24k-Mile 1977 Lotus Esprit S1

This 1977 Lotus Esprit S1 was purchased one year ago from the estate of its longtime Southern California owner, who had the car since around 1979. The odometer shows just under 24k miles and the factory 2.0L twin cam inline-four is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Since acquiring the car, the seller has invested in a thorough refurbishing including extensive engine work with rebuilt carbs, a new timing belt and tensioner, new thermostat/water pump, various gaskets, and more. This is a well-documented Esprit with its original window sticker and records back to 1979 included in the sale. It is now offered with the documentation file, original purchase and registration materials, a dealer-stamped ownerâ??s manual, and a clean Arizona title.According to original delivery paperwork, this Esprit was sold new by Mission Viejo Imports in Southern California on August 11th, 1977 with a total MSRP of $17,241. The seller was told that the original owner was a pilot in the Los Angeles area. The second owner purchased the car around 1979 and put over 20k miles on it before parking it in his hangar to fix a leaky valve cover gasket. That repair was never performed and the seller acquired this car from his daughter about one year ago.Recent exterior work includes new European bumpers front and rear, new windshield wipers, and new trunk-support struts. The original US-market rear bumper will be included with the sale. The paint is described to be very presentable with a good shine throughout, and the seller notes that minor scuffs and chips have been touched-up. The car shows no evidence of prior damage or accidents according to the seller.The polished alloy wheels have recently been fitted with new tires all around, with the seller describing a smooth ride and rattle-free suspension. Recent brake work includes rebuilt front and rear calipers, new stainless steel brake lines, and a rebuilt brake master cylinder.The original two-tone interior appears well-preserved. Flaws are described as limited to a small burn-mark and dime-sized tear in the passenger seat, as well as a missing lid for the passenger-side ashtray, both of which are shown in the photo gallery below. After acquiring the car, the seller found that there is a brass plaque with â??Just call me 007â? hidden inside if the glove box, as shown in the photo gallery.All instrumentation, lighting, and electrics are said to be in good working order including the power windows. A new speedometer cable was recently fitted, and the heater has been bypassed due to a non-operational core and the warm Arizona weather. The A/C is fully functional and is said to blow cold. The odometer shows just under 24k miles and is thought to be correct based on included documentation since 1979.The 2.0L Type 907 twin cam inline-four is believed original. Shortly after purchasing this Esprit, the seller invested in a thorough mechanical refresh that included:New valve cover, intake manifold, front engine, and oil pump gasketsRebuilt carbs with new vacuum compensators and all new vacuum hosesNew timing belt and tensioner with original â??Federalâ? cam timingFuel system drained, tanks cleaned, all lines replaced, new fuel filterNew fuel pump (Original SU style)Rebuilt water pumpNew thermostatReplaced all rubber cooling hosesReplaced aluminum coolant lines including the long backbone chassis unitsNew spark plugs and wiresChanged the transmission oilNew points, condenser, and distributor capNew engine mountsNew alternatorReplaced front crank sealRebuilt fuel tank sending unitNew aluminum high capacity radiatorNew batteryRebuilt shift linkage and replaced all bushingsAs a result, the engine is reportedly smooth, quiet, and pulls well. The original 5-speed manual transmission is said to shift smoothly with no unusual noises or grinds. Due to the upgraded cooling system, the engine is said to run at a consistently cool temperature even in 100-plus degree Arizona heat. The seller mentions that after being parked for a week, there will be a drop or two of oil on the ground from the rear of the transmission and engine sump.Some undercarriage photos are included and appear to show an original underside in serviceable condition free of major corrosion or damage.Documentation includes the original MSRP and sales documents, ownership/service/registration records since 1979, and all receipts for the recent refurbishment work completed. The ownerâ??s manual includes stamps for the 500 mile and 6k mile services carried out at Jim Slemons Imports in Newport Beach, California.This appears to be a well-documented and honest low-mile Esprit S1 that has been treated to extensive recent mechanical work. Cosmetics inside and out are strong and the car should prove enjoyable for the next owner. A video of this Lotus can be viewed below: