Hello Everyone

[morciii]

So after 3 years with my beloved BMW 1 Series i have begun the search for my next adventure, which is when i came across an Elan SE. I popped in to view the car today, and have arranged for a tdest drive this weekend.

Just a few questions to make sure the car is right for me, and if i would be good for the car.
1. Would i need to own a garage? i don't currently own a garage, but my parents do, and live round the corner.
2. Could i use this car everyday? Or would i need to buy a second car?
3. Similar to the question above, is the elan useable in all weather?

I will post a link to the car when i get home, and i appreciate any advice you guys can give me. Thanks

[theelanman]

Hello and welcome......
you'll love the Elan Im sure.....

1. Would i need to own a garage? i don't currently own a garage, but my parents do, and live round the corner.
2. Could i use this car everyday? Or would i need to buy a second car?
3. Similar to the question above, is the elan useable in all weather?

to answer your questions....the car is completely practical and would be fine as an everyday car
you will find that its waterproof to a certain extent but its not a submarine.......
the cars tend to drip a little in heavy weather and will...whilst driving....occasionally remind you its wet out side by the odd drip on your right knee....
I have a towel in the car for such an occasion and just put the towel on my knee......
90% of the time in rain its fine tho'.....
others will have different experiences as every hood is different.....some better.....some not so....

hope to see your new car soon



cheers
G

[morciii]

thanks for the advice friend.

this is the Elan i have been looking at, http://www.scottishmotorservices.co.uk/ ... 8256859751

it seems to be in good condition for it's age, although the roof seel at the lower corner of the window seems non-existent. I could put my finger through it and have it outside the car whilst i was in the drivers seat.

[theelanman]

Im pretty sure that car is known on here.....
its not the JPS elan but looks very similar and Im sure Ive see it at our gatherings.....

as for the seals......they're replacable at reasonable cost now so should be ok...

[morciii]

i think the car was in Birmingham for years, before being bought by someone in Lanarkshire, so hopefully it is known. I always thought the rubbers were a pain the to get replaced, so that's a bit of a relief.

[Rambo]

This is ScottJ's old Elan. He owned it for the last 10 years or so and traded it into SMS last year in p/ex for a newer sports car.

It goes like stink and has a great sound from the exhaust (Paul Matty stainless steel) It was very reliable and serviced regularly at Kenny Broon's and others in Glasgow. I know that it has been down to Le Mans at least once and also to Donington and Silverstone quite a few times with the Clan McElan convoy.

Scott still pops in and out of LEC quite regularly so send him a PM and I'm sure he will be happy to answer any questions re. provenance and past history

PS I'm sure that Scott's window seals were all replaced by Jamie last year but he should be able to give you more info

[morciii]

thanks for the info Rambo. it was my first time looking at an Elan in years so i wasn't sure what good seals would look like ect. The service book was spot on, never missed a single service, and was well looked after. I'll give ScottJ a PM and hope he gets back to me.

[Scott J]

the A pillar seals and top roof seals are rubber and almost brand new, handcrafted by Jamie fae Fife and fitted last May. The original sponge seals on falling pillar (B post if you like) are 24 yrs old. Jamie can supply and fit rubber replacements. Roy Bury of Paul Matty had car for years and fitted the PM exhaust which sounds like sex. I bought the car Dec 2003 and was a daily driver for years, but kept garaged overnight. Leaks a bit but not since i fitted the new seals. Also new rear window in refurbed hood. so its more watertight now than it was for past 10 years.

It did have more JPS logos but SMS removed them. I have spare gold wheels in garage and some logos.

[morciii]

Had a little test drive today, and quite enjoyed it. It is a fun little car to drive. I don't think i will be making an offer at the moment though, as i think the asking price is a little steep, and the offer i got to p/ex my car wasn't great either. It is a nice little car though. I guess i'll be continuing my search.

[Enright]

Welcome and good luck.
With Spring imminent a few more should start to appear on the market.
Have a quick look at our Buyer's Guide and associated topics here.
And don't be afraid to use this thread to post links to a few, to see if we know about them.
There are likely to be local members, some of whom may even take a look at prospective purchases for you, so taking the gamble out of travelling long distances.
And keep an eye on the ones for sale in the relevant section of this forum.
Forum members are often enthusiasts, and as a result you might find a better looked-after example with more desireable options than one owned by someone who never bothered to register and so is unknown to us.

[rip]

As above. Be patient & feel free to ask.

[Scott J]

I think morcii has bought Black Beastie !

[morciii]

No elan yet for me i'm afraid