Newbie introduction - Looking to buy my 1st Elan

[Danny R]

Now the weather's picking up, I think buying is getting harder. Lots of nice looking one's starting to come on various sites.

[Danny R]

Well, thanks to all those who've helped me over the past few weeks, and unfortunately you'll be seeing alot more activity from me on here.

I've been to Chester today and left a deposit on this car:

I've done an HPI check, had a test drive and all being well collect it this weekend.

[Danny R]

Also, thanks to all of those on here who offered to sell me their cars, went out of their way to send their car details and photos, answer my telephone queries and let me come and view their Elans.

[Enright]

Oh congratulations Danny - I'd have that!
Hope to see lots more pics of it, and details too.
Just in time for May. You're going to have a blast.

[JohnB]

Same colour and year as mine Danny. Hope you'll bring it along to a Nyloc meeting at the The Buckles Inn on the A64.

[Peter_W]

Looks fantastic! Congratulations

[theelanman]

CONGRATULATIONS....looks a beauty.....

FYI

DONT FORGET THE CHARITY CAR RUNS.........
and its not far from you

viewtopic.php?f=28&t=22929

[trig]

Congrats your search is over


Your new car is an ex LEC members car viewtopic.php?f=79&t=16496 so hopefully it's a good one
Lots of post on here regarding H71 CEG ..it's owner was an enthusiast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzv4IHLPFac

[Enright]

Oh, good spot Trig, and great find Danny. Looks like it came with some of the best upgrades it's possible to get. I'm really pleased for you.

Just a word of warning (and I probably should have directed this towards Kathryn too):
Always keep in the back of your mind that despite its ambitious aims for mass market appeal, the Elan was hand built by a small British company.
Therefore you will come to love what it has to offer, but may sometimes be frustrated by what it does to spoil your fun.
It's the sort of car that makes you stop and turn around and smile back at it as you walk away, even though you may have a soaking wet right leg, an aching left elbow, and occasionally the bonnet may be up (hence the aforementioned walk)!
You'll also frequently have dirt under your fingernails and skinned knuckles - half of the time because you had to do something, and the other half simply because it was fun to treat it to the next upgrade (probably from a group buy on here - we do like our lists).
Oh and get used to arriving everywhere late, a) because it makes you take the scenic route, and b) because you can't see the clock!

[Rice crispy]

Danny congrats

[dapinky]

If it's anywhere near as good now as it was when Aaron (Kenich) got rid of it, it should do you well.

[chipp]

Oh, good spot Trig, and great find Danny. Looks like it came with some of the best upgrades it's possible to get. I'm really pleased for you.

Just a word of warning (and I probably should have directed this towards Kathryn too):
Always keep in the back of your mind that despite its ambitious aims for mass market appeal, the Elan was hand built by a small British company.
Therefore you will come to love what it has to offer, but may sometimes be frustrated by what it does to spoil your fun.
It's the sort of car that makes you stop and turn around and smile back at it as you walk away, even though you may have a soaking wet right leg, an aching left elbow, and occasionally the bonnet may be up (hence the aforementioned walk)!
You'll also frequently have dirt under your fingernails and skinned knuckles - half of the time because you had to do something, and the other half simply because it was fun to treat it to the next upgrade (probably from a group buy on here - we do like our lists).
Oh and get used to arriving everywhere late, a) because it makes you take the scenic route, and b) because you can't see the clock!

That analysis is spot on, frustrating at times but you just got to love em.

chipp

[mmatthej1]

It's BETTER than when Aaron K got rid of it actually, so Danny can relax & enjoy it!

Thanx for buying it Danny, see you real soon for collection!!

[Danny R]

Thanks for the encouragement, wise words and information folks and also thanks to John (mmatthej1) for the pleasant hassel free purchase. I couldn't have wished to buy from a nicer fella.
Anyhow, the weather this afternoon was good so I got the train to Chester, completed the deal and drove the 90 miles home for my first proper drive of the Elan.
I nursed her tentatively along the motorway at first but the Elan never missed a beat and I soon trusted it to open up the taps a bit more. It was getting a fair bit of attention as people passed and a few slowing down for a look.

I'm very happy with my lot, I've done very well with my limited budget, I think. The car is a credit to it's last couple of owners - I've spent a little time seeing some of it's history on here. In with the car has come boxes full of spare parts, upgrade parts and service items that I've now got to look through and see what there is. There's also a box full of receipts and MOT's to have an hour or two sifting through. I'll upload some photos I took when I got home, they just need re-sizing.

So in summary, I chuffed to little bits. The 6th car I viewed was the 'one' and as someone said "You'll know the one for you as soon as you see it".

[trig]

So glad it all fell into place before hopefully the best summer since records begain

[Danny R]

I've re-sized some photos to add to the thread:

[Jeemy]

Done very well there, the front callipers I am especially envious of. Told you!

[cliff]

very nice, welcome to LEC

[Danny R]

Told you!

You did, you were right.

[Danny R]

The MOT runs out on the 19th, so I booked it in and took it this morning.

It passed only needing a headlamp aim adjustment. Only one advisory for the inner steering control arm, slight play - was on last MOT advisory.

So, big exhale of breath and when the rain stops I'll get the top down.

Fitted myself a more up-to-date stereo and altered the wiring so it only comes on when the ignition is on and replaced a failed instrument tell-tale this aft.