Lately, I have been on a bit of a Rover V8 kick. I like the engine because it’s one of those mills that has been used throughout multiple brands and eras, and the end result is a motor that has proven it is quite durable. It’s also borderline racy, making great noise and respectable power, all while enjoying generous support in the way of available parts and enthusiast groups. All of this comes to mind when looking at this slick 1978 Lotus Esprit here on craigslist, which was converted to Rover V8 power back in the 1980s. The seller has simply said he is taking offers with no price listed.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the tip. The Lotus Esprit has always been an underrated performer in the sports and exotic car marketplace despite spending a fair amount of time in the company of the greats. In 1985, it was hardly a surprise to see the Esprit mentioned in the same magazine roundup with the likes of the Porsche 911, Lamborghini Jalpa, and Ferrari 308. However, it never rose to greatness like those cars, and I’ve always believed it was because the marketplace couldn’t get over the fact that it had a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
When it left the factory, the ’78 Esprit would have been running a punchy DOHC engine producing 160 b.h.p. and 140 lb.-ft. of torque; that number drops to 140 b.h.p. in U.S. trim. Just a sad number for a car that looked like this, and while every make and model was suffering at the time, you simply didn’t expect this out of a sports model. So, it’s hardly a surprise that someone decided to up the ante and drop in a 3.5L Rover V8, but it’s more difficult to pin down how much power it’s making. Rough math would indicate power jumped slightly to around 170 b.h.p. but torque would get a nice kick in the pants to about 200 – 210 lb.-ft. of torque, based on what different versions of this engine were producing at the time.
The whole car looks fairly well done in photos, with a clean interior, nicely upholstered sports seats and center armrest, and corresponding blue carpet. The bodywork presents well with a monochromatic finish and large aftermarket wheels. While there’s likely to be some flaws up front with regards to panel fit and paint, the starting point is at least encouraging. This Lotus has been listed for a while, so perhaps the ambiguity in the asking price is holding potential buyers back. What do you think – is this finally a Lotus done right with an engine fitting of its form?
Nice looking Lotus with a great conversion that look exceedingly well done. Odd to see a LHD in Aussie though. Yes, it would be on my list if here in the US.
Victoria, BC, Canada…Not Australia
Posted a month ago and still for sale. Not much info. in the ad.
Very strange looking. Like a supermodel with explosive diarrhea.
Pass.
Bond. James Bond.
Bondurant. Bob Bondurant.
Nice car. Have driven the turbo version and there is nothing slow about it.
A classic ruined. I’ve owned several of these. I guess someone will buy it if it’s cheap enough.
Pretty much everyone knows that a rover v8 is a Buick v8.
Would’ve originally had the normally aspirated 4 cylinder. The turbocharger didn’t show up for another 2 years.
This looks to have some type of aftermarket aero kit.
Lotus offered some pretty loud and outrageous interiors back then.
For all that effort, they could have plugged in a small block V-8 that actually would have made real difference.
Rear kind of mimics an 037 stradale
Looks nice
Mine was a 2.2L model with a 5 speed and suede dash interior. Peppy but got good mileage. A silver 1979 Esprit. Sold it in 1990 and bought a 1973 Pantera!
Not to mention the crap heads in CA that insist all vehicles 1976 and later must pass smog and you can bet most of these shade tree stations will not know whether to crap or go blind when they see the engine. Nice car perhaps the smog dilemma may be holding too much activity on the sale.
The buyer could still register and drive it here thanks to Mr. Leno’s new law. Interesting looking car.
I’m glad you mentioned that, I didn’t hear about it. It looks like finally Newsome did something right.
I like it. If in the market I would make an offer. We all know that it will handle great. Not knowing which gearbox was used, I would inquire about that if I was serious.
This car makes me drool!
I’d say “Great engine fora different car.” Any of the variations (seems like 6 or 8 displacements, here the 2nd to smallest) seem to B for tq @ low revs. As mr.lotus aways sought race wins thru stripping off weight, this is a winning motor too. But dont race cars want hi rev & HP instead?
I’d love the motor for what I do, not ‘sports car fun’…
A beautiful car , lots of work on the upgrade but the end result is not much , 170 hp ??
The Rover V8 was yet another attempt by GM to rid its fleet of dependable and desirable engines, along with the 327, 3800 V6. Once they realized there was slow sales for engine parts they quickly sold the tooling to England and moved on. The 215 aluminum V8 is still a treasure to find one in good condition. I once had a hot rod builder friend that said he loved the turbo 350 transformer because you could buy parts at Walmart. I rest my case.
That’s a turbo 350 transmission. Not a transformer. Spellcheck is so frustrating.