Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I've just crawled over the line and turned 67.

I owned a Twin Cam Europa from 1985-92, I've had my current 1972 Elan since 1993, my current 1991 M100 Elan since 1994, and also had a Caterham from roughly 1996-2000. I "almost" owned one of the first 340R but managed to get out of the contract when assured of no support if I wanted to take it to the US.

I am not really deterred by the mechanical work but I am put off by the volume, speed and general hostility of traffic nowadays (I live in Southern California). I don't drive my Citroens too much either, for the same reason.

Mike

There is no wrong side of seventy as long as you're on the right side of the lawn! I'll be seventy two in January, God willing, and hope to live long enough to finish putting my +2 back together after way, way too long apart. I've had it since '78. Second owner.

Citromike said: "I am not really deterred by the mechanical work but I am put off by the volume, speed and general hostility of traffic nowadays (I live in Southern California). I don't drive my Citroens too much either, for the same reason."

This is probably the greatest deterrent to driving a Lotus in today's world. What is it with pick-up truck drivers? (The question is for those in North America-you don't have this problem in the rest of the world-so far as I am aware).

Yes we do... 99.99999% of BMW and Audi drivers...

Mark, we have those here too but I am talking of a different level of thuggishness. When the vehicle in question towers over surrounding traffic and is driven by a testosterone fueled teenager.
This is my Derby Bently, which towers over my Elan with an example of what I mean:


You don't have these in England!

Jeez David - my other rig is a turbo Hyundai Veloster.(the grocery car)

But I do prefer my Toyota Tundra pick me up truck when I have to compete with the dinosaurs on the the freeway

Bill

Bill, when was the last time you were accused of being a teenager?
And I've seen you drive-enthusiastic would be my description-certainly not thuggish!!

Edit: This isn't the place for me to complain I realise. Apologies to the original poster!

--------------- in which case i'm also a youngster at 66 (3 days ago!!) sandy

I am 74 and speed hillclimb my Lotus 19 and Lotus 46, with the type 50 being re commisioned ready for next season

kwhittle: Which Lotus Nineteen do you have? I was involved (slightly) in the restoration of a Nineteen in the eighties.