New Member

[Rusty Wishbone]

Hi, everyone.

I feel that my Lotus virginity is coming to an end, and that my first Lotus will be an Elan. Why an Elan? Simply because it is the most practical and usable Lotus available, and I want a Lotus that I can use every day, not just when the sun is shining. An Esprit would be another contender, but is really too wide for the lanes I most commonly frequent. An Elise would be fun, but isn't really practical on a daily basis - getting in and out with the roof up would be tiresome.

A little about me. I was brought up with two Lotuses in the family, a s1 7 and an Elan +2. I have always wanted a Lotus too, but there has never been one which filled with what I need from a car. Now I don't have the same limitations, Lotus ownership is open to me. I also have a large garage in which to keep it warm and secure, complete with car lift. I now need something to be lifted by it.

I look forward to getting involved in this forum.

[hatters]

Welcome to L E C .I think you have made the right decision to go for the Elan .I have owned both models and I think the Elan is a far more practical car than the Elise it can become a pain in the arse getting in and out of it and it has much to harsh a drive ,probably OK on a track but not for every day use
When you eventually get one post some photos of your new toy

[wayne]

Welcome to the forum.

Looking at your location. If still available looks perfect for you.....

Steel Blue £1,800.

No, the price is not a spelling mistake !! Although I have not seen the car. It looks like a very well looked after car that just needs a little TLC.

Judging by the comments. It would be well worth a look before he changes his mind and puts the price up by another 1- £2,000.

[Rusty Wishbone]

Welcome to L E C .I think you have made the right decision to go for the Elan .I have owned both models and I think yhe Elan is a far more practical car than the Elise it can become a pain in the arse getting in and out of it and it has much to harsh a drive ,probably OK on a track but not for every day use

My father now has an Elise which we have driven at Brands Hatch. A brilliant track day car - but too hard-core for everyday road use, in my view.

[rip]

Having driven an Exige around Silverstone, I agree: It is too hardcore for me to use as a road car.
The Elan is a completely different machine. Most of us on here prefer them or we would be elsewhere so however hard we try, we are unlikely to give you an unbiased opinion

[TrevorB]

Welcome to the LEC, it will be great to have another Elan owner and member of the LEC in Kent.
When you are the proud owner we can arrange a meeting.

TrevorB

[Rusty Wishbone]

Thanks, Trevor.

I had my fingers crossed that I might buy DaveT's Elan, but I was beaten to it by some lucky fellow. So, we won't be meeting up as soon as I might have hoped. Anyway, hopefully I will find something before too long.

[rip]

Thanks, Trevor.

I had my fingers crossed that I might buy DaveT's Elan, but I was beaten to it by some lucky fellow. So, we won't be meeting up as soon as I might have hoped. Anyway, hopefully I will find something before too long.

I'm sure you'll be just as welcome before you get an Elan. A chat with some current owners may help you choose the right one too.

[Rice crispy]

Welcome aboard, a few of us just over the bridge in Essex who get together if you fancy a natter over a pint will be a couple of weeks for me though as I have broken some toes over the holiday so can't drive
David and mini me

[rip]

I have broken some toes over the holiday so can't drive
David and mini me

Oops. How did you do that?

[abmunro]

Hello and Welcome!!!

[Rice crispy]

I have broken some toes over the holiday so can't drive
David and mini me

Oops. How did you do that?

Kicked a wall by accident on boxing day :'(

[niall]

Who was the lucky escapee? A kick which breaks toes is one to run from.

[Rice crispy]

No one, was going to make a cuppa but I should have remembered the wall its only been there a couple of hundred years. Ahh well at least I've had to put my feet up on doctors orders and it got me chauffeur driven on new years eve

[madbilly]

Well there are TWO Elans well worth looking at in Weston-Super-Mare atm - fancy a trip to the seaside?

[Rusty Wishbone]

Yesterday I bought my first Lotus, and wow, what a beauty! A 1992 Elan SE Turbo in red. It is not perfect, but it has been very well cared for over the last few years. In fact, it has had so much polish rubbed on over the years that I had no need for the wipers as I drove it home in the rain on the M3 and M25 last night.

I am unsure what has been done to the engine, but it is very quick. It will spin the wheels in 2nd gear in the dry. There is certainly a performance air filter, dump valve and sports exhaust. Probably been chipped as well. I am told that an ex-Lotus engineer did extensive work to improve its performance.

My kids love it, I love it, but my wife is much less keen.

So, a few jobs have emerged. A couple of new tyres will soon be needed, the engine temperature gauge doesn't work, and I would like roll-over hoops and a hard-top. And there is a bit of judder from the front brakes which needs investigating.

I'll try to post some photos.

[TrevorB]

Congratulations on your purchase maybe we can arrange that meet? You may also be interested in the
Kent/Sussex meeting on 5th May at Goodwood Soft top Sunday see seperate thread :
viewtopic.php?f=75&t=21820

TrevorB

[Rusty Wishbone]

OK, here is my first attempt at posting a photo:

[daveiow]

Looks good to me - S2 wheels and the correct colour IMHO
A Classic Additions wind breaker seems popular with the ladies as it cuts down the cabin turbulence especially for front seat passengers
Have fun

daveiow

[HJ2]

Brilliant colour and welcome aboard!
Let the miles with smiles begin!