A Crazy Choice Stopped This Being The Greatest Supercar Of The 90s - Lotus Esprit V8

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ธ.ค. 2022
  • The Esprit was always on of the best handling mid engine sport cars out but for a long time the four cylinder engine prevented it from being a serious competitor to Ferraris and Lamborghinis. So Lotus built a V8 version which should have been by far the most powerful in its class.. but Lotus' design had a major flaw that prevented this Esprit from taking its rightful place as one of the 90s most revolutionary cars..
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ความคิดเห็น • 841

  • @Number27
    @Number27  ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Patreon Supporters get advance viewings before official release and also a monthly exclusive roundup video of what I've been getting up to. If you want to support the channel please go to: www.patreon.com/number27

  • @RandyWillcox
    @RandyWillcox ปีที่แล้ว +69

    This particular Esprit is stunning. I've always loved these cars, but I'm especially drawn to this one.

    • @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785
      @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      That color is fantastically beautiful.

    • @julesviolin
      @julesviolin ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Any non "safe" colour looks great IMO.
      Too many grey white & black cars about.
      Who on earth would buy a car the same colour as Tarmac???!

    • @donaldwashington1712
      @donaldwashington1712 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have 90 esprit se does the coolant resivoir has an overflow drain tube

  • @seanoneillsongs
    @seanoneillsongs ปีที่แล้ว +22

    a stroke of genius, illustrating the g forces with those carefully positioned water bottles. Beautiful car.

  • @nicktheengineer5976
    @nicktheengineer5976 ปีที่แล้ว +87

    Brings back fond memories. I was an engineering placement student at lotus powertrain when they had just launched that product. Tremendous job by the tiny engineering team to design, develop and launch that engine on such a shoe string of a budget. It was at a very busy time in lotus powertrain. The consultancy business was flat out working on a range of projects for GM globally and Opel in Europe. One in particular was a huge project that had virtually everyone in powertrain working on it alongside engineers and managers from GMPT & GME. I learned a huge amount from that year.

    • @wilschmedes7486
      @wilschmedes7486 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Nick The Engineer -- surely you can share what the "huge project' was back in the day... I worked in telecomm and can say stuff like that with the way that technology has developed and launched over the past couple of decades.

    • @smokescreen2146
      @smokescreen2146 ปีที่แล้ว

      TELL ME WHAT THE THING IS SO I DON'T HAVE TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO. Video man get to the point.
      *** Edit... Ok. Getting the gearbox wouldn't make a difference since supercars are all about brand name deception to fool the masses. Ferraris and Lambos have done this for ages. Bad quality, zero reliability, perfect for your typical millionaire without a clue, who is only chasing after something that is shiny and has a badge to show his status to his mates and those below him. Lotus knew this which is why they didn't bother.

    • @smokescreen2146
      @smokescreen2146 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Spectacular Spectacular This is not the *Elise*. That is a completely different model.

    • @lukespector5550
      @lukespector5550 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      In Australia here we LOVE Lotus. Only the local red 1982 Lamborghini Countach S gets as many gawkers as the blue metallic Exige. In tiny Newcastle NSW Australia.

    • @juelsokoo
      @juelsokoo หลายเดือนก่อน

      I've been studying lotus lately. I will have the new eletre but what would u say is your fav 80s and 90s version and why if u don't mind me asking

  • @RobertRedford77
    @RobertRedford77 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    I owned both a F355 and Esprit and worked for both Ferrari and Lotus in Aero. The Esprit V8 is quicker and handles better.

  • @UKIP
    @UKIP ปีที่แล้ว +123

    A decade ago, there were a couple of third-party gearbox upgrades to access the full 500 HP. It would be interesting to see a review of one of those cars.

    • @ChristianRThomas
      @ChristianRThomas ปีที่แล้ว +19

      I've read of people putting a Boxster gearbox on it and then upping it to 500+bhp. Sounded like it was epic.

    • @davidpeters6536
      @davidpeters6536 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@ChristianRThomas A Boxster box, I'm surprised it would handle 500+, why not a 911?

    • @howardmckenna
      @howardmckenna ปีที่แล้ว +26

      @@davidpeters6536... Because the 911 is rear engined but the Boxter is mid-mounted.

    • @pashakdescilly7517
      @pashakdescilly7517 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@howardmckenna Correct. The Porsche Boxster box is the same as a 2wd Audi box, tho ' variations exist to make life difficult for those doing swaps.
      Jeff of YT channel 'Homebuilt by Jeff' put an Audi V8 from a 4wd car in his Boxster and retained the Boxster's box

    • @kevinburke6743
      @kevinburke6743 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      They should have used the Tremec T5 manual like TVR. They handle 5L supercharged version of that engine. The trouble the TVR's were their ladder chassis & out riggers. It will still cost you £20-25K for a 20 year Old Chimera. The 500 Griffith will set you £30K+ for a Good one.

  • @supercomp7078
    @supercomp7078 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    I learnt years ago when building engines, silicon should be nowhere near gaskets that could contaminate oils, I never use it for sumps or rocker covers, in fact I seldom use it at all, I still use a shellac sealant for water pumps, I am a big fan of Hylomar Blue sealant on cork gaskets for sumps, even on rubber rocker covers, it stays tacky, main key for me is for keeping the gasket in place as you install it plus adds a sealant.

    • @ianmangham4570
      @ianmangham4570 ปีที่แล้ว

      Used blue hylomar since the 70s ,borrowed from the R.E.M.E at Scarborough Barracks Doncaster 🤣🙏💯🇬🇧

    • @dwaynemcallister7231
      @dwaynemcallister7231 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes I agree, caution where you put silicon, Hylomar is great!

    • @daveeddy2402
      @daveeddy2402 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I'm surprised the customer had to pay for the repair, especially since the work was done by a dealership.

  • @KrashPad
    @KrashPad ปีที่แล้ว +28

    The official fix for balky shifts back in the early 2000’s was Royal Purple gear oil. I was skeptical at first but it worked like magic every time.

    • @rip7TEAR
      @rip7TEAR ปีที่แล้ว

      Bullshit.

    • @lebojay
      @lebojay ปีที่แล้ว +4

      This is good advice for any car. Royal Purple or Redline gear oil always make a manual transmission feel better.

    • @keithwhitlock726
      @keithwhitlock726 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lebojay Golden Spectro works wonders in German sportomatics.

    • @dannyfa7x
      @dannyfa7x ปีที่แล้ว

      Chafed my Corolla 6mt to royal purple and it was the best move I ever made. Shifts are noticeable smoother and easier. It’s wild how purple it actually is.

  • @alexlang5649
    @alexlang5649 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    One of the most beautiful cars ever made!

  • @SabotsLibres
    @SabotsLibres ปีที่แล้ว +45

    That gearbox was the reason the Esprit went out of production - Renault had already stopped using it (in the 25/Safrane) many years previously and had no real obligation to continue with production (the 10-year rule...). The problem for Lotus was sourcing/building a new adaptable or bespoke box. As you say, £5.5 million on the engine was already a hell of a lot of dosh...

    • @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785
      @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Lotus should have tried a Ford/De Tomaso Pantera parts bin for a good cheap mid-engine friendly gearbox, heck, they might not have even needed to pay to have them built under license if the patent had expired by the late 1990s.

    • @patlittler3411
      @patlittler3411 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Just imagine that 500 bhp and a proper gated manual it would have been a Diablo basher

    • @1greenMitsi
      @1greenMitsi ปีที่แล้ว +6

      clearly they shouldve opted for an off the shelf V8 and spent the dosh on a new tranny

    • @frankhoward7645
      @frankhoward7645 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Renault told Lotus exactly how many gearboxes they were going to produce and that number determined the number of cars that Lotus was going to produce. No extras for the parts department!

    • @my1vice
      @my1vice ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well, by the early 2000's the "no pop up light" laws were coming, so I'm glad it died and didn't get some hideous redesign.

  • @MrCarrera28
    @MrCarrera28 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great video, the smile on your face when you drive a Lotus is infectious and just makes the video that much better. Loving these reviews of interesting classic cars and your content seems to be maintaining its high level despite the increase in volume, so kudos to you!!

  • @turbocomix6119
    @turbocomix6119 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    As a former '84 Turbo owner, I love these retrospectives on the history of the Esprits. I was always impressed by how easily mine seemed to attain and exceed 140mph. I never actually found its real top end.

    • @MaxMax-th7uz
      @MaxMax-th7uz ปีที่แล้ว +5

      My Astra 2.2 Sri would do 145 mph back in the day

    • @saulmc8920
      @saulmc8920 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @maxmax
      MEGALOLZ

    • @mikedubovs1574
      @mikedubovs1574 ปีที่แล้ว

      If that was in dash.. it is probably way off . And much slower

  • @murrieteacher
    @murrieteacher ปีที่แล้ว +37

    What a great example of a great car. The owner and his wife must be congratulated for putting so much money and time into this car. Jack, this is one of the best videos so far and that is an achievements considering the high standard and natural presentation of all of them. I notice you drive the same roads that Harry Metcalf drives. In Australia these cars are hard to find and the owners tend to hold on to them. Where is the Europa test?

    • @RUfromthe40s
      @RUfromthe40s 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      yes ,what about the Europa ,i can´t fit anymore on it but it was a great car

  • @richardcarter1000
    @richardcarter1000 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    Great car. As an ex Lotus owner and long term F355 owner, I think the V8 Esprit couldn't get near the theatre of the Ferrari. The open gate shift and the sound of an F355 at 8000rpm is one a petrol head must experience in their lives.
    Interestingly the new Emira with the V6 manual is almost identical to a Esprit V8/ F355 power to weight I'll be trying one soon. It looks like a bargain and keeper as the world sinks into EV madness.

    • @pixelnazgul
      @pixelnazgul ปีที่แล้ว

      There are... "advisers" in each and every community, which force the leader to make this or that choice. If they don't follow, nobody can see them anymore.

    • @sidewayssam
      @sidewayssam ปีที่แล้ว +3

      There are not many cars that would make me want to sell my 996 turbo, but a 355 is one of them

    • @richardcarter1000
      @richardcarter1000 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sidewayssam the F355 is wonderful. For me, it's peak Ferrari, with the right amount of power for road use and the feel, character and noise IS Ferrari for me. Hence had it 14 years already. A keeper.

    • @sidewayssam
      @sidewayssam ปีที่แล้ว

      @@richardcarter1000 it is an itch i need to scratch. Though without selling my turbo, will take some saving

    • @severnsea3924
      @severnsea3924 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, I would agree with that. I reckon that having spent so much on the engine, I think changing the gearbox would have pushed the price closer to Ferrarri territory, but it's not a Ferrari so they would have probably lost even more money as a result of fewer sales. People would have just bought the Ferrari.

  • @kevmagill5163
    @kevmagill5163 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I'll never stop wanting this car...I wonder if there isn't a transmission swap available for the Esprit...doesn't matter, I've wanted one of these ever since I had the HotWheels version when I was a boy...Awesome video!

    • @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785
      @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Super tune the engine to it's 500hp spec and swap the transmission out with one from a Pantera maybe?? If it'll fit...maybe a more robust gearbox just won't quite squeeze in there.

    • @awacs87
      @awacs87 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Porsche Boxter 6 speed transmission will fit in the Esprit

    • @Rentta
      @Rentta ปีที่แล้ว +7

      There are transmission upgrade kits out there.

    • @kevmagill5163
      @kevmagill5163 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Good to know that there's transmission upgrades available for the Esprit.

    • @MrHamlet
      @MrHamlet ปีที่แล้ว +4

      You don't need to swap the transmission, you just need to replace the input shaft which many owners have done. There is a enthusiast who redesigned the input shaft into a single beefed up piece with a stronger fifth gear at the end. It's been tested on cars with 900hp and so far it hasn't failed. Now this means that failures get passed down the line to the gears themselves, but you only need worry about that when you get passed the 500hp mark.

  • @ryanmccormick2150
    @ryanmccormick2150 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    WOW that Esprit is stunning! What an amazing colour, love it! Jack I'm very envious of you, you've got the best job in the world driving all of those great cars! Well done on the channel you deserve every sub and I'm sure there's many more subs to come buddy 👍

  • @MrProy33
    @MrProy33 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    The Esprit will always be my favorite car. I'd love to see a return of that model, modernized of course.

  • @bobmizen1
    @bobmizen1 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Another great video Jack, I love the stories behind the development and history, and particularly the real enthusiasts that spend so much energy and love keeping these cars running without big financial resources. That Lotus really flows effortlessly around those bends (J's B) Thanks again. Bob M. South Wales

  • @billmarsh3767
    @billmarsh3767 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Your videos are just so much FUN and informative. You also focus on cars that others don't. Thanks

    • @Number27
      @Number27  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ah thanks Bill!!

    • @robertsullivan4773
      @robertsullivan4773 ปีที่แล้ว

      Are you kidding me. You go on and on about the major problems with this car and why it didn't dominate the 90s. You talk about the 355 like it was a God and conveniently forget about even mentioning the true super car killer of the 90s the Acura NSX. In 97 I looked at the lotus and the NSX and bought the NSX. It was the easiest decision I ever made. The only place your lotus won in comparison was it was a few ticks faster but a few go fast goodies I got for Comtech through Acura that was pretty much solved. I've had my 97 since and except for normal wear and tear items it's been trouble free. Hey the lotus was a pretty car. But with an Acura dealer all over Atlanta at the time and the US at the time service was never and issue and it still isn't. I don't usually like to troll car videos but I had to jump on yours. There was a automotive altering Super Car in the 90s and it was the NSX.

  • @davebrown9725
    @davebrown9725 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Beautiful example of the '90s styling. If only the transmission had been able to handle 600-700 HP, it would have been a supercar, even today some tuning would have kept it current. Glad this showed up in my feed tonight.

    • @thebigpicture2032
      @thebigpicture2032 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I suspect other components would become unreliable so they would have had to beef more than just the transmission to handle 700 hp and they just didn’t have the budget.

    • @Quattro_Joe
      @Quattro_Joe ปีที่แล้ว

      A British car with 600hp is a time bomb not a super car 🤣🤣it would’ve been brilliant to drive “briefly”.

    • @jeffpollard7304
      @jeffpollard7304 ปีที่แล้ว

      600HP totally feasible, BUT gotta beef up the Tranny!!

    • @bobolulu7615
      @bobolulu7615 ปีที่แล้ว

      ... if only you could get an engine to produce a reliable 700hp that you speak of in the 90s

    • @robertpatrick3350
      @robertpatrick3350 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@bobolulu7615you could boost a L98 Corvette engine to that….. the one that was designed by …Lotus….

  • @global_nomad.
    @global_nomad. ปีที่แล้ว +6

    great review - well done to Sasha and his wife for keeping it going

  • @-Dash-
    @-Dash- ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Good looking car, loved the selection of OZ wheels they came with including the split rims. Was always put off by the French made parts, especially the gearbox.

  • @geoffnorton9279
    @geoffnorton9279 ปีที่แล้ว

    Terrific vid as always Jack. Some of your best content coming just lately. Keep it up!!!

  • @skilgour44
    @skilgour44 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome cars. I think they sound special. Thank you for another Esprit review; they always make my day.

  • @markriddle2704
    @markriddle2704 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    It has been my understanding that Giugiaro originally intended the car to have a V8-certainly the engine bay is big enough. But it was the 70’s fuel crisis that forced Lotus to go ahead with their 2.0 4-cyl engine. Also I had heard stories that Lotus was developing the V8 for other projects, and was indeed used in some Corvettes. It would be great to have a video interview with someone from Lotus at the time to tell the story of the V8 development. Excellent video and beautiful car! Esprit’s are truly special cars.

    • @denisevans213
      @denisevans213 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Absolutely LOVE the S4 - and yep - I was at Silverstone, at a car show, decades ago, and there was a Corvette in the 0-60 sprint staging area with me - he had the bonnet / hood up while waiting , and I saw the huge 'Lotus' engine in it, thinking it was a mod, but he explained that it was factory standard!
      I also saw with the bonnet up, that the Corvettes had insanely wide tyres that go waaaay into the body / engine bay area... Nice.....

    • @RatelHBadger
      @RatelHBadger ปีที่แล้ว

      Nick The Engineer (Commented above) said he was an engineering placement student at Lotus Powertrain. He'd know if anyone.

    • @encinobalboa
      @encinobalboa ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lotus Corvette made 375 hp which would have elevated the Esprit to top tier supercar status. Yup, a missed opportunity.

    • @removedot
      @removedot ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@encinobalboa the 1993 added another 30 HP to that

  • @danielday713
    @danielday713 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another great review. Chapeau to Sasha for such a respectful update to the console.

  • @hvh377
    @hvh377 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Hi Jack, again an excellent find! I personally prefer the S1, but this version is stunning. This car is absolutely beautiful. As always, this video is an interesting little story. Well done.
    About parts for other cars looking better on the Lotus Esprit: the wing mirrors look absolutely beautiful on the Citroen CX, which is what they were designed for, but look even better on this Esprit.

    • @ChristianRThomas
      @ChristianRThomas ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yup. The S1 is unquestionably the prettiest of all Esprits. Somehow everything was always downhill thereafter, though at a fairly shallow slope. Then people (and Lotus) lost faith in the Giugiaro shape and thought it looked dated. Not a view many would share today.

    • @hvh377
      @hvh377 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@ChristianRThomas Agreed. It's sometimes hard to see which of the current (overdesigned) cars will be classics in the future.
      Will the shape of the model S or the Taycan become as iconic as the wedge of cheese in 50 years from now?

  • @colindewolfe3647
    @colindewolfe3647 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I once read in a car magazine, that the Renault transmission was "like making a long distance call to Paris for a gear change".

    • @kevmagill5163
      @kevmagill5163 ปีที่แล้ว

      lol...brutal

    • @TheLRider
      @TheLRider ปีที่แล้ว

      It wouldn't have been Geremy Clarkson by any chance, that man who is up there with Colin Chapman in terms of car design and engineering imo. 😂😂 What a wanker. Now driving Tractors which are far more suited to his abilities. Guess France can't play football either. 😂⚽

    • @kevmagill5163
      @kevmagill5163 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Brian Thomas... extra brutal...☠️

    • @colindewolfe3647
      @colindewolfe3647 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheLRider No it was either Car and Driver, or Motor Trend stateside. It was a review head to head of the Esprit and its competitors.

  • @abraunski8875
    @abraunski8875 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I had an Esprit for more than 20 years and it irritated me a bit that I barely fit in at 6ft 1, even with the seat adjuster taken out, then watched a video of a Diablo and then a Testarossa that the reviewer BARELY fit in at 5ft 10. I really loved that car (Esprit)and appreciate it more every day. I've driven other mid-engine cars but the Esprit just didn't have the bad habits other mid-engine cars have, like snap oversteer. Would love to get an Emira!

    • @jesterokjones4954
      @jesterokjones4954 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's exactly right about it not being as temperamental as a lot of other mid engine cars, you don't have to pray every time you let off anywhere near a corner, lol.

  • @andybroer651
    @andybroer651 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A friend of mine lent me his for over a month while he was out of the country and mid-divorce, it really is a wonderful car to drive. Handles like a Lotus, the V8 burbles and cracks and does not want for power. Brakes are good, interior is much better than earlier cars. I really enjoyed it. I have a photo of the fly yellow Lotus in my garage next to my black Lamborghini Countach parked next to it. One of my fondest memories from the past. Esprit V8 is a wonderful exotic, if you can drive one, please do! Thanks for the video! Brought back memories.

  • @Rontonito
    @Rontonito ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for the "POV" from passenger views, and the details of the dash.
    Kudos!

  • @geoffclarke8934
    @geoffclarke8934 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    A great looking car. Have a bit of a soft spot for Lotus as my Step Dad owned an Excel for many years and the Esprit made a big impression on me at age 7 in the Spy Who Loved Me. Have never driven an Esprit but I did hire a 355 for a weekend getting on for 20 years ago. Two highlights of the 355 where it's lovely gear change and the thrilling engine note at high rpm where it clearly has the Lotus beat but I agree the weak link was the steering which I found too light and lacking feel.

  • @fritzmuller8246
    @fritzmuller8246 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your work Jack . Superb , humble , honest , on point ,just fabulous

  • @scottjohnson4319
    @scottjohnson4319 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What an amazing series of cars Jack, thank you. must admit I would never pick that colour for a car but now I see it I love it. Nearly as pretty as the S1 but not quite.

  • @FalconXE302
    @FalconXE302 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    With those gauges, Sasha will now be able to see that moment the engine self destructs again... because it will happen... it's a LOTUS....!

  • @pauln0371
    @pauln0371 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Always loved the Esprit. Back in 1980/81 my mates uncle had a S1 in red. It was a Red letter day when you saw anything like this on the road. 👍👍

  • @robertjackson5836
    @robertjackson5836 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Gorgeous. Lovely cared for and maintained example.

  • @GRfourfun
    @GRfourfun ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Always loved these, bad luck with the engine but glad they stuck with it. Also really loving these reviews Jack!

  • @seanday6403
    @seanday6403 ปีที่แล้ว

    Subscribed. Excellent video lovely colour and spec, put a smile on my face cheers for that, merry Christmas 😊🎅

  • @martinmathieu6098
    @martinmathieu6098 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for the ride. Nice road for this nice car. I like it !

  • @darklight6013
    @darklight6013 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    One of my favorite cars as a child; i've seen many of them here in Italy, between 90's and early 2000, i think it's been a success here, at least in my city XD
    More common color was the classic yellow, followed by red and british green.

  • @Hipas_Account
    @Hipas_Account ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What an amazing color, and those wheels, Bwoah some of the best looking wheels out there.

  • @andrewstamps2806
    @andrewstamps2806 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Jack I love the lotus,especially the newer type as being more refined.
    Superb feature and thanks Andrew 😊

  • @WingsOfPeaceToronto
    @WingsOfPeaceToronto 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is has become one of my fav. TH-cam channel - love every episode

  • @claytonbouldin9381
    @claytonbouldin9381 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the Lotus Espirit. They just look cool to me! This one in particular is beautiful.

  • @stewkeene
    @stewkeene ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I was completely unaware this car existed. What a beautiful fun car. ♥️

  • @lets_measure_it
    @lets_measure_it ปีที่แล้ว +3

    nice video and car. thanks.
    it's another silicon horror story.
    i worked for an open wheeler racing team a while ago. the gearbox had been sent away for a post crash repair and the engineering firm had reassembled it using silicon on the mating faces.
    as always happens some silicon got inside and blocked the breather and once the box heated up it blew the blockage and put oil over the rear tyres ;
    instant crash.
    silicon is for bathrooms not cars.
    i sympathise with the owners. everything seems well now though

  • @hubertmantz1516
    @hubertmantz1516 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video on a great car! Thanks 😮😊

  • @craftingmat5425
    @craftingmat5425 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Aaaahhh... my favorite crazy-Lotus-biased-brit is reviewing the Esprit V8 😁
    I know the result before clicking it... and you delivered! I agree with you at 100% - the Esprit is seriously underrated. The S4 interior is trimmed quite well and even hold up quite well additionally. Also a lot of the original issues are sorted (but not all of them as you already stated). The V8 may be a special one (never driven one tbh), I assume I would go for a late S4S Model (maybe a GT3). Love these reviews, keep them comin! Like!

    • @ChristianRThomas
      @ChristianRThomas ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I think the interiors are much better than people give them credit for and the driving position is to die for. I never much liked that rouched leather in the S4 though, and it looked especially bad with age and with a cream interior. It just ended up looking filthy. What will work in that car, which didn't in the G cars or the Excel of the period, is the heating fan. That really was a pathetic thing.

  • @focus3303
    @focus3303 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video jack
    I've always been a fan of the lotus esprit 😊

  • @markdoyle6414
    @markdoyle6414 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fantastic video, thanks.

  • @michaellorenson2997
    @michaellorenson2997 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well done, Jack, thanks. I've wondered about the Lotus V8 since it was new -- just why it never seemed to take hold as a 'great' car. Now I'm confident that I get it. Too bad these are exotic enough to be very expensive, if yours needs a sorting-out. Luckily, here in the US, I have access to a very wide variety of Corvettes, many being incredibly affordable, with which to satisfy my V8 sports-car cravings. In Britain / Europe, where Corvettes are effectively 'exotic', and that opportunity is off the table, I'd have to look very seriously at this car.

  • @Brennan0914
    @Brennan0914 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    As a recently new owner of an Esprit V8, well... about 90% of one (It's a long story), I have done so much research and digging on transaxles then I can care to talk about. I have recently acquired an original UN-1 027 (latest box for V8), and intend to convert it to a 6 speed. It's really quite a long explanation but essentially the conversion changes the location of the gears and in turn makes the box alot stronger in the higher gears (where shaft sheering usually happens), still not sure about stripping the lower gears though and then there's the whole gear translation for the selector that I've been avoiding thinking about.
    I have a lathe, mill, etc. in my garage workshop so intend to do all this myself, I also know of a local place that can harden my gears for a reasonable price. Of course my backup plan is the Audi 0A2 box I currently keep tripping over.

    • @bobolulu7615
      @bobolulu7615 ปีที่แล้ว

      Make sure you use a decent high grade, heat treatable steel for the shaft.

  • @dadcars
    @dadcars ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I LOVE the esprit, always have. I prefer the cleaner styling of the earlier cars but a lotus V8 is a special thing 👏 fair play to the owners, awesome colour as well.

  • @kettle_of_chris
    @kettle_of_chris ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My god these cars are so beautiful! Always loved the Lotus Esprit! Especially the one this guy had (the blue one) and the V8 that he was driving. The Esprit is the quintessential definition of the term: Timeless Design

  • @shaunruddlesdin5483
    @shaunruddlesdin5483 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video and story this is my neighbours car,it truely is loved liked and subbed👍

  • @rozap_8356
    @rozap_8356 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    That color is perfect. It's such a fun and unique car and it does feel like it was a missed opportunity, if only they had a proper gearbox. But it worked out because you can still find them for reasonably cheap.
    I read that the exhaust system they got in the UK was pretty underwhelming because of noise restrictions, and in typical lotus fashion they didn't have enough money to develop one that sounded good and still passed the regulations. It sounds pretty nice with a proper exhaust. One day I'll upload a video of the noise :) there is a not very good quality on my youtube page.

  • @nathanbenich9204
    @nathanbenich9204 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hey, Jack: As I mentioned before, I too have a special place in my heart for the Esprit. However, when Lotus changed the engine from a 4-cyc. to a V-8, I read an article from "Car & Track" magazine that Lotus consulted Ferrari for the engine design, or purchased the V-8 from Ferrari (I can't remember that far back). Cheers!:)

  • @reallynotpc
    @reallynotpc ปีที่แล้ว

    Sounds great, and REALLY good looking!

  • @malcolmlane-ley2044
    @malcolmlane-ley2044 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good to see your subscriber numbers going North; proof the new formula of the channel is widely appealing

  • @ThomasDoubting5
    @ThomasDoubting5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    These cars always reminds me of a big MK2 MR2 somehow

  • @yankeetraveler1118
    @yankeetraveler1118 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    A fantastic car and a fantastic review. I've often wondered if anyone had ever retrofitted any other transmissions into the Esprit, A ZF 5 DS-25-2 Transaxle out of a Pantera perhaps?

  • @mikerayner5938
    @mikerayner5938 ปีที่แล้ว

    Jack. Great vid. Love that colour. When you flash the pop ups you need to double flick, as the first flick pops ‘em and the second one flashes. Ooeer! 😁

  • @dolfandon7124
    @dolfandon7124 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love how that car evolved. There's always second guessing about the engine choice (more importantly the transmission choice), but that one sounds amazing. Also, I think the Julian Thomson version would made a more convincing submarine!

  • @patrickhostler5939
    @patrickhostler5939 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Cwipes, that is the kind of horrific bill that would put me off Lotus ownership, which is a crying shame because I think the Esprit is still a stunning looking and performing car.

  • @scottwalker4153
    @scottwalker4153 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Always a gorgeous looking car from whatever angle you look at it

  • @johnmac8084
    @johnmac8084 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for sharing 👍

  • @russellhammond4373
    @russellhammond4373 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another great history lesson. You drove a fantastic example.

  • @grahamnutt8958
    @grahamnutt8958 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    That colour really suits this car - and the wheels just "look" right.
    Such a pity that the oft quoted acronym *L.O.T.U.S* reared up to bite the owner although that is mostly due to the shoddy engine rebuild 🤔. Thanks to Sasha and yourself for sharing this upload.

    • @ianjenkins4641
      @ianjenkins4641 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I was thinking the exact opposite on the colour

  • @michaelhawkins5530
    @michaelhawkins5530 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The styling to this day is just beautiful. I think it will still look great in a hundred years.

  • @midlifemotors5050
    @midlifemotors5050 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow!! Superb car, lucky owner. Great video 👍

  • @Vinttro
    @Vinttro ปีที่แล้ว

    We’ve always loved the esprit at Vint-tro. Great review Jack, thank you 🙌🏼

    • @Number27
      @Number27  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you chap and happy Xmas!

  • @mackmcmillan9905
    @mackmcmillan9905 ปีที่แล้ว

    This car always brings me back to "If Looks Could Kill" with Richard Grieco and Gabrielle Anwar. Good stuff!

  • @ronanmc2112
    @ronanmc2112 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love these Espirits. Great review. Was nearly as excited to see the MB Trac for a second on camera as I was the espirit 😂

  • @williejack3695
    @williejack3695 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    one of my very favourite cars of all time

  • @TheTruthKiwi
    @TheTruthKiwi ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow, what a beauty. The owner has done a great job and it looks great. A little rough on close inspection in some parts but that means you can drive it and have fun and not baby it for fear of damaging something. I would be so tempted to swap the gearbox out and unleash the full 500hp though.

  • @2702simmo
    @2702simmo ปีที่แล้ว

    Brilliant and entertaining video Jack
    My favourite Esprit but mad money now
    You looked like you had fun in that on those great roads 👍

    • @Number27
      @Number27  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks buddy! Hope you have a great Xmas!

    • @2702simmo
      @2702simmo ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Number27 you too pal

  • @NunoFerreiraX
    @NunoFerreiraX ปีที่แล้ว

    ❤❤❤❤❤❤
    Excellent channel.
    Your videos are the best.

  • @stephenricketts7764
    @stephenricketts7764 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice car and nice all round shape. Who knows why companies make some choices? Thanks Jack once again..👍👍

  • @DavidDavid-kl4ru
    @DavidDavid-kl4ru ปีที่แล้ว

    Another great upload. The location looks very familiar - is it the Cotswolds?

  • @energymc22
    @energymc22 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video as always 👍 The V8 was another example of Romano Artioli's over the top spending, sure the Esprit needed a beefier engine but to spend that much to re-equip an end of life 20 year old design with such an engine reminds me of his OTT attitude with Bugatti. I love the guy and what he created but he did like to spend!

  • @JonRanwell1966
    @JonRanwell1966 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I was lucky enough to drive an S1 a couple of weeks ago for the next issue of Classic Cars magazine, and I would love to own a V8!

    • @FridgeProductionsLtd
      @FridgeProductionsLtd ปีที่แล้ว +1

      And mine is even better, having been completely rebuilt and professionally set up. It handles like it's on rails.

  • @jensenhealey907efi
    @jensenhealey907efi ปีที่แล้ว

    I really like the four cylinder Lotus Esprits. I have two of the 1988 cars with the Citroen gearbox and one non-operational 1990 car with the Renault gearbox. I have a soft spot for the cars with the 2.2L 912 engines since one of the first enthusiast cars I owned was a 1974 Jensen Healey with the 2.0L 907 engine. In fact I still have a modified Jensen Healey that I have converted to EFI and crankfired ignition (Megasquirt) and installed a Toyota W58 five speed transmission into.

  • @TheMrFishnDucks
    @TheMrFishnDucks ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love the blue colour and how they put it into interior. Really disappointed about the gearbox, really hoping someone made an upgrade kit that let you use all that horsepower. Nice review. Keep up the good work.

  • @BubuBarong
    @BubuBarong ปีที่แล้ว

    Bravo Giacomo, grazie per il video!

  • @pj9375
    @pj9375 ปีที่แล้ว

    Always loved the look of these 😊 lovely in that hue too. Off to the classifieds…

  • @solomonstemplers
    @solomonstemplers ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm not much of car enthusiast.. I'm a biker but if i ever had the cash this is my all time favorite it just has everything it looks super sexy and not garish. Awesome review.

  • @davlee1979
    @davlee1979 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great to see her back on the road again

  • @jonhimself77
    @jonhimself77 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Good review, I don't think Lotus had much of a choice though with the gearbox tho. I know ppl who've elevated these WAY above 350 reliably without too much changes to the gearbox. Main issue is the input shaft (V8 will snap them if you abuse them) and 5th gear which is not contained within the casing but hanging out on the end and not fully supported.
    Early dash's had that all important oil pressure gauge, but they are a bit in yer face.
    Never seen a later car in that colour before - utterly magnificent.

    • @bobolulu7615
      @bobolulu7615 ปีที่แล้ว

      The input shaft is a 2-peace affair, with a splined coupling in the centre of the driven shaft and the input shaft. A few, very few, times the splines stripped on this sleeve, not snap a shaft. You are right about the 5th gear, it only has bearing support on one side. It's not the bearing tho, it's the fact that the shaft diameter at that point is only 17mm. The fix is to get an updated input shaft the is not necked down, but made larger to 27mm. I know this because I have done it.

  • @rhettcorcoran2879
    @rhettcorcoran2879 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great car, very interesting video, as ever.

  • @jeffpollard7304
    @jeffpollard7304 ปีที่แล้ว

    Had a ‘98 twin turbo V8 for 5yrs, sold it because I had stroke scare, biggest mistake I’ve made. Loved this machine!!!!❤️

  • @nigelT16
    @nigelT16 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    nobody talks about the Lotus Esprit S4S it had 300hp from a 4cyl. This has double the cyl and just 50 more horses, I am much more impressed with the S4S

  • @NYHeeb
    @NYHeeb ปีที่แล้ว

    The twin turbo is one of my dream cars. Such a beautiful timeless design.

  • @ramblerdave1339
    @ramblerdave1339 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love the style in that color!

  • @VettemanLT5
    @VettemanLT5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I always loved this car. Very rarely I get to see one here in Delaware in the USA. A white one with only about 20 thousand miles. The engine sounds truly wonderful.

  • @rolfsvensson5777
    @rolfsvensson5777 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great car and video! A puppy that grow up! Your face tells the story about pull and i think it took you for a walk like puppy do!

  • @byrnc927
    @byrnc927 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a great color!
    👍👍👍
    They should have stuffed an Chevy / Lotus LT-5 in the midships. Then it would have been not just a great car, but a legendary car.

  • @paulb4uk
    @paulb4uk ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love this version as much as the early versions i think they did a great job designing the newer version .

  • @danieleregoli812
    @danieleregoli812 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gorgeous thing the Esprit, always loved it, ever since the days of my corgi toys James Bond model!!!

  • @adriandickinson204
    @adriandickinson204 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another great video Jack. The burning question for me though is do uou prefer the V8 Esprit or your old Evora S?