Boom! back in the game... sort of

[andyj007 408]

 i loved my evora i really did.., but after a while found it underwhelming for my needs.. i kept it 4 years ,   i dont have work place to go so i drove only at weekends for enjoyment. attending shows etc etc.  but it was really  just too fast to extract any sense of speed thrill legally on teh roads.. almost  even boring to a point..  its just too good..  did every thing perfectly, never went wrong, cost me peanuts to run (thank you H111) but i just used it less, and got less sensation from doing so..  i modded as much as i could, keeping it oem,  red leather , stereo, exhaust , wheels..  it was splending condition.. a wonderfull looking car.  always turned heads, made me feel good..  not a car from getting satisfaction of working on or fixing..  nothing goes wrong..  or didnt on mine!  i did worry about the clutch and gearbox a bit, and not being able  to fix myself was an annoyance.  i like fixing things      I  did have an elise Early lightweight S2, which i used more for the driving thrill. & stupidly sold it thinking id drive my evora more.. i didnt, i just missed the elise..   so i eventually decided and sold the evora  too...needing something to hit the spot, and wanting to see what all teh 7 type cars were really on about I  hired a westfield from https://www.snettertonsportscars.co.uk/ ..  I knew after about 5 mins down the road i wanted actually needed this type of car in my life..  its just an overload of sensors, exhilarating,  the cliche of nothing else other than a single seater comes even close true.. i spend all day in that car , and had just the best time ever.. after looking at them all I purchased    westfield kit car, zetez engine . threw some goodies at it, to get it to 204 bhp, LSD throttle bodies cams, ultrlighte weight flywheel..  it is the best thing ive ever done.  its  a real pleasure driving thrill..  it commands utter respect, it scares you,  it  brings out the total child out in you, but  leaves you feeling like a fighter pilot when you come back from a drive.. Yes it really is that good..   if you into cars, and youve not driven a good seven type car.. you really are  missing out ..   its easy to work on and very satisfying to do so.. ive loved every minnute of the last year with it, more so than any other car ive had..  & ive had  a few! i gps timed 0-60 at 4.1 secs at the 2nd attempt in a fluster of wheel spin, and fumbling 2nd gear its steers like a go kart, and is controllable just as easy.. power slides and donuts in abundance..   where is this going in the lotus forums i hear you ask..   well strictly speaking westfield isnt a lotus, and neither is a caterham.. so i didnt post anything on here,  i even let my gold membership slip..  but thats not to say i didnt pop back in alot..  In all honesty i missed the lotus connection.. i love motorsport especially classic motorsport, and have always hankered after a classic lotus, nearly getting an elan sprint back in 1992,..  sadly as the years have passed these have crept up to really high values.. especially for factory sprints, there are many converted s4s and these also seem to achieve high prices..  I do   like to use my cars , so a concours or mint example would be no good for me . , i looked at esprites also    but didnt fit in teh cabin plus i do prefer  small lightweight cars..  I then had a lead on  proper lotus 11 replica Historic lotus recognised with genuine parts , climax engines ,  .  (not a westfield kit) whilst tryng to work out  what value this car and whether to make the owner an offer ,  A 1973 lotus elan sprint popped up for sale.. it needed some TLC as been stored since 1995  no brakes, no clutch, and isnt quite the example for teh purist in its current form..  but the price was right, with movement for me to tinker to get it mechanically perfect and operational.  and ell for a profit if needed..   as a bonus its how historic, so no tax and voluntary MOT.. every single part is available too..   

I didnt hang around and was first in line of 20 people who were interested .  in that position i couldn't say no, so at last after 29 years of nearly purchasing an elan , i now  have one.. its by far the highest  ive ever  paid for a car, that essentialy doesnt work , and  that ive not driven, or even driven another of same type ...lol  .  but considering the esteemed reviews, given by owners Jay leno, adrian newey, gordon murray, harry metcalf  and the likes .. I think it should be fun!!      so if you have me back, and your interested in my adventures and re commissioning  of my  elan sprint ( i do know there is only a small elan section and that  other forums are better suited but ive never found a nicer friendly enthusiastic bunch as you lot  ) I will post up some pictures of my two funs cars,,  just as soon that is  a I resubscribed to allow me to do so.   

[Bibs 11,418]

Definitely pics required, sounds like a really good project for you to sink your teeth into! Congrats on the purchase Andy

[TomE 285]

There's always a good showing of Elans at the Club Lotus track days at Goodwood.  Great to see them and see them being driven enthusiastically, lovely cars.  Enjoy the project and the ownership experience as well as (eventually) driving it.

[theelanman 511]

Love an Elan.......

Congratulations

Pics please

Welcome

[C8RKH 6,451]

Really pleased you have found a great car for you @andyj007. Would love to hear and see more about your car and journey. All the best and wishes for miles of smiles....