Thanks, Ojas for the photos. Yes, I'm already thinking along those lines (evil laugh). And Dave, the Loti were not really even in a class with the X's I was the instructor in the red Espirit and found it to resemble a well built kit car. It may be ultimately faster in a drag race, but round the track it is held back by 80's supercar foibles. The turbo boost usually broke the rear tires loose just when you didn't need that to happen. I never did get quite used to the shifter either. If there are any Espirit lovers reading this, I don't mean to take away from your charm with the car - everyone is entitled to that, but I don't think the Lotus would ever keep up with the NSX on a road course.
S.L.