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Esprit Models
Most of us fell in love with the Esprit as children (well I did) and a model or poster is as close as we got to an Esprit. Now we're all grown up and some of us own Esprit. It's time to relive our youth and remember what it was like as a child. An Esprit model will get you back to the time when you'd be on the kitchen floor racing your toy cars around your mothers feet. I should know, I've already got six different ones (all from e-bay)!
Below are some of the companies selling models of the Lotus Esprit. Most Esprit models (ie S1, SE, V8) are available and most prices are reasonable. None of these models have been purchased by Lotus Esprit World (yet!). If you know of any other companies who sell Esprit models, please contact me at the email below and I can add them to this page.
For your little Lotus, try LittleLotus.net
Lotus Esprit
AutoArt 1:18 scale
Modern Models
+44 (0)1276 682313
www.modernmodels.com£29.95
There's no doubt that the fortunes of Lotus' Esprit were enhanced following its exploits in two Bond films, but with its clean cut angular body designed by the Italian master Giorgette Giugiaro, the car was worthy of praise in its own right and was as just striking in the flesh as it was on the big screen. And, reproduced here in 'Turbo' from, this 1:18 scale model by AutoArt will cut as much of a dash on the shelf as the real thing does on the road.
Currently available from Modern Models for just £29.95 having previously retailed at £39.99, this Esprit offers a lot of model for the money and, as befits a 1:18 scale replica, it is extremely well detailed from its sharp snout to the squared off rump.
To kick off, the red logos and stripes are particularly well applied and contrast well with the main white body colour. The black 'waistline' is pin-sharp and the matt finish on the similarly coloured window/windscreen surrounds is also spot-on. The door handles, single wiper, mirrors, front grille (set back into the valance), rear slatted engine cover, and front and rear bumpers/light lenses (there's no headlights unfortunately) are all reproduced in accurate detail, and wherever you look – there seems to be more detailing to discover.
The wheels – with chrome rims and gold spokes – look excellent and are shod with realistic and soft Goodyear tyres (the front wheels turn) while the underside of the car is similarly well finished. All rear engine and suspension components are smartly painted and, at the front, there are three yellow cooling fans clearly visible just ahead of the suspension. But that's not it!
Both doors open (albeit with difficulty as they are quite stiff) to reveal an interior that has been just as well modelled as the outside of the car. There are red 'texture' carpets – not just plastic – and the brown seats, dash, centre console and door cards all look superb. The tiny dials are all clearly visible and there are even small, chromed ashtrays on each interior sill. Both the slatted rear engine cover and front 'bonnet' open too, revealing further evidence of the attention to detail. The engine (revealed by removing a further plastic cover) is smartly painted in four colours with the 'Turbo' script clearly visible and, in the front compartment, there's a white 'steel' spare wheel, brake master cylinder and brake fluid/washer reservoirs.
A great model, especially at this reduced price from Modern Models, the AutoArt Esprit can also be ordered in black, or in the metallic blue 'Essex' livery. Postage and packing is an additional £3.95. Currently the Essex's are in stock with the white and blacks on order. Modern Models can ship overseas and will process your order asap via phone, email orders will take a little longer.
Currently the website is still showing the older price, but all orders wil be at the reduced price. Please mention Lotus Esprit World when ordering.
Taken from CLASSIC CAR WEEKLY
Collectiques, PO Box 736, Canterbury GT1 3FQ
Tel: 01227 454183 Email: shop@collectiques.co.uk
SMTS, Brunel Road, Hastings, Sussex TN38 9RT
Tel: 01424 853353 Fax: 01424 852241
Chino Hills, California, USA
Tel: (909) 590-2831 Email: support@wildcollections.com
1:43 scale
290 Raub Road, Quakertown, PA 18951 USA
Tel: 215-538-9323 Fax: 215-538-0158 Email: rdent@rdent.com
'Spy who loved me' model also available
Transformers
Kids robot toys in Esprit form!Don't think you can buy this new any more. This one was on ebay in the US. Nice to see that toy manufacturers have some good taste and know what looks good!
Affiliation: Decepticon
Sub-Group: Battlechargers
Function: Shock Trooper
Motto: "A pretty car makes an even prettier wreck."
Alternate Modes: Lotus Esprit
If you have purchase any of the above. Feel free to e-mail your opinions so I can add them to this page. kato@lotusespritworld.com.
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