1990 Lotus Esprit SE – S4S Specification – Documented $83K maintenance/repairs

1990 Lotus Esprit SE Additional Info:

**A FULL SET OF IMAGES AND DRIVING VIDEO ARE AVAILABLE AT:

https://forestmotorcollective.com

**Correct VIN is: SCCFC20B2LHF65452 - Ebay would not recognize this VIN and would not allow the listing to go live. The other VIN listed is from another 1991 Esprit and is a placeholder so I could publish the ad. This is a two owner vehicle according to the Carfax report.

Two owners from new. Every aspect of this 1990 Lotus Esprit SE has been properly maintained, upgraded, and continuously improved over the years. Nearly all of the common Esprit problem areas have already been addressed, and the level of documentation accompanying this car is exceptional. This is quite honestly one of the most extensively maintained and best-documented Lotus Esprits we have ever come across, and we encourage all prospective buyers to take the time to review the extensive service and repair history.

The car runs and drives exceptionally well, with no known mechanical issues. Having driven many Esprits over the years, the performance improvements on this example are immediately apparent. The S4S performance chip upgrade is very noticeable — this Esprit is seriously fast. In addition, the clutch and flywheel have been upgraded to S4S specification, and the transaxle and clutch operation feel excellent. The steering linkage has also been refurbished, providing more precise and predictable shifting.

The engine starts immediately and maintains excellent oil pressure, even at full operating temperature. During a prior head gasket replacement service, the engine bores were inspected and described as looking like a new engine. The air conditioning system has been converted to R134a, and the suspension has been properly maintained over the years as needed, including upgraded adjustable Spax shocks at all four corners. The exhaust note is excellent thanks to a Magnaflow muffler, providing a sporty but refined tone.

The car sits on three-piece HRE wheels and has recently been fitted with new Yokohama Advan A052 tires, dated late 2023.

Cosmetically, the paint and body present extremely well, finished in the original Calypso Red. The paint has deep gloss and shine with only a few minor blemishes visible (see photos). The glass is Triplex all around. A clean Carfax report is on file, and there are no signs of prior accident damage.

The interior is in good overall condition. The seats have been professionally recovered in black leather, as a suitable matching material could not be sourced to match the original interior color. They are very comfortable and supportive, making the car well-suited for longer drives. There is some delamination occurring on the wood dashboard fascia and minor wear on the driver’s door armrest, but otherwise the interior presents very well with no major flaws. All exterior lighting and interior gauges are operational.

Known Issues

Dash gauge lights are not working

Horn is not working

Driver’s door passenger window switch is not working

*Please note: This Esprit is not available for sale in California

Master Service History Timeline

Mileage Range Documented: 40,332 → 72,233 miles

06/02/2000 – Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 40,332
Total Paid: $6,034.49
Major Work Performed:
• Head gasket replacement
• Timing belt service
• Cooling system work (impeller, thermostat, hoses)
• Wastegate/turbo output adjustment
• Front/rear suspension work (struts/shocks)
• Clutch hydraulics (line + slave cylinder replacement and bleed)
• Shifter repair / new cables
• Stereo troubleshooting
• Exhaust manifold welding repair

12/19/2000 – Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Total Paid: $1,398.86
Major Work Performed:
• Diagnose/repair water leak with A/C running
• Reseal evaporator housing and lines
• Replace front struts
• Replace left upper ball joint
• Replace left outer tie rod
• Replace rear shocks/struts
• Replace window motor
• Remove rear valance panel for repair

03/28/2001 – Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 44,139
Total Paid: $2,120.30
Major Work Performed:
• Replace starter (updated unit modification)
• Install new tires
• Set ride height + adjust damping/rebound
• Adjust timing belt tension
• Troubleshoot windshield washer pump wiring

07/30/2001 – Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 44,130
Total Paid: $2,036.91
Major Work Performed:
• Diagnose turbo “no boost” condition
• Replace exhaust manifold and gaskets
• Setup wastegate / backpressure relief valve
• Replace headlight
• Added heat protection wrap near EVAP system

03/27/2002 – Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 46,544
Total Paid: $40.89
Major Work Performed:
• Oil and filter change (synthetic)
Notes:
• Steering rack noted with play / rack bushings recommended

12/06/2002 – Autobahn Exotics (Carrollton, TX)
Mileage: 48,339
Total Paid: $5,310.57
Major Work Performed / Parts Purchased:
• Steering rack rebuild parts
• Brake discs and pads
• Gearbox oil service
• Spark plugs, air filter, belts
• Clutch hydraulic components
• Outside radio repair
Labor: approx. 34 hrs

05/05/2004 – Autobahn Exotics (Carrollton, TX)
Mileage: 49,427
Total Paid: $989.99
Major Work Performed:
• Oil service (Mobil 1)
• Upper ball joint replacement
• A/C service and Freon
• Heater tank blanking cap
Notes:
• “Speedo trips not working”

01/17/2005 – Autobahn Exotics (Carrollton, TX)
Mileage: 49,427
Total Paid: $1,229.97
Major Work Performed:
• Front brake pads installed (EBC)
• Oil service
• Various vent/overflow hoses replaced

05/09/2007 – Autobahn Exotics (Carrollton, TX)
Mileage: 49,467
Total Paid: $7,651.33
Major Work Performed:
• Gearbox removed and clutch replacement
• S4S clutch kit + flywheel replacement
• Rear crank seal replacement
• Turbo gasket / manifold gasket service
• Exhaust manifold studs and hardware replaced
• Chargecooler service kit + system flush
• S4S power chip upgrade
• Spark plugs replacement
• A/C dye + recharge
• Speedometer repair
Labor: 72.5 hrs

06/25/2008 – Autobahn Exotics (Carrollton, TX)
Mileage: 50,360
Total Paid: $4,453.10
Major Work Performed:
• Timing belt service
• Cooling system service (thermostat, hoses, sensor, coolant)
• Fuel filter replacement
• Spark plugs replacement
• Belt service (alternator/A/C/water pump belts)

08/29/2013 – Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 55,614
Total Paid: $5,796.96
Major Work Performed:
• Reseat cam towers (oil leak onto exhaust)
• Replace timing belt and tensioners
• Replace drive belts
• Replace chargecooler pump impeller
• Replace spark plugs and ignition leads
• A/C service and recharge
• Tire balance
Notes:
• Minor steering play traced to steering shaft joints (not rack)
• A/C leak noted at metal line (“sweating” through tape)

11/29/2013 – Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 55,744
Total Paid: $1,095.99
Major Work Performed:
• Replace failed vacuum pump

02/08/2014 – Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 55,959
Total Paid: $1,560.24
Major Work Performed:
• Diagnose no-start
• Replace fuel pump and fuel filter
• Repair incorrect relay wiring

10/09/2015 – Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 57,084
Total Paid: $2,038.10
Major Work Performed:
• Replace driver rear trailing arm
• Replace driver-side shocks
• Replace driver front spindle
• Four-wheel alignment

04/07/2016 – Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 57,417
Total Paid: $4,746.92
Major Work Performed:
• Replace fuel tanks
• Replace sending unit
• Replace fuel pump
• Replace fuel hoses
• Replace dash light rheostat

11/11/2016 – Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 58,700
Total Paid: $502.57
Major Work Performed:
• Replace clutch master cylinder
• Replace clutch slave cylinder
• Bleed clutch system

03/31/2018 – Eurosport Automotive (Plano, TX)
Mileage: 61,828
Total Paid: $3,930.71
Major Work Performed:
• Replace axle seal and top off transaxle
• Repair intercooler bleed line leak
• Replace coolant expansion tank and cap
• Bleed cooling system
• Fabricate A/C lines for R134 ports
• Install Sanden A/C compressor
• Touch-up paint work
• Interior/exterior detail (clay bar)
• Clean K&N filter

01/24/2019 – Sports Car World (Dallas, TX)
Mileage: 64,034
Invoice #27 – Total Paid: $4,243.07
Major Work Performed:
• Refurbish/adjust shift mechanism (Renault linkage repair kit, reverse baulk block)
• Gear oil service
• Replace RF wheel bearings
• Timing belt replacement
• Spark plugs replacement
• Replace idle air control valve and adjust fuel pressure
• Replace driver door weatherstrip
• Install “ESPRIT” quarter window badge
• Mount/balance tires (BFGoodrich Sport Comp 2)
• Passenger window motor/regulator service
• Front alignment
• Blow out A/C drain tube

06/04/2019 (printed 08/06/2019) – Sports Car World (Dallas, TX)
Mileage: 64,034
Invoice #179 – Total Paid: $1,779.73
Major Work Performed:
• Diagnose fuel cut-out/backfire/rough running
• Replace fuel pump and fuel filter
• Replace fuel pressure regulator
• Replace TPS sensor
• Replace one-way vacuum check valve
• Replace ECM with reman unit, transfer performance chip
• Oil change due to fuel contamination
• Brake fluid flush/bleed
• A/C recharge

12/19/2019 – Sports Car World (Dallas, TX)
Mileage: 64,034
Invoice #467 – Total Paid: $2,651.10
Major Work Performed:
• Replace leaking fuel line near turbo housing
• Shift linkage inspection and gearbox oil flush
• Repair tailgate strut with electrical feed for third brake light
• Mirror repairs
• ARB bushing work
• Rebuild LH headlamp motor
• Install steering wheel boss + horn parts

06/11/2021 – Sports Car World (Dallas, TX)
Mileage: 64,034
Quote #1051 – PAID: $835.30
Major Work Performed:
• Replace refrigeration temperature switch (NOS)
• Address steering wheel horn issue
• A/C charged

01/31/2022 – Sports Car World (Dallas, TX)
Mileage: 68,056
Invoice #1264 – Total Paid: $4,610.12
Major Work Performed:
• Replace steering rack + bushings
• Alignment
• Seal RH fuel tank pump cover (fuel smell repair)
• Replace A/C receiver/drier and expansion valve + recharge
• Replace brake master cylinder + flush system
• Shift cable adjustment
• Idle correction work
• Paint work (9 hrs)

09/12/2023 – Sports Car World (Dallas, TX)
Mileage: 68,056
Invoice #1692 – Total Paid: $147.00
Major Work Performed:
• Purchase of window switches (3x) + shipping

02/28/2024 (Approved 03/07/2024) – Blue Chip Management & Paint Protection
Mileage: 70,012
Repair Order #1548 – PAID: $16,059.58
Major Work Performed:
• Three-stage paint correction
• Paint sealant
• Touch-up paint
• Full detail (interior, exterior, engine bay, wheels, leather treatment)

06/27/2024 – Blue Chip Services (Englewood, CO)
Mileage: 69,958 → 70,012
RO #3158 – PAID: $16,059.58 (mechanical recommissioning)
Major Work Performed:
• Full inspection
• Major suspension refresh (control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rods, rear adjustable links)
• Braided stainless brake hose upgrade + fluid flush
• Wastegate actuator replacement/adjustment (Forge Motorsport customer supplied)
• Belts replaced
• Cooling hose replacement + flush
• Spark plugs and ignition cables replaced
• Engine oil service (Motul 10W60) + oil analysis
• A/C service recharge
• Battery replacement + terminals
• Reverse light switch replacement
• New tires installed (Yokohama Advan A052)
• Alignment performed (noted alignment limitations due to chassis condition)

01/07/2026 (printed 01/29/2026) – Blue Chip Repair (Englewood, CO)
Mileage: 72,231 → 72,233
RO #4706 – BALANCE DUE: $2,027.15
Major Work Performed:
• Diagnose overboost / wastegate actuator binding issue
• Repair mirror movement (customer-supplied parts)
• Brake fluid flush (Motul DOT 5.1)
• Instrument binnacle tightened
• Cluster lighting diagnosis (recommended removal of aftermarket alarm due to wiring issues)