E55 stable mate, what to do with it?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Dallas
SL65
E55 stable mate, what to do with it?
I've recently came into possession of a 1997 Lotus Esprit, just have to go snag it. I don't know much about these vehicles. I hear they're fun to drive, but maintenence on them is a pain in the neck. Small TT V8, about 355 HP and weighs just shy of 3000 lbs and looks like an old Ferrari. The question is do I keep it to drive around in now and then, sell it and keep the money, sell it and get an SLK55, or, this is the real oddball, sell it and buy an Ariel Atom? I understand that if you buy an Atom that it is not street legal, that you have to build it as a kit car for it to be street legal and I would definaly want to drive it on the streets. 
Anyone know anything about building a kit car or the Atom specifically? What is everyone's thoughts on the Esprit itself?
Anyone know anything about building a kit car or the Atom specifically? What is everyone's thoughts on the Esprit itself?
Last edited by bfnnrgn; Sep 27, 2006 at 02:47 PM.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: In a box
W211 E55
The Esprit is about as much as a "kit car" as tha Atom, maybe more.
Awesome drivers, but terrible QC. From the engine/electrical fires to the overuse of zip-ties in the (delaminating) engine compartment, it is better to look at than own.
I would wash-n-shine the Esprit, sell it, and enjoy a faster "kit car"
Awesome drivers, but terrible QC. From the engine/electrical fires to the overuse of zip-ties in the (delaminating) engine compartment, it is better to look at than own.
I would wash-n-shine the Esprit, sell it, and enjoy a faster "kit car"
Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 207
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From: Houston
'06 E55
I've owned a couple of Esprits and never had any major problems. They seem to do better the more you drive them (daily driver for me). I say drive it for a while and enjoy it. Of course im partial, but it is still a great car for the money.
