Discussion
Hello everyone. I know of an abandoned 1978 Esprit that has been sitting in that exact spot for at least 10 years, probably closer to 20. It looks like it's still got the engine but the interior is pretty much decimated. I'm wondering if it'd be worth it to try to get it out of there and clean it up? I understand that there probably aren't a surplus of parts laying around for it, but ever since I first saw it there 10 years ago I've wanted to get it out of there and help it! Can anyone offer some advice? Thanks.
Well, while I'm still interested in hearing about the potential to restore a car such as this, the thing is definitely not for sale. The gentelman was also extremely edgy and annoyed at my request. Perhaps if you don't want "50 people a year" asking about it you should cover it up or move it from the spot on a main street where it's been sitting for 20 years.
Anything is restorable. It is a matter of what it is going to take to do it. My uncle restored a 1960-something Studebaker that he bought with a tree growing up through the middle of. Why anyone would want to restore a 1960-something Studebaker sedan with a flathead motor is beyond me, but hey, it was his money. He even got an original (not reproduction) sticker for inside the glove box.
A '78 in sad condition will probably cost you a lot more to restore than just buying one in good shape to start with. Even if you do all the work yourself. Unless you just want something to do and spend money on, like my uncle.
Dr.Hess
A '78 in sad condition will probably cost you a lot more to restore than just buying one in good shape to start with. Even if you do all the work yourself. Unless you just want something to do and spend money on, like my uncle.
Dr.Hess
ras1325 said:
Well, while I'm still interested in hearing about the potential to restore a car such as this, the thing is definitely not for sale. The gentelman was also extremely edgy and annoyed at my request. Perhaps if you don't want "50 people a year" asking about it you should cover it up or move it from the spot on a main street where it's been sitting for 20 years.
That seems to happen a lot. There is a guy in the Minneapolis area who has a Europa under a tarp in his back yard. It's well into it's second decade there. Trees have grown up around it and are now threatening to crush the bodywork as the trunks get thicker.
Mike
ras1325 said:
The gentelman was also extremely edgy and annoyed at my request. Perhaps if you don't want "50 people a year" asking about it you should cover it up or move it from the spot on a main street where it's been sitting for 20 years.
Yep, there are some real freakos who own cars like this. Perfectly content to see something rare and desirable crumble to dust rather than let an enthusiast have it (and make a few bob out of them too). I guy near me got so sick of people enquiring about his derelict Elan, which he housed in an open fronted garage, he threw a tin of paint over it to make it look worse......
I propose some kind of historical listing for vehicles in the same way as buildings/monuments; grade 3 for your common or garden "nostalgia" fodder ie. Capris, with fines for anything other than tasteful mods, all the way up to grade 1; [Esprits, obviously] where any mistreatment is punishable by castration.
britten_mark said:
I propose some kind of historical listing for vehicles in the same way as buildings/monuments; grade 3 for your common or garden "nostalgia" fodder ie. Capris, with fines for anything other than tasteful mods, all the way up to grade 1; [Esprits, obviously] where any mistreatment is punishable by castration.
I'd better not post any pics of my Esprit then, parked on the pavement outsde my house with half an engine, flat tyres and lots of bird crap...
wedg1e said:
I propose some kind of historical listing for vehicles in the same way as buildings/monuments; grade 3 for your common or garden "nostalgia" fodder ie. Capris, with fines for anything other than tasteful mods, all the way up to grade 1; [Esprits, obviously] where any mistreatment is punishable by castration.
I'd better not post any pics of my Esprit then, parked on the pavement outsde my house with half an engine, flat tyres and lots of bird crap...
Yes, what's happening about that engine, Ian?
Paul.
B16 RFF said:
britten_mark said:
I propose some kind of historical listing for vehicles in the same way as buildings/monuments; grade 3 for your common or garden "nostalgia" fodder ie. Capris, with fines for anything other than tasteful mods, all the way up to grade 1; [Esprits, obviously] where any mistreatment is punishable by castration.
I'd better not post any pics of my Esprit then, parked on the pavement outsde my house with half an engine, flat tyres and lots of bird crap...
Yes, what's happening about that engine, Ian?
Paul.
Still in bits, haven't decided what route to take. Have even been tempted to sell the car as it stands but would make a huge loss (well, huge to me anyway
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