When I was looking for a fun car next to the Range Rover and had the budget for something special, Lotus was high on my list. I had looked at an Esprit while a student, but just couldn't make the finances work. But the fire after that first encounter remained burning.
I can relate to much of the above: special, different, rare and with loads of heritage. It helped that I was already drawn to British motors.
It also helps that there is a great community of Lotus owners. Just
And an Esprit is just gorgeous! They look like they're doing a 100mph just standing still. And prove to be an absolute joy to drive once you get behind the wheel. I was hooked while still in the passenger seat, a bond that was cemented on the 300mile drive home after buying my first Esprit. When that was lost, I briefly looked at other brands, but quickly decided I wanted another Esprit, and specifically another Turbo SE as that just seems to be the sweet spot for me.
My Excel was bought when the opportunity presented itself as a swap for a Triumph Stag (I loved my first Stag but never bonded with the second one, so she had to go). I was looking more at an Elite or even a Scimitar GT, then an Excel came along and has proved to be a great choice, very reliable and good fun, especially on road trips. As above, once you have experienced the joy of a Lotus, it's hard to find alternatives.
When I was offered an Elan +2 JPS, it was a deal I just could not resist. And so the family grew again. They seem happy together, and so am I. 🙂
Filip