New Member

[JimE]

Hi everyone,

I'm Jim from London and thought I'd introduce myself. You could describe me as Lotus mad! I have a lot of Lotus history having owned Elans and Europas since 1978 when I bought a 1971 pistachio over white FHC Sprint. Changed that for a 1974 Plus Two in 1979 (which I stlll have), added a 1975 Europa soon after and not that long ago a 1973 Sprint which retains it's original chassis and paintwork. The Plus Two was repainted and retrimmed by Lotus Cars in 1982 and I replaced the chassis with a LR one several years ago. I love these cars and wouldn't like to rank them. I guess out of the three, my Sprint is the most desirable because of its originality but still looks ace. Granted I have powder coated the chassis and running gear etc which were blemish free but that's it. It had 18,000 miles when I bought it and was really cherished by the previous owner who had it from new. Whilst I understand why owners want to modify their cars for reliability, I have kept mine original which is purely a personal choice. Cheers for now, Jim.

[elansprint]

Jim welcome to the forum what a lovely collection you have there all last of the line models also you are a lucky man
Ian

[Mazzini]

Welcome to the forum! Superb collection!

[elanfan1]

Can't for the life of me pull his name out of my memory banks but I presume the Tawny Sprint was the NE Area Leaders car? Superb example of a very original car.

[Elanintheforest]

Great trio Jim, and all very late cars. I love the Roman Purple 130!
Mark

[JimE]

Thanks for the nice comments guys. Yes the Elan belonged to Bill Stove who sadly passed away. From a conversation I had with the owner of Bill's previous S3 Elan, he looked after that one in the same way.

[trw99]

Very good to see you on here Jim. Welcome.

Tim

[rgh0]

Hi Jim and welcome

I have always believed you need 3 Lotus so that way you always have at least one to drive !!!

Its worked for me for the last 35 years and I get severe withdrawal symptoms if I cant satisfy my Lotus craving every couple of days at least

cheers
Rohan

68 Elan S4 FHC historic racer
73 Plus 2S 130/ 5 weekend road car
78 Esprit S1 ...drive it when ever i can

[JimE]

I know what you mean Rohan. I give mine a run every week (salt free roads permitting) to keep the gremlins at bay, but I have to admit I am drawn more to the Elan.

[rgh0]

My racing Elan is my heart and soul ( after my family) I have done over 40 thousand race miles in it. Just wish i was a better race driver

It may not look very flash with lots of racing "patina" but that's the way i like it. I have never been a show car sort of person. Lotus are for driving not for showing or investing IMHO.

cheers
Rohan

[JimE]

I do like to take my cars to shows and Lotus events but I also like the way they eat up roundabouts and bends on the way there

[rgh0]

Yes always enjoy wherever your going in a Lotus

cheers

[pharriso]

Welcome Jim, yes I seem to drive the long way every journey in the Elan

[RogerFrench]

Welcome Jim, it's good to see someone else believing that good things come in threes!

[JimE]

I've been a Club Lotus member since my early Elan days but am also a member of the North Kent Lotus Group. During our halloween evening outting last October, where we drove from Wrotham to Ashford, it took us over 2 hours! We must have covered the A - Z of Kent.