Alan Paterson Posted April 23, 2013 Report Share Posted April 23, 2013 It's the end of an era for me, folks. 12 years of Esprit ownership ended yesterday when my Esprit was picked up by the new owner. I had an email last night to say it had safely made the trip to Folkestone with no problems. Apparently, it'll be driven out to Malta in 2-3 weeks time. Over the last 12 years, Viv and I have met some really nice people and enjoyed some great company. When I made the films 'Esprit-Addiction for Life' and 'Club Lotus - 50 Years in the Fast Lane' I thoroughly enjoyed sharing the enthusiasm of many fellow Lotus owners. I don't think the love of the Esprit has left me quite yet, just wish we'd had the chance to see the replacement 2013 model which, as we've heard, won't be happening now. You know those silly sods who get a bit teary eyed when they finally part company with their car? Well, I'm one of them. I couldn't believe it! I'll keep an eye on the forums now and again. Best wishes Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintaylor Posted April 24, 2013 Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 Hi Alan, Could you put me through to the owner in Malta?... Would love to follow this up and get him to join the forum ! Quote Vin Taylor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocket63 Posted April 24, 2013 Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 From one to another Quote Caught between a rock and a hard place in a catch 22 situation, So its 6 of one and half a dozen of the other. Your damned if you do, but your damned if you don't so shut your cock!!!!!!!!!!! Lotus Espirt Turbo S3 Lotus Esprit S4 Lotus Elise S2 Sport 130 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Paterson Posted April 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 I've actually already given the new owner the Forum details, but I'll have to leave it up to him to make contact. I should think he will after he's taken the car to Malta in about 3 weeks time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Choppa Posted April 24, 2013 Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 Good luck Alan, I know it's the "wrong shape" but I'm only 5 minutes down the road from you if you want to get an Esprit fix at any time! Quote Normally Aspirated - and lovin' it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Paterson Posted April 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 Thanks Colin, yours is a good looking one though. I've just been out admiring the space in my garage. I can now get to my lathe without fighting my way around the Esprit, so I might start making things again. I've taken up restoring Dinky cars. They're much smaller and cheaper than full size versions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Blanchard Posted April 24, 2013 Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 Hi Alan, It was seeing your car at Castle Combe track day 11 years ago that made me think that's the car I want. Sorry to see you go and best of luck for the future. Quote Mark www.lotusespritturbo.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopo Posted April 24, 2013 Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 Alan! what have you done!?! stunning car! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramjet Posted April 24, 2013 Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 Definitely stay on TLF Alan. I am under no illusion that one day, getting in and out of the S4 is going to be just too difficult and then it will have to be on its way. Just the other day, some idiot parked right beside me even though I was in the middle of nowhere, and too close to the drivers side. I don't need to explain the difficulty of getting in to anyone that has owned an esprit. Quote All we know is that when they stop making this, we will be properly, properly sad.Jeremy Clarkson on the Esprit. Opinions are like armpits. Everyone has them, some just stink more than others. For forum issues, please contact one of us Moderators. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodgy Posted April 26, 2013 Report Share Posted April 26, 2013 Oh Alan, you will have to pop in every so often, there doesn't seem many of us original members left now. Sorry to see you have sold your car, That's another one not to be seen on the uk roads again Take care. Quote Лотос - для тех которые знают разницу ENIGMA for those who are paranoid or download one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s4simon Posted April 27, 2013 Report Share Posted April 27, 2013 Wow - It's been a long time Alan. Good luck with your next auto endeavour. Thanks again for the sills that you sold me back in 2004. :-) Quote Simon (94 S4) My Esprit will be for sale in late 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USAndretti42 Posted April 27, 2013 Report Share Posted April 27, 2013 Definitely stay on TLF Alan. I am under no illusion that one day, getting in and out of the S4 is going to be just too difficult and then it will have to be on its way. Just the other day, some idiot parked right beside me even though I was in the middle of nowhere, and too close to the drivers side. I don't need to explain the difficulty of getting in to anyone that has owned an esprit. I must admit, there were a few times when I had to get in or out of the passenger side of my S2. Not as difficult as you might think but not elegant. Sorry to read that you've sold yours, Alan. I don't think Dinky toys are going to be an adequate substitute. Quote S4 Elan, Elan +2S, Federal-spec, World Championship Edition S2 Esprit #42, S1 Elise, Excel SE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loose Cannon Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 ^^ That's a hell of a good looking car - I'd forgotten how nice the silver bottom treatment and 3/4 glass-back looked on the early S cars. So rare to find one that hasn't been changed; long term ownership of a single caring owner helped here. It will be odd not having you around after all this time Alan, as mentioned there are not many left who have been around for the full dozen plus years the internet Esprit "movement" has existed and the early days on Yahoo (should there be a veteran's star?) Good luck and hope you find time for another Lotus one day. Quote In the garage no-one can hear you scream Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajheath Posted May 3, 2013 Report Share Posted May 3, 2013 Indeed Alan, end of an era. I was only rewatching Addiction for Life the other week. Good to hear you have taken up restoring diecasts, I do that myself, and am currently doing a Corgi James Bond Aston for a member on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimbers Posted May 3, 2013 Report Share Posted May 3, 2013 What prompted this decision Alan? Sorry to hear your baby has gone and MJK asked if it will be an Evora now? Quote Possibly save your life. Check out this website.http://everyman-campaign.org/ Distributor for 'Every Male' grooming products. (Discounts for any TLF members hairier than I am!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Paterson Posted May 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2013 Mostly the lack of decent weather over the last two years contributed to my decision, Tony. Also my desire to skin my knuckles in the freezing cold waned. All the same, it still looked lovely when it was being driven away. Tell your Dad I'd love an Evora but might have to settle for a comfy Jag or Vauxhall Insignia Diesel for a while. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintaylor Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Hi Alan, Looks like someone has spotted your lotus in Malta!! Quote Vin Taylor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rizla603104 Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 I hope you don't live to regret it.... When I sold my S3 in 2006 I also filled up I ended up getting a TVR and an Elan - but they just didn't cut it for me. Ended up with the S4 last year. Even though it has cost me dearly - I LOVE IT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandbloke Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 Bought mine back after 4 years with someone else, I missed her so much... Quote Proud recipient of the LEF 'Car of the Month Award' February 2008"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: "Wow, what a ride!!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitstoppete Posted July 20, 2013 Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 Bought mine back after 4 years with someone else, I missed her so much... that was the time when I had a ride in it IIRC Stu. on the limiter in 5th. the real reason i bought mine a year or so later. epic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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