Craigslist catch: 1986 Lotus Turbo Esprit

For the masochistic car enthusiast--and many of us here at AutoWeek count ourselves among that breed--nothing is sure to tantalize and frustrate quite as nicely as a Lotus. Not just any Lotus, mind you, but a peaky, force-fed, emissions-saddled 1986 Turbo Esprit.

The example shown here, http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/ctd/2318628863.html, appears to be a fine specimen of Giguaro's wedgy Brit, and the rear-quarter decals indicate that this is a late HCi model--high-compression plus Bosch fuel injection. The seller claims just two owners from new, with original paint, books and manuals.

The car is in Detroit and can be yours for just $17,900. Too high or just right? As always, price is subjective, but the pictures alone are worth checking out, as they give a great 360-degree look at a car that we'd certainly like to have in the long-term fleet.

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