1997 Lotus V-8 Turbo Esprit CART-PPG Pace Car
LEW has confirmed it was prepared by Lotus to full PPG Pace Car Specifications in 1996.
It was originally painted in a Special PPG Paint (Black/ Gold Metallic)
It had a full Safety Devices Cage, Bag Fuel Tanks and modified Electrics as specified by PPG Motorsport.

The Interior was to USA Twin Airbag Specification -
Passenger Bag Disabled and Driver Steering replaced with a European (Sport 300) wheel.
It had Sports (S300 Type Seats)
This car was not registered as a Lotus Production vehicle -
It did not conform to Crash or Emission requirements. It was shipped to USA as a Track Car.
It was shown at the 1997 Detroit Show.
First PPG outing was at Homestead, Florida (First Cart Race of 1997)

US $20,000.00

To bid on the item, go to:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll

Mar 21, 201015:41:25 PDT

   

This car was used by the CART Indycar organization as a PPG Pace Car for races during the 1997 and 1998 seasons. It started life as a model year 1997 V-8 Turbo Esprit, built in December of 1996. 

Equipment includes: 3.5 liter 32 valve DOHC V-8 twin-turbo, 350 hp, 5 Speed Manual transmission, O.Z. wheels w/Yokohama AVS tires, Lotus Sport calipers, custom roll cage, twin ATL fuel cells, extensive aeroquip in the engine compartment, electronic 20 lb. Lifeline fire suppression system (currently disconnected, but in place), external and internal emergency electrical cut-off switches, 6-point Luke driver and passenger restraints, custom Alcantara suede interior. Removable fiberglass roof panel. The A/C system and radio have been removed. The exhaust system has 4 catalytic converters and straight pipes, the muffler has been removed. The power steering, electric windows and door-locks remain. All the lights work, but the turn signals do not self-cancel.

The car starts and runs perfectly. Current mileage is under 16,000 miles from new, with the most recent service including new timing belts, pulleys, and tensioners done at 13,760 miles. Prior to that a timing gear bearing failure required the replacement of all pistons and valves and reconditioning of the cylinder heads.

This car was painted an iridescent black/gold color for the 1997 season, and repainted the current yellow for the 1998 season. This paint chips very easily and there are numerous chips around the vehicle including the front and side bodywork and the rear wing. The PPG Pace Car identification on the doors is not a decal, but is painted on, layered underneath the clear coat. The PPG Lotus identification at the top of the windshield is a decal and can be removed.

The Pace Car lights have been removed but the original switchgear and wiring is included with the car, but not the roof-top signal lights. When the roof-top lights were removed, this left mounting holes in the removable roof panel that remain. The original outside rear-view mirrors were damaged and have been replaced, but are included. The rear side windows have been replaced with plexiglass and are removable with cam-loc fasteners.

The integrated roll cage makes this Esprit safer for track use and also adds strength and torsional rigidity providing dramatically better, more responsive handling when compared to the stock Esprit. This roll cage extends through the rear bulkhead/firewall and is attached to the frame near the rear suspension mounts. The front and rear springs have been substantially stiffened, but I do not have specs for the spring rates.

     

 

IMPORTANT!
When I purchased the vehicle, it did not have a title. Lotus did not to provide a title or warranty due to the modifications that had been made. I legally registered it in Michigan as an "Assembled Vehicle". Accordingly, the title does not say "Lotus", it lists the manufacturer as "Assembled Vehicle".

This car is for sale as a "Track Car" only, not intended for use on the street. While I did legally license and insure this car for my own use in the State of Michigan, I do not know the legality of licensing this car for the street in any other state. Accordingly, a bill of sale will state clearly that this car will be sold for "Off Road" use only.

 I will include the original Lotus VIN Plate VIN#:SCCFE33C7VHF65259   (see photo)   This original Lotus VIN plate was removed prior to my purchase of the vehicle and is included with the documentation that I have for the vehicle. This original Lotus VIN Plate is NOT attached to the vehicle.

The VIN Plate attached to the vehicle (VIN#MI0208A165X010606)   (see photo on drivers door post) was issued by the State of Michigan on March 16, 2006. The Vehicle Title that will be provided upon sale is a State of Michigan Motor Vehicle Title, listing the Manufacturer as "Assembled" and the VIN as # MI0208A165X010606  The Ebay system requires the original VIN to be listed to post this ad.
 
I would encourage bidders to examine this car in person. It is currently located in Rockford, IL.
Please check your local laws as to title and licensing and do all legal research prior to bidding.
Please email any questions prior to bidding and I will do my best to answer.
Please refrain from asking questions that indicate you did not read the above description.
 
A $500 deposit is required within 24 hours of the winning bid. PayPal is an acceptable form of payment for the deposit only.
The remaining balance is due within 7 business days of the auction end. 
I do not offer financing, so if this is necessary, please make all arrangements prior to bidding.
Acceptable forms of payment include Bank or Cashiers Check, Cash in Person, or a Bank to Bank Wire Transfer.

ALL FUNDS MUST CLEAR PRIOR TO DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE. I am sorry if this is an inconvenience.
If you wish to view this vehicle in person, Please email to schedule.
As this vehicle is for sale locally, I reserve the right to end this auction early.
All Sales are Final and this vehicle is sold in "AS-IS" Condition, with NO WARRANTY expressed or implied.
Prior to bidding, I would encourage a third-party inspection.
Buyer is responsible for all shipping arrangements.
 
2010 will be a busy year for the serious Lotus enthusiast:
Lotus is the Featured Marque for the HSR Mitty Vintage Race to be held at Road Atlanta April 30 through May 2, 2010
Lotus is the Featured Marque for Bobby Rahal’s inaugural Legends of Motorsports event to be held at Barber Motorsports Park the weekend of May 22-23, 2010
The annual Lotus Owners Gathering (LOG 30) will be held October 8-11, 2010 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The track day will take place on the 11th at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia.

On Mar-15-10 at 07:24:29 PDT, seller added the following information:

Sorry I cannot respond to all questions individually, Here is what most of you are asking about:
Regarding LICENSING, Please contact your local DMV/Secretary of State...They should be able to provide a quick answer for title and license questions.
Some of the MODIFICATIONS made to the vehicle were done by MSX Corporation in suburban Detroit. MSX provided display car prototyping services to the auto industry. I believe this included the roll cage, fuel cells, fire supression system, lights and wiring, custom interior, etc. There are also welded-on tie-down points for easy securing in a trailer.
I have owned the vehicle since 1999. It has not been in an accident during this time. I do not know if the vehicle was ever in an accident. I see no evidence of any body damage or structural damage anywhere. I encourage and welcome bidders to inspect this car in person prior to the end of auction.
I have driven the car on the street since 2006. The car has been used as a Pace Car for Midwest Council events at Blackhawk Farms Raceway and for track events at Autobahn Country Club and Blackhawk. It has also been on display and driven during the Woodward Dream Cruise and at other events.
THIS IS NOT A SHOW CAR...THIS IS NOT A NEW CAR... There are scrapes, chips, scratches etc.
Some of the black trim paint on the rear 1/4 windows is peeling.
Some of the clear coat on the wheels is coming off in places.
Some of the paint on the front center air inlet is coming off in places.
I DO have the center caps for the wheels.
The emergency brake works, but the ratchet mechanism has been disabled.
The driver and passenger seats DO adjust fore-and-aft only, no recline adjustment.
One of the front marker lights has a crack in the lens.
The original oil pressure gauge has been replaced.
Please email with any other questions.