New livery for 2011.. shake n bake!

I think it's fair to say the esprit will go through various iterations and liveries over time.

Some work was required to the front end so I used the opportunity to try a more daring front end look and save on expense of full repaint. Not as classic looking as before but definitely more eye grabbing.

What you may not be able to make out is the subtle chequer stripes continues into the yellow and faded into the tears down the sides. I think Gaz has done another awesome job. A mix of classic Lotus, Lambo and Corvette C5R.. perfect!

She's almost ready for her first track outing since 2006. She;s still not fully firing but we're getting there after Gaz played with the timings. Running a lot of advance now so sure that'll come back when put on the rollers.

These pics were taking after an impromtu test run on Saturday.

Hope you like.

JB

First Run Report 21.11.10

Impromtu first test run today - a bit slippy - on green semi slick R888s (not run, 3yrs old so harndened, and road cold and damp but I persevered. I need to run the car to recharge the battery due to the alternator set-up.
Firstly I managed to get over the speed bumps - hooray! Then to note rear traction was immense - very shocked at that given condition of tyres, secondly front end was lively and tracked everything so a bit front to rear bias weight adjustment may be neccessary. Brakes glazed but started to come back - no servo so felt typically wooden like an Elise.
Grunt is quite shocking after a few years out of a v.fast car.. never used much more than half revs but every gear from say 30 was brutal bar 5th which needed a but more speed but from 50 also relentless.. thought I was in 2nd but I was in 4th etc etc// No idea of speed (no speedo) but the way car would pull up and leave cars was comical on a short run.. very exrteme experience tho for road use and roundabouts taken with extreme caution. steering lighter than expected but will hopefully weight as grip comes to the tyres. Engien very cammy low down and doesn't like to doddle, stop or go -
Initially scary but gradually started to get into it, nice n easy,
Most gauges working okay bar fuel gauge which stopped working this weekend and suspect bad connection at sender or gauge as electrics all new - worrying given engine's likley thirst but easy enough to fix. rear camera is very good and aids the tiny racetech mirrors.
Rear hatch needs more vents - just not enough ways for heat to escape engine bay.. engine running >100 deg F.even on a short run. Good oil pressure >40psi, water temps around 110 degrees and voltmeter was showing only 12 volts, now looked closer to 13 so alternator seems to be doing its thing.
Made a little boy fall of his push bike and a 7 driver almost swallowed his toungue when he went past in the other direction - I gave our fellow loti brethern the typical nod.
LOUD!
JB

P.S. Will post vids as soon as I can get hold of my mount/clamp.

Esprit finally arrives!!

Words can't describe the feeling of seeing the 'phoenix' turn up at the door.

Everyone was very happy - can't thank Martyn, Mandy and Merlin @ MVS enough for all their efforts. A very happy Jon standing beside his 'beast'.

Ignition on... She lives!!!!!

Rear TFT camera in place

'Stealth' - Merl has done a great job to blend the rear tft camera in. Not much left to do now.. :)

Latest from the shop - almost there!!! lights and doors

Lights really suiting the le mans look - (amber film). Merl has said they are clearer now with a wash down.

Wheels fill the front arches beatifully, which required some 'modification'.

Nice to see the front screen back in.

Liking the carbon door cards and simple door pulls.

Wheels and front diffuser

Front wheels on, looking good tho no doubt a front brake upgrade is now possible.