So what should a nice Elan feel like?

[MPx]

Top down I actually find it better with the windows down too. My headline is above the windscreen rail and there's still some turbulence but I like it better as its not as aggressive on the top/back of the head as it is with the windows up. Not sure exactly what scuttle shake is really, but I do get some rattles over road thumps from the hood stowage area (whether the hood is up or down). I just ignore it!

[Bern]

On that note, I have been driving my recently acquired Elan as often as possible, top down of course and note a couple of things - which may be specific to MY car - lost of (atmospheric) wind noise and a fair amount of scuttle shake.

If you've got adjustable dampers try adjusting them! I found that too much difference between the front and the rear leads to scuttle shake.

[Rambo]

Scuttle shake should be minimal on an M100 due to its inherent design and chassis rigidity

The rattles and bumps that Mike refers to will probably be caused by the road surface more than anything else. Some/most of our roads here are atrocious. But our cars are 25+ years old now and they will bang, creak and grown a bit more than a fresh car straight out of the showroom

[sideways]

On that turbulence thing, I took the wee beastie out today, sun was shining and it was top down of course, I haven't actually driven the car yet with the top up.

Since it was a little nippy I decided to put on a flimsy baseball cap (the only headgear I possess).

On the return trip I was hatless but decided to put the silly thing on as I was (ahem) gathering speed so I lifted it from the passenger seat and put it up to my head, whereupon the wind grabbed it out of my hand and...

...promptly threw it into the passenger footwell.

Now, was I just lucky or is this part of the overall design of the car?



Such genius.

[John_W]

That’s one of the main reasons I bought one of those mesh wind deflector things - I got fed up with all my baseball caps, shopping lists, notes, old sweetie papers, and leaves in autumn ending up in the passenger footwell.

Well no actually, however a wind deflector fitted behind the seats eliminates the back-draught gale that usually whistles between them, and makes the cabin much warmer and less draughty.

John

[Kathryn]

I guess you don’t have long hair! If you’ve never driven a convertible before you imagine as you drive along your long hair will flow out behind you. It doesn’t. Even with a wind deflector your hair covers your face if you don’t tie it up or wear a hat. Wind deflector does make a big difference though.

[daveiow]

Classic Editions wind deflector is one of the best things I have added to my Elan
2 minute job to fit and really cuts down on the turbulence in the cabin.

[Kathryn]

Classic Editions wind deflector is one of the best things I have added to my Elan
2 minute job to fit and really cuts down on the turbulence in the cabin.

First thing I bought for it. No, second thing (I bought a car cover before I collected the car).
Second best thing I bought too (first best being PNM brakes).

[sideways]

Classic Editions wind deflector is one of the best things I have added to my Elan
2 minute job to fit and really cuts down on the turbulence in the cabin.

Any idea if they have a dealer/distributor in North America - I did ask Mr Google but he just laughed at me.

PS, noticed the brakes comment - have to agree these are the least desirable part of the car, they work okayish but feel completely dead.

Winter project methinks.

[Saltire]

They will ship to USA/Canada, bu it’s cheaper if you have a group buy.