Random car and/or Lotus related pictures and videos

[GTK]

46 minutes ago, Escape said:

… dubbed Brigitte

Really cool find, Fil. I’d love a Bagheera or a Murena. How bad is the rust?

[Escape]

Well George, if you fancy another project we could discuss transport. 😁

I didn't need to sweep the trailer, she stayed in one piece (unlike some of the others!), but suspension looks pretty crusty. Should be salvageable though. The underside is coated, but it's bubbling in places so not sure what to expect. She's definitely not a keeper, I'm gonna try and get her running and then move one, without worrying too much about cosmetics or rust. The interior is pretty nice, I love the futuristic 70s design and colors! 

[Bibs]

@phoenix knows his way around one of those!

 

[Escape]

Just got some more pictures of the unearthing Saturday. When these were taken, a lot of work had already been done just to be able to access the cars and remove everything that was stacked on top. Range Rover and trailer with winch proved invaluable to get them out.

All in all it was a day of hard work, but good fun, with a bunch of likeminded petrolheads. 😎

[GTK]

Some say the Europa was the first mid engined proper production car, but that accolade goes to the Djet 😎

[phoenix]

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 [email protected]

 

 

[Escape]

Thanks for that Roddy! I did some reading already, confirming what you said. The white one is indeed a series 1, from 1974. The parts car is a later Bagheera X, with the bigger engine. The thought has crossed my mind to swap engines, but seeing as it all has to be done from below I think I'll pass if we can get the oldest one running. I do look forward to driving it!

Just to clarify, I am on the continent, as are the cars. 😉 We're hoping to get some interest from France, were prices seem to be higher as they do fancy their own cars.

You might get a few questions once we dig in, if you don't mind. 🔧

Filip

[LotusLeftLotusRight]

1 hour ago, GTK said:

Some say the Europa was the first mid engined proper production car, but that accolade goes to the Djet 😎

The De Tomaso Vallelunga also pre dated the Lotus Europa by a couple of years.

[Arregueti]

1 hour ago, Escape said:

The white one is indeed a series 1, from 1974.

That looks like a great day out with friends for a good cause.

I came across one yesterday in Luxembourg while doing our "tour de Luxembourg" with the local club. The driver seemed as surprised to see my car as I was of crossing him.

1974 is my year and getting closer to 50 I play with the idea of getting a car of my vintage (an Elan+2 would also be a good candidate). Your pictures got me salivating. 🙂

[Escape]

If you're ever close to Brussels/Leuven, do let me know, I'd be happy to show you around. 😉

She will take a lot of work to get fully sorted, but I'm not in it for the cash. If I get a drive and know she'll end up with another enthusiast I'm sure we'd agree easily enough.

[Arregueti]

I was wondering where you are based. That is very kind. And very close! I may well take your offer at some point! I am very envious when I read your adventures and see your pictures  😀

[Escape]

Always happy to meet up with fellow Lotus/ car enthusiasts! Actually, the Workshop is often more about having a good chat an a few beers than doing actual work. 😄

Chances are I'll be in Luxembourg at some point this weekend. We're having a Gentlemen Drivers Weekend based around Roche-en-Ardenne. I'll keep my eyes open for an Evora. 😉 

[GTK]

3 hours ago, LotusLeftLotusRight said:

The De Tomaso Vallelunga also pre dated the Lotus Europa by a couple of years.

Was just looking at production figures and to be frank, with over 9000 Europa’s to less than 200 Matras, and scarcely over 50 De Tomaso Vallelungas, the Lotus really is the first mass produced mid engine imo 

[Arregueti]

1 hour ago, Escape said:

Always happy to meet up with fellow Lotus/ car enthusiasts! Actually, the Workshop is often more about having a good chat an a few beers than doing actual work. 😄

Chances are I'll be in Luxembourg at some point this weekend. We're having a Gentlemen Drivers Weekend based around Roche-en-Ardenne. I'll keep my eyes open for an Evora. 😉 

Best parties are always in the kitchen, aren't they.

Well, I can only reciprocate the invitation (not for a workshop visit, unfortunately 😁).

I am sure you will already have all under control, but if there is anything you need around Luxembourg, including tips for roads, etc., please let me know.

[pete]

hence why 8 were stolen over the weekend 

[Escape]

18 hours ago, GTK said:

Was just looking at production figures and to be frank, with over 9000 Europa’s to less than 200 Matras, and scarcely over 50 De Tomaso Vallelungas, the Lotus really is the first mass produced mid engine imo 

Those 200 are just the ones made under René Bonnet, when Matra took over they pushed out another 1500. (I've been doing some research on Matra 😉 ).

What surprises me is Matra managed to produce almost 50000 Bagheeras! Despite the oil crisis and not being a cheap car. Precious few remain today...

 

[GTK]

I shouldn’t have been surprised, but it wasn’t a good feeling watching the new Top Gear (now the old Top Gear… again) wreck a lovely bronze coloured one.  

[Jack Stone]

JPS themed Exige, Esprits and Europa Special at Jim Clark Revival

 

[Jack Stone]

I don't recall seeing pics of Senna behind the wheel of a road Lotus during his days at TL - but here are two via twitter (@car_kobanashi) of Ayrton enthusiastically pedalling a Excel...

[jep]

Goodwood Breakfast meet, supercar Sunday today:

[ChrisJ]

@Jack Stone

This is how Ayrton Senna tested a Lotus Excel - Extra 2023 (dailymotorclub.com)

 

[exeterjeep]

Ugly or what - hate the wheels..

[GTK]

I quite like it! The wheels do look like an old TV test card, but you have to love the tip of the hat to the 5 Turbo, in the whole back 3/4 area

[Escape]

I think it would look a lot better if the designers didn't go out of their way just to make things special. Put some nice old style rims on, and classic looking lights and it would be a much better homage to the R5 Turbo.

[Escape]

The first of the Matras has come back to life! 🙂 Not too bad actually, a quick look at the ignition side and a lot of cleaning to get petrol to the carbs. And then rebuilding the starter motor that had died while trying to prime the fuel pump... Still need to rebuild the brakes and fee the clutch, not looking forward to that.

And I so much prefer the Lotus position! At least that's lying down. 🙂 Everything seems to be stuffed tightly between the transverse engine and bulkhead, at least you can sit in the boot while straining your back...