where it all began

[tom kilner 113]

Back in the late seventies I could name every car on the road - this was my favourite reference book.

Also I grew up near Foulds Motors near Huddersfield, so amongst the Austin 1300s, Morris Marinas, Hillman Hunters, Ford Escorts and Vauxhall Vivas was the odd Lotus.

Oh and the scrap dealer's Jensen Interceptor.

[Dunc 395 3 Vehicles]

Did the scrap dealer own the interceptor, or was it part of his stock? 

For me it all began as an impressionable five year old living in a little village 10 miles outside edinburgh. My neighbour was a real life racing driver (modsports then BTCC) and his road car was a Lotus Elite, which with its pop up lights seemed impossibly glamorous in a world of Hilmans, cortinas and cavaliers.

A flirtation with a yellow eclat 520 followed when I was a student and could quite afford it. It was very much the "one that got away". So when a similar car became available 10 years later - I had to have it. There began the trip down the Lotus wormhole..

[tom kilner 113]

The scrap value of interceptors has  clearly outperformed ferrous and non-ferrous metals. - and several but not all lotus models!

You don't get so many interceptors to the ton though.

I'm trying not to buy another one.

[Emmerg 10]

Blimey that book brings back memories - I used to have one too.  I wonder where it is now...?  Might have to look on eBay now

[Emmerg 10]

Yay!  got one for £2 (and £2.60 postage).  Happy Days

[tom kilner 113]

The writing has got a lot smaller since the 70s.

You might need to buy a magnifying glass too!

Of course with Christmas coming there are plenty of opportunities to get the whole family playing Top Trumps.