To begin with, I've found that there are a few "lines" of Lotus owners - the Esprit types (fast, dramatic, upscale presence, recognizable movie acclaim), the Seven/Elise types (teeny, lightweight, track killers, steering feel and connection to the road), and the Elan types (comfortable, classic, daily drivable, passionate). I'm having a hard time placing the Evora because it's all of them. It's dramatic, it looks like it's right at home with $300k supercars yet it's $65k, the steering and road feel is better than perfect, it's extremely comfortable, and easily a daily driver.
I don't think any one of the aforementioned "lines" of Lotus owner types is more correct or pure than any of the others. I feel that Lotus' philosophies - particularly of Colin Chapman - are not as strict and permanent as some are led to believe. Chapman said great things like "add lightness", but frequently that is focused on too much. Chapman said lots of other things, experimented in many ways, and did not just build teeny, single-purpose cars. He designed/built the Seven, Eleven, Elite, Elan, Elan +2, Europa, and Esprit. Those span all of the qualities I mentioned earlier. He was not a single-minded man and was very willing and able to expand his horizons and keep his mind open. The only reason I bring that up is because it frustrates me when I hear all those complaining about "oh, the Evora or Elan or the 'New Era' cars are not true to Chapman, shame on Lotus". Lotus are open-minded innovators, not single-track drones.
Ok, so I've rambled (I tend to do that).
As some already know, I am a previous Elan M100 owner, as well as an S1 Esprit, Elan +2, and Elise (the US edition, I think normally referred to as the S2 for you proper Brits
). Of all the cars, I would have a hard time choosing a favorite. They were all completely different; hardly a single commonality between all of them. If I could, I would still have all 4 of them plus the Evora. On the other hand, my favorite community is undoubtedly this group of M100 owners. By far the most helpful, most kind, most understanding, most passionate, and most interested in the trials and success of the fellow members. It's no surprise I have more pictures posted on this, then Elan forum, than on the *other* Lotus forum.Anyway, thank you for the great community and I do hope to remain active and in contact with many of you. One day, if circumstances permit, I would love to get another Elan.
...... adds Salt Lake City to the Summer holiday itinerary.
Think I prefer the Evora though 
