Web
Analytics Made Easy - Statcounter
phoenix's Content - The Lotus Forums - Official Lotus Community Partner Jump to content


phoenix

Full Forum Member (FFM)
  • Posts

    140
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    2

Everything posted by phoenix

  1. A few people, myself included helped to raise the values of early esprits about ten years ago by putting time and money into them. Once these shiny restored cars hit the circuits, desirability went up as did values. The elites and éclats and perhaps some excels got a bad reputation as they went down the food chain and they ended up in the wrong hands. The early cars got a bad reputation and though many admire them, they also shy away. Their correct maintenance and proper use is critical. Decades on, they are not like modern BMW’s that can be thrashed around and left on the street all weathers without a thought for what’s going on under the bonnet or chassis. Given the right TLC they are brilliant sports cars. Unfortunately there are not enough cars to a high standard to help push the values up and as long as there is a plentiful supply of projects, people will keep seeing them as a lower value car. All said, I do feel that the tide is changing as there appears to be more interest and I see a few cars rising from the ashes. They will never hit the values of esprits, the +2’s never do, but I feel that in a couple of years we will look back at this beautiful example and think, that was cheap.
  2. I don’t understand how people can think 16 grand is a bit pricey for a good example when they do turn up on the rare occasion when people are or were willing to pay around 100 grand for esprits from around that era. These cars had the same engines and were built alongside each other in the factory. In my personal opinion, the elite is a more satisfying car to drive also.
  3. If work does not get in the way, I’ll be there.
  4. Wonderful pics. Thanks for sharing. It’s rare to see pics of these cars in this state from when shiny and new.
  5. Escape. I own a series 2 Bagheera. A nice little rare find! You have an early series one Bagheera there which were produced between 1973 and 1976. Probably 1.3 litre. They are basically a monocoque steel body mid engine 3 abreast seater wrapped in a riveted and bonded fibreglass shell. In good condition they are fantastic little fun sportscars which are very economical to run. Not a performance drivers car like the Lotus but the ride is typically French, very smooth and soft like a magic carpet. The bad bit is that they were constructed in the 70’s and the mild steel inner panels received just a light coat of black paint at the factory so many have fallen by the wayside due to tin-worm. The good thing is that being of an unexposed mostly flat box construction, restoration is possible with a modicum of welding skill. All cars left the factory as left hookers and they seem to be worth a fair amount more on the continent. You need to get in touch with The Matra Enthusiasts Club and have a chat with them about your options. They have a website and still produce a good old fashioned club magazine booklet with a for sale section at the back. They are also a really friendly bunch to deal with. Clive Nelson the club president is a good person to talk to. If you decide to keep it and put the effort in, you won’t be disappointed with the outcome. Good luck with it. https://www.matra-club.net/ Email President@matra-club.net
  6. Wonderful presentation. It’s nice to see these cars and owners getting that kind of treatment.
  7. They look fantastic in yellow.
  8. Many thanks for that wonderful in-site and great pictures.
  9. That’s one I haven’t seen before! Thank you for sharing.
  10. If it’s the same car, I knew a previous owner who worked as a flight instructor in Oxford but we are going back to the early nighties. You’ll have to PM me for the name. I last saw it about 25 years ago parked up in a side street in North London with a For Sale sign on it. I think it needed some work. 3 grand if my memory serves me right was the asking price which at the time I thought was dirt cheap and I always wished I’d been able to buy it and tuck it away somewhere. As I say, if it’s the same car, there cannot be that many S3’s in Lotus Yellow.
  11. If your wheels take the same nuts as those found on S2 esprit’s (& S2 elites, then this set available from Halfords for around £25 should work. Not a great snap but there is an S2 nut in there and if you look hard enough, you can make out the matching cone seats. Forgive me for scrubbing out the key serial number, it’s not that I don’t trust you lovely people. Hope that helps. MCguard 24195 SU
  12. Have to say, that looks really cool. This project looks superb. That will turn out to be a really special car. The first and last cars are always the best to have if you’re a serious collector. I wish I had the space.
  13. Early elite in blue with cream interior. An object of beauty.
  14. So nice to see an early excel in such a lovely condition.
  15. These pics are amazing. I was probably around 7 years old when these pics were taken so difficult to identify dealers. Am trying to expand on any signs in pic but too blurry.
  16. Fantastic pics Keith, many thanks for sharing. The early pics from the days of chemical photography are so nice to look at, particularly when it comes to these cars as they look spectacular in their new and shiny glory. These 70’s colours are also seldom seen these days. Are you able to post the pics individually in better resolution?
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking " I Accept ", you consent to our use of cookies. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.