Ignorant Fellow Lotus Owners

[Scott J]

After my rant above guess what happens on saturday, sitting at the lights roof down.<br><br>Yup, a  topless Elise drives by giving me a big wave.<br><br>PS; whats the reward for 100 posts, a chocolate elan ??

[M100 TWO]

James Elliott, editor of classic car mag is running an Elise as well as the early Elan he quotes in the April edition:<br><br>The camaraderie between Elise owners on the road is amazing. I am used to waving at Triumph or Elan owners, but I don't come across them that often. Elises are a different matter and it happens a couple of times a day at least although I am still working out the protocol (the further you go into London the  less likely people are to respond and I've received filthy looks from people I have taken for enthusiasts just because they run an Elise).<br><br>It only go to  show that enthusiasts will always acknowledge and the others buy a Lotus because they think it is the latest fashion statement. [smiley=wave.gif]

[Jeff]

It seems the Elise, in some parts at least are as common as muck.  When they appeared, did it lessen the exicitement of seeing another Lotus on the road?  Or are they considered a bit removed from the rest of the Lotus marque?  They are supposed to hit these shores a couple of months from now.<br>

[Richard_A_Clifton]

Having so many on the roads does lessen it a bit.<br><br>Common dialogue:<br>"Look, a Lotus"<br>"Yes but it's only an Elise"<br><br>Sorry.  Unfortunately true.

[KevH]

What we have all got to remember is that the Elise is a current model and as such it attracts non enthusiasts. In truth it's a good job it does otherwise Lotus would have gone to the wall years ago.<br>This does not make them bad people, just ill-informed or oblivious to the great tradition of Lotus cars.<br>Give it a few more years and these people will move onto something else.<br>By then we will all own an Elise and marvel at the ride quality and simplicity of its construction.<br>Kev

[Scott J]

KevH,<br><br>Good points.  I was waiting for elise residuals to fall, so ended up buying an Elan. And now I know I've got a better car IMHO (certainly more practical.    ;D

[Jeff]

At dealer I saw  V8 Esprit, whose owner noticed, but completely ignored me (only Lotus owner that I've encountered who has ever done this).  Lives in the most affluent neighborhood in the city.

[clemo]

there is another silver elan in my area.. and unfortunaltly for me and tony ( both have silver and LEC members) we are being mistaken for him...<br>having spoken to the new owner once he seems like a nice guy BUT he drives it like he stole it and is not the kindest of driverwith no knowledge or inthusiasm for the rare marque he drives..<br><br>i  am quite polite driver, as people in a sleepy seaside town will remember you and particularly yor car..<br>and for the right or wrong reasons maybe cut you up or try to max power race you...<br><br><br>i feel that this problem will not continue for long as he has a new dent (write off style) in the front calm shell towards the light pod.. repared with silicon (nice) so its best i stay friendly as it may be available for spare parts soon...<br><br>

[Mike]

Am I the only member without a picture? I need to do something about that. I promise a suprise as soon as I find time and figure out how to post a picture. My experience with fellow non- Elan Lotus owners has been very good. My most recent was a '87 Turbo Espirit pulling up behind me blowing his horn, flashing lights and waving his arm out the window. Two weeks later I demonstrated how to use a random orbital buffer on his beautiful BRG Espirit-he's a good friend now. Another local Europa owner had a fit as well when he saw the M100. Maybe the rarity of the cars over here says something. When you are in the minority, everyone rows the boat together. As I've said before, the new Elise drivers who thought Lotus was a exotic flower until 6 mothns ago may be different-we'll soon see. One more-driving from LOG 23 and while in Ohio, a new Z4 pulled up behind me on the Interstate-checking me out. Went by and gave a big thumbs up. My philosophy (and his) is we all like our cars, but show respect for other marques as well. Even if they don't wave back, maybe they will wave to someone else the next time. Finally, a local 308 owner who is the local Presidente' or El Commodore, or what ever, went with me to Lotus in Atlanta for a meeting. He was there to observe our LOG 24 planning session for a learning experience for his club. He happened to only sit in one of the Exiges on the showroom floor-after that experience, he now has a new appreciation for all things Lotus.

[Monty]

Took me awhile to find this thread!  ::)<br><br>Was coming up to a roundabout and notice a Red Elise in the other lane slightly behind me, if I could see him he obviously he saw me, so just stuck my hand out to acknowledge him but no reply. Waited for him to get a bit closer and blasted the horn and then I got a nod. (Miserable B*****D).  >:(

[Paul.P]

Blue Elise lives not far from me, never waved until i was doing work at his next door neighboors, & got chatting to him one day about lotus`s, now he always waves, perhaps they just need edjucating ? :-/

[rob]

Strange this one Rach never gets ignored by any drivers let alone Lotus or Elise drivers

[Paul.P]

Rob, post us a pic of Rach & then we will probably understand why ! ;D

[timmo]

[smiley=eek2.gif]<br>Wrong forum for that kinda stuff!!

[Doug]

here's the picture i was sent of her:   ;D<br>

[Stef]

Must have been a good day for me on Sunday.  Had an Elise, Esprit, TVR and Lambo flash n wave me.

[Elanbloke]

I think it probably makes a difference if you're topless Steff!  :)

[Stef]

Oh yeah for sure, better view.

[DeeAitch]

Just what did they flash and wave at you Stef?

[Stef]

Never you mind ::)