Observe a Grimy Lotus Esprit Receive a Bath Following 20 Years of Neglect in a Field

The barn housing the car vanished after a tornado swept through the vicinity—its natural course—and the Lotus, void of its windshield, endured years of neglect until the current proprietor acquired it for a mere $300. As mentioned in a video by YouTube channel Number 27, a rational individual might have opted to salvage this vehicle for spare parts; however, the new owner’s mindset doesn’t align with convention. After revitalizing the exterior of the car to a surprisingly commendable state and eliminating a substantial portion of the organic matter from the interior, efforts were made to bring it back to life post a few refinements to the fuel system. But before the Esprit could undergo this revival, it had to be transported from the ranch, where it was abandoned, to the owner’s residence.

This task proved to be more challenging than envisioned. Several wheels were missing from the car, and the existing tires on those that remained attached were far from pristine. The installation of a fresh set enabled the Lotus to roll once again. It was then towed by a tractor—operated by the none other than George R.R. Martin, it seems—across a field to a trailer for a secure journey to the owner’s abode.

Upon reaching the destination, the cleansing process commenced. The exterior received a thorough pressure wash that swiftly restored it to an unexpectedly decent condition. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the interior. Even after the removal of what the owner described as approximately “forty gallons” of dirt, vegetation, animal remains, and debris, signs of nature’s reclamation persisted inside. While the seats have been discarded, the carpets demand more than just a vacuum to cease resembling a failed scientific experiment.

An unexpected revelation from this restoration is that, despite enduring the elements for a purported 20 years, the car’s 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine remained functional. Presumably, all rubber seals and gaskets need replacement due to deterioration, yet in subsequent videos, the engine successfully turns over and even sparks to life after minor intervention in the fuel system.

Initially, this dual-overhead-cam, wet-sump engine—different from a dry-sump variant found in earlier models—generated 210 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. Restoring it to these specifications will necessitate extensive work. Nevertheless, the fact that the engine responds positively to startup attempts signals potential. Subsequent project videos highlight the need for replacements in parts of the clutch hydraulic system, and one can anticipate that the car’s five-speed Citroen-sourced transmission could benefit from some tender loving care.

After starting the engine, it’s impressive to see what still operates. The RPM gauge works, dashboard lights are on, and even the oil pressure meter displays data. Since it’s a British vehicle, it might indicate oil pressure or oil quantity, but nevertheless, it’s positive information!

The current owner of the car, Aaron Bunch, intends to upgrade the Esprit for functionality and then gift it to his son as his first automobile. This is a daring decision. Weighing at 2,350 pounds, the S3 Esprit is a speedy car, even with just over two hundred horsepower. However, as long as his child is skilled enough, I am confident it will be a success. Wouldn’t you desire a Lotus as your inaugural vehicle?

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