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After an eight week COVID-19 shut down, imagine my surprise when it started first time. What was supposed to be a quick round the block ended up a two hour drive in the countryside Photo to mark the occasion. Good car!

A little 410 inspiration for my 400 Love the Carbon work from prodrive, that is lovely. Ohh and 11.5 kg saved just with the lid. 😁

You can see two traces on the dyno chart. The black lines are from the full power run, which will be available in "Sport" and "Race" modes. The red lines are the reduce power setting in "Touring"/"Road" setting. This limits power to around 400hp and torque to around 450NM, which I figure is ample for most normal street driving and should hopefully improve fuel economy slightly. Switching to "Sport" mode gives me access to full power but still with full traction control. Going into "Race" mode retains full power but slackens off the traction control, which can be adjusted via the rotary dial and switched off entirely if required. Here are a few pictures of the installation. While it has taken an incredibly long time, Komotec has been brilliant and Daniel has kept me fully updated on progress. He is still working on ironing out the last few "bucks" (as he calls the "bugs") in the mapping but assures me that the car will be fully ready for collection by the bank holiday weekend. I really couldn't be more excited. The wait has been long, the process has not been without difficulty, but I hope ultimately it will all be worth it!

So around 8 years ago, I changed a tacho on a mates Eclat. I asked what he wanted to do with the old one and as it was going to go in the bin I asked to keep it . seemed a shame to bin it as it had the lotus logo On the face fast forward now and I came across it in my old toolbox, and , used a scrap piston from a compressor at work to upcycle piston was machined with a flat to stop it rolling and turned out to accommodate the clock. new bezel made to fit Clock assembly and now on the mantelpiece Clock assembly and now on the mantelpiece

Picture envy here, so lockdown special

All dressed up with no particular place to go

21. The Missile Bay Progress was waylaid over the winter whilst filming in Spain for Kawasaki, and on return the UK coronavirus lockdown took its toll in many ways, leaving the rear luggage area half re-trimmed for a few months. Apart from the rear bulkhead carpet behind the engine cover having rotted the original rear luggage boards and carpet were in very good condition, with only a little wear. Though the nearside inner wheel arch cover and the rear quarterlight window ‘shelves’ were missing. Three years earlier the carpet covering the bulkhead was removed in clumps using a paint scraper with only the upper portions around the window being intact. Having considered buying a carpet set, I decided to see if I could obtain something more in keeping with what mine had. Over a couple of weeks I acquired 10 samples of corded and box weave carpet from various suppliers, with a couple of them extremely similar to that to the original. I settled on an anthracite cord with a grey fleck which was about the right thickness to offer both soundproofing, resilience to wear and also be malleable enough to cope with the tight corners around the boot boards. Paul Clapham allowed me to examine and photograph the rear quarterlight ‘shelves’ from his original S1, and a template made from which the plywood could be cut. New marine grade plywood was bought from my local builders merchant and the old boot boards used as templates. The carpet from the old boot boards was carefully peeled from underneath to expose the wooden edge, and used to draw a template on the plywood with a sharp pencil, then overwritten in dark ink, ready to be cut using a jigsaw. My local trimmer made the inner wheel arch covers, using the inner rear wheelarch cover on the offside was missing as a pattern to remake the opposite side. Also edging the window ‘shelf’ carpets and bulkhead window to the original style and specification, Whilst that was being done I test fitted the boards before spraying them in primer and given a coating of satin black to replicate the originals. Then cut the new carpet to fit, using strong trimmers glue and clamped in place using lengths of wood I’d used to make the storage box for the rear hatch glass a few years earlier. The trimmer delivered the edged carpet after making a supreme effort to measure the rear bulkhead and window aperture. The seat belt reels had to be removed to fit the bulkhead carpet, which took a few hours, but its addition has been welcome, after been driving the car around the previous 6 months without it my ears are certainly thankful! The rear quarterlight shelves were also completed with correctly shaped and edge carpet and glued down. Deciding to add a smear at the seat belt end to make sure it all remained flat. Originally the glue wasn’t applied to the wood around the seat belt retainer cut-out. The rear upright boards were fitted to cover the backs of the rear lights, and fixed in place to the refurbished angle brackets taken from the original boards. With the car being tucked away in the garage the whole job spanned the winter months, but the results matching the original boards perfectly. Finished off with the battery box top and stainless steel fixings completed the rear luggage compartment and the S1 was another stage further to completion.

My custom E

How time fly’s I can’t believe it’s over a month since I posted progress on the car and a lot has happened… both on the car front, on the garage/workshop refurb, oh and I guess lock down! With finishing off on the interior, with the recent retrim and carbon internal sills, a few bits stuck out namely the passenger airbag cover. So, I decided to replace it with a carbon one. I couldn’t quite get the fitment right with tape as it seemed to add a gap due to the thickness of the tape. In the end I purchased the original clips from Lotus and it fits perfectly! It may be somewhat OCD but I’ve never been keen on the silver bolts that are dotted around the car, so gradually started the process of replacing them with anodised black ones from ProBolt. I first started with the petrol cap, then the internal door sills, before finishing with the door cards. I do love this shot, it really shows off the lines of the Exige V6 especially with the extended sills and mirrors 👌 I may have become somewhat impatient as some bolts weren’t available due to the pandemic so upgraded to titanium in some cases lol The last part of the interior work for 2019/2020 winter was the gear shift surround, as you know both @GFWilliams and I managed to get the Lotus OEM 350 Sport Shifter retro fitted into our cars via Dan at HPE Auto. To say the upgrade is one of the top five upgrades to the car is an understatement! However, the original V6S warning signal switch isn’t a straight fit as the later models have a different switch setup, so I have my warning switch in close proximity but tucked nicely to the side and out the way. However, it leaves this hole in the shifter surround. I think it was @2GOOD who made me aware that the 311 Lotus has the same shifter design but doesn't have a hazard switch and Lotus cover it with a bung. So a quick look up on Deroure and I was able to find it and order. It seems a small part but it actually sits in quite nicely and helped ease the process of my next plan of attack. With the surround smoothed out nicely the surround was lovingly covered in carbon fibre for final skinning. Im a very very happy chappy with the final results and I cant thank ProjectCarbonUK.com enough the guys did an awesome job and sent me updates all the way through the process. I'll try and post some pics of the whole interior now and some of the shifter fitted. I think the interior winter upgrade program is now finished. Phew!

i have two grandchildren at completely different schools,and during the shut down one has had proper school work sent over the internet and sent back and marked and once a week a phone call from their teacher. The other one has had nothing and guess which one wants the children to go back and which one is putting up every barrier it can think of

A well respected dealer once told me that many Evora's don't appear for sale. Some dealers have buyers waiting and the right cars change hands without advertising.

The thing with the Evora as well is that it's not *really* competing with anything. It's a niche car with a group of buyers who generally only want that specific car that supports prices even through troubles. Not saying prices will totally hold but cars are expensive and crap investments anyway!

That’s the episode I’m in for about .5 of a second. Mike Brewer on line reviewing Autotrader adds at the start - pic of me and my 1st Esprit - scrolls past and not even so much as a phone call lol.

You cannot use the newer 400s as a comparison as they are still depreciating. Evoras have only really recently dipped below the 30k mark. The current covid situation will make not a fat lot of difference to the lower end prices but those sat in newer ones will feel a hit for sure

More info here, on this thread if I have got the link correct. Justin PS. This is the text from part of that thread if the link does not get you there: Get into top gear, and see if the road speed is 27.5 mph per 1000 rpm (CR), or 37.5mph (original cars, but not given to the road testers). So at 2,000 rpm, either 55mph or 75mph.

I struggle sometimes with the supposed "intelligence" of teachers, politicians, union leaders and journalists/broadcasters. Everything in this country feels like it is driven by confrontation these days. For example: Earlier this week, BBC breakfast news ran an interesting story on how younger children in Denmark where going back to school. We saw the "special Arrangements" - basically children were being told they had to socially distance, wash their hands, etc. Their class rooms were divided and children had to stay in their new "groups". In the playground they needed to stay in a "contact group" of no more than 4 and groups could not mingle etc. The teacher interviewed as bright, enthusiastic, can do, positive and the children interviewed were (all primary school) were polite, pragmatic, articulate (and frankly had better English language skills/vocabulary than our own kids the same age!). The basic impression was that things were under control, everyone was being pragmatic, sensible and alert but EVERYONE was cooperating productively and positively to get to solutions. The BBC loved it as it showed up, in their eyes, the UK Govt. Two to three days later, when the UK Govt. is asking for kids to go back to school in England what's the response? Total negativity from teachers and unions - it's too hard, it's not safe, yadda dadda. The broadcasters and journalists that had been swooning over Denmark's approach are bitching and ripping into the UK Govt. for trying to do what Denmark has done. No consensus. No can do. No positivity. No cooperation. Just small minded fookwits on all sides trying to score cheap political points and putting up hurdles after hurdles after hurdles. I'm sick to death of the negativity in this country. Teachers - the vast majority are just a bloody joke in my humble opinion, suffer from the usual entitled malaise of almost all Public Sector "professionals" (and won't say workers, as generally the people who do the work in the Public Sector just get on with it - the issue is the so called "professionals") where they always portray themselves as the poor victims of a spiteful Government. Politicians have no desire to do what is best for our citizens they just want to further their own image and agenda. The Bastard Broadcasting Company just wants to topple a Tory Government at all costs. Journalists and Broadcasters in general just want to score cheap points and look clever when most of them (Charlie and Nagga on BBC breakfast for instance) just come across as "thick". Would it not be great to get Keir Starmer come out and say something like "now is not the time for cheap politics. We need to get behind the Government, tackle the Coronavirus pandemic in a way that safe guards our citizens, protects the frontline staff, and protects the jobs, businesses and future prosperity of our country. Boris, how can we help?" . A time of national crisis during a global pandemic is a time for the cessation of petty politics and point scoring and the time for everyone to work together to ensure our future health and prosperity. I feel for the people furloughed and who are potentially losing out on income. But I, and millions like me, are still able to do our jobs, to generate income and profits, that will support to pay for the measures that have been put in place and to support those on furlough. For their parts, hundreds of thousands, millions maybe, of furloughed workers have volunteered their time, effort and skills, to support the front line and to keep things going. In short. Our citizens are pulling together to support the country. It's about time these complete and utter tossers, in politics, Broadcasting and the media put aside their selfish petty point scoring antics and got behind the programme. The time for reflection. For answers, For account will come. But only AFTER we have safely navigated through this. Just my usual Saturday morning rant everyone. Stay safe. Stay happy and healthy.

Looks like Silverstone has reached an agreement with Liberty to host a pair of races.

Spot on @Chillidoggy. I'm getting sick of the whinging from washout one trick pony politicians like Khan, Sturgeon etc. I'm also getting sick and tired of Starmer et al and the BBC and press criticising everything the Govt. Does to score cheap points. It's about time everyone just shut the f... Up and got on with making a positive contribution.

400m? Buy a wheelbarrow. 😷

All belts now on and tensioned. Heat shield sorted. Engine pretty much ready to lump back in once it’s been steam cleaned fettling with intake this afternoon - I’m changing the setup there. So new header tank ordered along with a catch tank. managed to extract this. A nice new airfilter unit ordered as well. Chassis chap is coming up tomorrow so things are slowly moving.

Great numbers there. Love the idea of switchable maps to the track and on the track. I was booked in with Komotec pre virus, for their 490 package (using the 410,430 supercharger unit). Would be interested to hear your reasoning on opting for the 1900 unit and price differences. When I contacted Hoffman’s, just supplying the unit was pretty hefty.

Looks bloody brilliant @Mattmahope!

cue the '70's wah pedal guitar music, because that's pure porno

Yes that's the breather hole that also lets fuel out with vigorous cornering! Pete

First use of Evora cup-holder for my socially-distanced meet with a pal:

Is one run by a German academy trust and the other by ex British leyland staff??

Excellent. Proper numbers those Matt. Should be a right giggle when you get to give it a squirt.

You're quite right - in some of those countries (including China) where restrictions have been lifted there has then been an increase. I agree with what Johnson said - that you need to be cautious and not risk what has been achieved by opening things up too soon. I can't help but think the current easing has been more politically lead - to try and appease; rather than scientifically lead. I actually think they should make it a requirement to wear masks on Public transports or when you go shopping. Not because they will necessarily 'seal' you from the virus - but because its limits its transmissions by restricting the 'splash' area of coughs and sneezes.

Take a spare gallon of oil with you just in case. 😀

Hi, yes it’s on....but not quite as originally planned 🙂. So it’s back on (thanks to lockdown) and I’m now at the complete body off stage and I’ve stripped the chassis. Although it’s a galvanised chassis, there are quite a few places where the galvanising has been damaged/lost and there’s surface rust. Appreciate any advice here on best chassis treatment/refurbishment, should I get it soda blasted and powder coated or avoid this route completely (I’ve read too many reviews - some are great, some terrible). Sounds like you’re moving well on your car!

Agree with the mechanic. Check it as he says. Oil would need to be GUSHING out, for the level to drop enough to affect engine operation.

My brother and I have always used CTEK chargers across bikes and cars with any issues. A mate uses the Optimate4 as well and again, no problems with it. I pick up an Elise in the next couple of weeks and will be using my CTEK5 with that.

Hi Paul, I use an Optimate4 which comes with both crocodile and wired connection leads. This device monitors, tests and charges the battery as required. Have a look on Google. Jim

It would be ace to see party politics put aside and the House of Commons actually be a place for constructive work rather than childish arguments for the sake of arguments.

You don't need a rear brake limiting valve when you have shit rear drums! 🤣

Amazing work Imran

Or let her starve! (Ooof, just joking off course)

@TdM what is the mileage? I paid 28k for my 50,000 miler in 2018 with a 1 year warranty. 2010 car. I think Scott at Bell and Colvill ordered this as stock in that colour. Gearknob is wrong...a common switch for some bizarre reason. Check the windows close properly and flush. It may have long-ratio gearbox, some like others don't. Close ratio is my preferred and standard from 2011 onwards. Justin

Gavin et al, just downloaded Engine Service Notes courtesy of Tim Engel, will attach here. Take care to review the pertinent notes in the full PDF also attached as this mod is not appropriate for all engines. Do read carefully! Sec EA - Engine - Modify #5 Rear Bearing Web, Pg 50a, 50B & 51.pdf

Oops am I bad senior moment , it was Daves Sport 350 and my HC he couldn't get into at the NEC. It was 2008 , no idea what happenend to the car though. Bibbo in deep discussion with Mr C.

If it's to pay for the tube and train, why not increase the ticket prices rather than charge motorists? Seems a million times more sensible and fair

My education was a few years after the start of the move to metric, but my father was born in 1924 so firmly imperial measurements. I still find myself thinking I need some 4x2 1.8m of it, or an 8x4 sheet of 9m ply.

The Faded Beauty of Abandoned Cars Across Europe and the US These are quite nice - and thankfully not a Lotus in there https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-52632396#_=_

I can’t really add much to this debate as I decided not to purchase this dash. There is a growing number of comments on here and on FB in relation to a number of glitches and issues being raised. The product on the face of it looks good, but my gut feel is it’s not a complete product. This may of course improve with time. overall the feedback on the product is mixed. I choose not to take feedback seriously from people who push content on products in which they are being compensated for, in whatever format that may be. I hope the guys get their dashes sorted out under warranty soon and the product improves over time.

You know reading these comments just makes me smile. I think that this is one of the key areas of Lotus cars that the journalists, the driving public and probably the current Lotus leaders in the Boardroom just do not really get. Whether you buy an Elise, an Exige or an Evora, you are genuinely getting what I would, with huge respect, call old school mechanics - in other words a solidly engineered, well built (I'm talking about the important bits not the plastic - does not matter what quality it is, it is still plastic) and thought out "performance car". One that has been built to be tracked and enjoyed. One that has reliability built in these days. That can take punishment on the open road and track. That will, if not abused, out live most things that are built today (I reckon a V6 Exige at 10 years old will look, drive and feel better than an Alpine at 10 years old). The chassis of all three cars is exceptionally strong. The suspension is sublime and in all variants the engines are pushing our reasonable stats BUT NOT, or nowhere near, their mechanical limits. The solidness of todays Lotus cars is really under appreciated. You won't see Lotus engines, from the past 15 years eating themselves like Porsche did. You won't see suspension turrets cracking and popping the shock through the bonnet like a GT4 does. Yet the benchmark is always Porsche as they have slightly easier ingress, better quality "plastics", and a better "image". Go figure what the smart, thinking people buy.... @DrBru - worry about the stereo in a Lotus. The absence of cupholders. The plasticy bits here and there. But rest assured you don't need to worry about anything that is really important! All the best with your search. Happy hunting. Shoot to kill and nail that deal. High mileage = absolute fooking performance bargain = more smiles per miles than you are entitled too. Right, on to the next bottle of wine in this lockdown heaven after a day building drystone walls in the garden with not a cloud in the sky. Heaven - well, as close to I 'll get to it whilst I can't drive the Lotus.... :)

I've no idea why I hadn't really thought about this before but this one was from the UK launch of the Esprit back in 1975 at the London Tower Hotel. Taken from a Flickr page by Marzal so rights to them....... ACBC - someone called Peter Moise (anyone?) and Richard Morley the Lotus MD. Apols if seen before but it was new to me.........

https://www.thelotusforums.com/latest-news/our-news/sir-stirling-moss-signs-exige-lf1-1-dedicated-to-his-1960-monaco-f1-victory/

Just don't do what the previous owner of my S1 did and butcher your S1 to fit a V8!! Took me a serious amount of bodywork to revert it back to how it left the factory. Paul.