ur face, that’s what matters. Mine is, nothing fancy, ‘97-98 Lincoln Mark 8 LSC
You picked up the Esprit at the corner of Union St. and Earl Ave. in Lafayette, IN....just watched your video and I recognized the buildings from the quick shots of the surroundings. Come back anytime, and we'll catch a Purdue football game!
If you need parts for things like that oil system Casey, I think they might have shared parts with Rolls Royce at this point, as Rolls Royce owned them atleast when the S1 came out, also I gotta admit one of the ideas I've always had in the back of my mind is what would an S1 do if you went the Lotus Elise way with it, like how good would it be if you fitted a Modern Toyota 4 Cylinder to it like they do with the modern ones. which if you can find an S1 with a blown motor, might make for a fun project car, although given how bad these cars are on space, that maybe a complete improbability also Ed, you need to change the thumbnail, Shockingy RELIABLE, especially given one of the rule of thumbs you need to do with an esprit turbo, is to actually wait a moment and let the engine run for a little longer after going somewhere and parking to let the gasses out of the turbo so it doesnt backfire on the next start up
Ahhh, wish I knew you were in town. This is two miles from my house, and it's not a defunct check cashing place. We aren't that hood yet. It use to be a Regions Bank till a couple years ago...
Reminds me of the time I found a black and gold Essex Turbo Esprit. Super excited raced to the dealer, money ready. Last thing was a test drive. Then found out I did not fit in it at all. Too tall. 💔
Good job Casey! I love that car, but not being as mechanically inclined I got an Elise with Toyota running gear. Maybe see you on the road in Western OH!
Does your friend who has all those esprits got a FB page or some other social media where I could contact him? Will be in the market for a S1, S2 or S2.2 pretty soon and there are very few classic Esprits available for sale. Cheers
Once someone dives that deep mechanically at presale then most times you are determined to convince yourself to buy it. I enjoyed the Esprit content - but then I am biased. 😀
Hey Ed, I hope you see this.. PLEASE GET "Chillin' With Chet" Cheyenne Lord in the vinWiki Channel chair to talk about the Donald Walters story from Raceweek 2020!!
The lotus jokes are at least 40+ years old, kind of like saying hot enough for ya? Boring. And when people say how could run a Lotus in the Cannonball they are so unreliable. Well in 1979 we didn’t know that much about them or what a pain they can be. It was all pretty new at the time and before the bad jokes came rolling across the pond.
@Grifa Harry is a multi millionaire with an extensive list of cars that are all kept in top top condition. Most lotus cars are not, the only good thing about them is that they handle really well but on a whole they’re pretty crap
Would really wish he'd show more of his projects. We don't get any King Zero, and very little updates on the F1 hot rod. Just buys too much shit he can't even work on, then sells them after hyping everybody up. He's the RUclipsr he says he's trying not to be. Shame.
I love my 83 calypso red Lotus Esprit, I named her Penelope It she is well sorted. After 6 years of ownership it has never let me down. It has never broke down and like any exotic car you need to maintain them. Problem with people is one thing breaks and they don't fix it and before long the car is need of lots of TLC. It is common with most any exotic. More cars in the stable to choose from and I will get to that later. Handling is excellent, turbo boost is awesome and for the money it is a great buy. Most people that pick on them never owned one.
Pff. James May bashed one across Patagonia and it was fine. It's basically a Toyota Hilux. 😉
The car James may drove was a v8
Little do you no it wasn't the same model
Always awesome getting to tell another car story and so excited to find my dream super Rad 80s Lotus!!
Lotus Esprit is on its way to become a half a million car.
I can’t believe how fast the prices shit up. Wish I had purchased one I drove 10 years ago. I was too picky then. Now I would have nearly doubled my investment and had a good time.
Thank you Casey! Always great to hear your stories!
An S3/4 Esprit V8 is my dream Lotus. I'm a bit larger than you (more than a bit side-to-side) and I don't think I would fit in a series 1-2 car.
Casey, I am friends with the class expert on Esprits. If you want his contact info I will gladly send it to you. Good luck and enjoy the ride come spring. It will be here soon.
They can be reliable, Harry Metcalf of Harry's Garage had an identical one for a long while and it was fine, he even did a drive to where the sking location for the James Bond film where filmed with no issues at all. Like all old exotics they need a lot of maintenance and driving regularly.
Exactly, you are totally right. They’re 40 years old super car, so instead of being so specific about the color combination, he should have been more interested to find a good example with documented maintenance.
@@brucesurmesure color matters thooooo
10hr of maintenance for every 1hr of operation? 🤗😅
@@123brendan100 Does it though? With the ability to wrap any vehicle and color and combination you could imagine. Now if it's for resale or a collection that's one thing, but just to have the car why not get a good example and wrap the car whatever color you want
@@MrSeanman30 if you wrap a classic car in my opinion you don't care about cares you care what people think of you in the car
The thing that would most discourage me from Lotus ownership is enduring the endless litany of "Lots of trouble, usually serious" jokes from people who think they're the first ones to share that joke.
litany - what a word. Thanks for a new word =)
Good job..I hadn't heard that before...Yes I'm serious
As an Elise owner, I can relate. So. Many. Idiots. Not only do they think they’re the first ones to share that joke, their ignorance reaches new heights as they don’t realize that modern Lotus have Toyota drivetrains. My Elise has been the most reliable car I’ve ever owned as well as the least expensive to maintain. I couldn’t create serious trouble with that car if I tried.
@@Ghia356 how's those roof leaks bro
Lotuses be Lotuses
Shaken...and stirred?
If you ever want me to, I’ll tell you the story of the red Esprit…it has its own storied past 😆
Tell that to tavarish lol
The plural of Lotus is Lotus.
As a kid watching For Your Eyes Only, I absolutely fell in love with that gen and spec Lotus Espirit. I totally agree with Casey that it was a total waste and bummer to see them just blow it up. But then he shows up in the mountains with another Espirit in reverse spec. Beauty.👍
I guess Q always has another one in the garage.
Please keep the scary Lotus Esprit stories coming so the prices remain reasonable!
The unreliability is only shocking if you have never had previous experience with Lucas electrics.
Prince of darkness
You know why the British like warm beer?
Because Lucas makes fridges too
Just bring NOS jars of smoke wherever you go.
It’s old electrics people.
@@drew699 Specifically, old *Lucas* electrics. ;-)
You're right, of course, that age is a factor... but it really does seem like Lucas stuff is (or at least was) kind of dodgy even when new.
I got to ride in a '70s model Lotus Esprit in the late '80s. I was amazed at the performance and handling of that little car with four cylinders and quad carburetors. Even then I remember thinking how primitive the car seemed but was still amazed by the performance.
I have a 1986 lotus esprit turbo hc , I maintain it an it never gives me problems that shows people if you keep them maintained they don't break down period it's my 8th year with this car it's never let me down not once so all this loads of trouble usually serious crap is nonsense.
Growing up the Lotus was one of my favourite cars … excited for the Evija 😍 its gonna be badasss 💯🙌
I totally LOVED my 1986 Lotus Turbo Esprit !! Red over Saddle Leather int. Identical to the one Sharon Stone drove in the movie.. Her quote was "Handles like it's on rails". And it did !! I've owned some really fast cars, but this little car was fast as all hell . Also, after 3/4 years of ownership and 0 cost except for general maint. I sold it and bought a Porsche 911 Carrera SC.
Lotus stands for "Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious" to quote Jeremy Clarkson on the Top Gear Patagonia Special.
Casey; the kind of guy that willingly takes himself on wild goose chases.
10:35 $20 says the guy in the giant obnoxious truck was Whistlin Diesel.
In the 80s I remember seeing my first one. Driving down the Interstate in my CJ 5 a white one come flying by me. I didn't know what it was at the time but it looked and sounded pretty cool.
Congratulations sir, I am very happy for you. I seriously enjoy when someone finally gets a car that has been their dream. Dosen't matter if it is a super rare high dollar piece or a eyebrow raiser, if it is something that you have always wanted then that is all that matters.
Enjoy your new family member brother she is going to bring you many happy memories.
What do you think of the Lotus Esprit?
It's my dream car. Specifically the Sport 350, but I'd love to own any version, S1 to S4. Someday...
All I can say is that Casey's Esprit works better than the one Tavarish found.
Very pragmatic car.
I had a 1978 S1 in the very early 90’s. It’s the only car I always took the long way home in via the twisty lanes. It always broke down and over heated and I loved it!
Had a White 1982 Esprit S2 with Red interior and the normally asperated 2.2 engine. It had been my dream to own one since I could drive (second only to the Black and Gold JPS version) and my first drive in it was in the rain from London to Leeds on the motorway avoiding the trucks as you are so low they can't see you. Amazing quirky car, the handbrake is on the doorside and used to fall out the car having caught my trouser leg on it. All that is separating you from the engine is a plywood bulkhead so conversation isn't really an option. Drove it to the garage to sell it many times but just driving her made me turn round and take her home. Eventually had to sell as moving away and regret not having kept her in better shape - like all supercars you need deep pockets and lots of time ....
If the Esprit is unreliable then someone have worked on the car with no experience or it needs maintenance because the car is simple too work on and doo not break…that is my experience from owning one for 14 years…
I always love the intro to these videos it's the perfect example of what you're supposed to do for a essay to pull the reader(listener) in
“Have to find time this winter to…” retrofit switches that say “display”, “target”, “missle”, and “periscope”… ;)
Have owned my 87 Esprit NA HC for over a year now and only issue I had was from a dirty earth. 2 second fix. besides that, incredible fun to drive, reliable (may be due to the non turbo) and really turns heads.
As a Brit, I think we all fantasized about that car when it was driven out of the ocean. Glad you were able to snag one. You bear a striking resemblance to golfer Paul Casey, which is weird since you also share a name. An expat watching in Florida.
14mins describing how to bypass a faulty oil pressure guage. Did I miss the part in the story where the car becomes unreliable?!
I think he was talking about the yellow S1 that required a lot of TLC, and then he immediately sold it.
Great story! I have a 90 Esprit Turbo SE & an Evora. Both cars are so much fun for the $
We all have our dream (to yourself) cars or cars that have gotten away or sold before enjoying. Doesn’t even have to be an exotic as those have shot up in price. If it puts a smile to ur face, that’s what matters. Mine is, nothing fancy, ‘97-98 Lincoln Mark 8 LSC
The fact that you can drive a car for 15+ minutes and still not tell if it has oil pressure or not is MUCH more terrifying than a non-working guage
My neighbour probably sprayed that at the factory. The filler is OEM...
You picked up the Esprit at the corner of Union St. and Earl Ave. in Lafayette, IN....just watched your video and I recognized the buildings from the quick shots of the surroundings. Come back anytime, and we'll catch a Purdue football game!
I took a drink everytime he said pragmatic. I’m wasted. 🍻
"Oil pressure? Whatdya need that for? Look...it's got red interior! "
i live in the sticks of tenn there is a lotus in a dudes barn perfect shape he keeps it covered. not sure what one its yellow tho
"It broke immediately" - I must've missed that part.
The Esprit is so beautiful. The DMC-12 gets all the love that the Esprit should have.
In all fairness this car left people (puts on sunglasses) underwater.
If you need parts for things like that oil system Casey, I think they might have shared parts with Rolls Royce at this point, as Rolls Royce owned them atleast when the S1 came out, also I gotta admit one of the ideas I've always had in the back of my mind is what would an S1 do if you went the Lotus Elise way with it, like how good would it be if you fitted a Modern Toyota 4 Cylinder to it like they do with the modern ones.
which if you can find an S1 with a blown motor, might make for a fun project car, although given how bad these cars are on space, that maybe a complete improbability
also Ed, you need to change the thumbnail, Shockingy RELIABLE, especially given one of the rule of thumbs you need to do with an esprit turbo, is to actually wait a moment and let the engine run for a little longer after going somewhere and parking to let the gasses out of the turbo so it doesnt backfire on the next start up
Ahhh, wish I knew you were in town. This is two miles from my house, and it's not a defunct check cashing place. We aren't that hood yet. It use to be a Regions Bank till a couple years ago...
Drinking game....everytime he says capillary tube, take a shot
I know I give Casey a lot of crap on here, but this was actually a really cool video. Nice find ! Enjoy the lotus
Reminds me of the time I found a black and gold Essex Turbo Esprit. Super excited raced to the dealer, money ready. Last thing was a test drive. Then found out I did not fit in it at all. Too tall. 💔
Casey Puke, the self made man
The way Casey pronounces "Giugiaro" reminds me of how Lt. Aldo Raine pronounced "buon giorno" 😆😜
Great story! I remember having a toy car of that Lotus when I was a kid. The red one has a Vermont plate in Indiana?
Yep. It has a very interesting history… 😆
Great story Casey! I have a lithograph of a blue Turbo Lotus hanging in my office
Just in case anyone missed, Casey is quite pragmatic.
Great story! And have you seen the small Lykan on the vintage laptop?
I love seeing Vermont plates on the channel
Did u ever find the right size wrench? I felt that when u kept checking the size.
Isn’t this the guy that built a real jet engine batmobile?
Yes it is
Good job Casey! I love that car, but not being as mechanically inclined I got an Elise with Toyota running gear. Maybe see you on the road in Western OH!
Did he just describe someone as "a fan of mine"
LoL
Let me check. Why yes, he did say that. OMG! Is it possible that someone actually likes him?
@@theanomalous1401 also known as "listeners" and "viewers."
Saying you have "fans" implies a level of devotion not applicable to anyone at VinWiki.
I actually can’t stand him, that’s why I wanted him to buy that Lotus, so he would have a lifetime of misery working on it 😆
@@ezdubbin97 I like him. Why don't you ?
@@joecramer9256 I was being sarcastic 😝
BTW I am said “fan” he is talking about haha
Casey never disappoints! Great story!
Check out his video on buying the car, it’s freaking hilarious
You broke the world record for saying words “capillary tube” in 1 video
Casey out here driving less than perfect/questionable cars...classic! 🤙
Commenty 11 its going to be a great day! Its going be be a VINwiki day!
Well overdue for Goodyear to remake those 80’s NCT’s😎. Hopefully the new Bond might find an old Lotus Esprit in the back of Q’s warehouse…..👍🇬🇧
Aww. I thought it was gonna be Tavarish and his Esprit.
His car needs about two years to sort it out. It was rough condition
Casey video? Dislike, don’t even watch past the pre roll ad
Damn you won the thumbnail game
haha that greasy hand shake at 12:50 lmao
They blow head gaskets like crazy.
Does your friend who has all those esprits got a FB page or some other social media where I could contact him? Will be in the market for a S1, S2 or S2.2 pretty soon and there are very few classic Esprits available for sale. Cheers
I always loved the espree
i love the esprit's looks but at 6"4 i dont fit :(
Once someone dives that deep mechanically at presale then most times you are determined to convince yourself to buy it.
I enjoyed the Esprit content - but then I am biased. 😀
Hey Ed, I hope you see this.. PLEASE GET "Chillin' With Chet" Cheyenne Lord in the vinWiki Channel chair to talk about the Donald Walters story from Raceweek 2020!!
Saw it in recommend before I got the notification
All right!!!! Always a good morning when you get be told a story by Casey. The dude is such a damn legend. He’s under appreciated.
You have to do all repairs to these cars quickly! That way you will have a few weeks of trouble free driving!
Or strap a chainsaw motor to a skateboard. Lower price of admission and safer.
Now can anyone here actually say they've ever seen one of these Esprits and haven't hummed the opening bars to the James Bond theme lol....
fell asleep at the 3 minute mark,blah blah blah dude loves hes own voice
Casey is the man! 🙌
The lotus jokes are at least 40+ years old, kind of like saying hot enough for ya? Boring. And when people say how could run a Lotus in the Cannonball they are so unreliable. Well in 1979 we didn’t know that much about them or what a pain they can be. It was all pretty new at the time and before the bad jokes came rolling across the pond.
Genius garage burns down small Ohio town when he forgot to disconnect the battery
Lots
Of
Trouble
Usually
Serious
I owned a 1984 and it caught fire three times went through two timing belts. The last fire was enough for me sold it and bought a 1973 Pantera GTS
Not this loudmouth again....
That sweater though 😳 🇺🇸 😂
Title is a bit misleading. It was “broke” when it got there.
Thats not an s1 and they were painted not gelcoat
Tavarish has one Esprit... But I Don't know which
He has a Stevens body.
I think if I came to within 500$ of making a deal on a Lotus I would have shallowed my pride lol.
awesome car but ye thye break a lot am from the uk and the runnign joke is what lotus stands for lotus = lots of trouble usually serious lol
Much love 🙏🏾
Nice jumper
No wonder it blew up in “For Your Eyes Only”. 😜
Take a shot every time he says mcgiver
loads of trouble usually serious
In Forza Horizion 4 I built the same video cover car
Casey... bah. Pass
Gen 1 Esprit...Reliable...When?
"but of course it did"
Get the one with the Toyota engine.
@Grifa Harry is a multi millionaire with an extensive list of cars that are all kept in top top condition. Most lotus cars are not, the only good thing about them is that they handle really well but on a whole they’re pretty crap
@JCT him ^ probably none, me 3. He speaks the truth, fun to drive, horrible to own.
Wow i would hate to sell a car to you would never wanna go trough all that trouble to sell a car
Would really wish he'd show more of his projects. We don't get any King Zero, and very little updates on the F1 hot rod. Just buys too much shit he can't even work on, then sells them after hyping everybody up. He's the RUclipsr he says he's trying not to be. Shame.
One thing about Casey, is, he really has a relationship with each of these cars. The ultimate caretaker. Go Casey
A story bout oil lines oh wow wiki has fallen