Lotus 3-Eleven

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Discussion

baronbennyt

Original Poster:

915 posts

103 months

Friday 3rd February 2017
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Afternoon all. Apologies if this is the wrong area to bring up the 3-Eleven but I recently ordered one through Bell & Colvill in Surrey and it goes to build next week. It should be ready for collection in early March. Super excited! Any other PH'ers have experience of the 3-Eleven? Would be great to hear from you.

mickv

85 posts

98 months

Tuesday 7th February 2017
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I toyed with the idea of ordering one when I saw one up with GCM in Harrogate, but quickly went off the idea. I just saw it as a bit pricey for a car I would barely use. I would love to do more track days, but in reality I know I don't really have the time and dropping 90k into a car that you can't use on the road without getting p1££ wet through most days seemed a bit irrational. That, and the worry that I'd kill myself in it quite quickly. They look seriously quick and while I don't consider myself completely talentless behind the wheel, I'm not in the Dave Pittard league. If you have already done so, watch his YT videos on the 3Eleven - especially the one at Goodwood - to my mind, scarily quick in places.

I've turned my attention to an Exige, which I think would be a better compromise for me and my realistic use profile.

Having said all that, I'm jealous! If you have the space and the cash, I imagine it will be a very exciting thing to own. Also enjoyed your contribution to the Mac12c thread - there's another brand I'm really interested in getting into when circumstances allow.


baronbennyt

Original Poster:

915 posts

103 months

Tuesday 7th February 2017
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I know what you mean, it was a very difficult decision to make and I did consider all the reasons why it's not the car for you. However, I took the plunge after Lotus Bell & Colvill lent me their demonstrator one sunny Sunday afternoon and what can I say? I haven't ever had as much fun as I did that day (with my clothes on)! I couldn't stop grinning in my lid as I drove it along the local rural roads of Surrey (at sane-ish speeds). God knows what it will be like on-track. I'll provide a few reports on how I get along but if that test was anything to go by, I'm in for a wild ride. Heart has ruled head completely this time.

comfortably numb

50 posts

150 months

Tuesday 7th February 2017
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Congratulations! I have yet to see one other than at a car show. What spec did you go for?

baronbennyt

Original Poster:

915 posts

103 months

Tuesday 7th February 2017
quotequote all
comfortably numb said:
Congratulations! I have yet to see one other than at a car show. What spec did you go for?
Lotus 3-Eleven Road Spec
Colour Scheme 1 – Green With Yellow Stripes
Gloss Black Accents
Gloss Black Alloys
Fire Extinguisher and Battery Isolator
Michelin Cup 2 Tyres
Carbon Drivers Seat
Carbon Passenger Seat
Motorsport Front Splitter & Canards
Steering re-trimmed in Alcantara and White Stitching
Reversing Camera

comfortably numb

50 posts

150 months

Wednesday 8th February 2017
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excellent stuff. Is the race version road legal? I guess that you cannot take the race 'box as on option on the road car?

baronbennyt

Original Poster:

915 posts

103 months

Wednesday 8th February 2017
quotequote all
comfortably numb said:
excellent stuff. Is the race version road legal? I guess that you cannot take the race 'box as on option on the road car?
No, the race version isn't road legal and you're right - you cannot take the race 'box as an option on the road car (at least not officially).

Anyway, race version is near £120k which is getting out-of-hand.

I know the race 'box will be much quicker but there is real delight having to use the road version's manual 'box. Plus I want to jump in it for the odd Sunday morning blast along the rural Surrey roads near me!

gashead1105

598 posts

160 months

Thursday 9th February 2017
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I've not driven it myself, but if you look on TLF, there's a video of a mate of mine spinning one at Goodwood!

Top work on ordering one, I'm sure you will love it. It is compulsory if you start one of these threads to post picture up once you've collected it...

baronbennyt

Original Poster:

915 posts

103 months

Thursday 9th February 2017
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gashead1105 said:
I've not driven it myself, but if you look on TLF, there's a video of a mate of mine spinning one at Goodwood!

Top work on ordering one, I'm sure you will love it. It is compulsory if you start one of these threads to post picture up once you've collected it...
Will do!

gm77

98 posts

127 months

Sunday 12th February 2017
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[quote=gashead1105]I've not driven it myself, but if you look on TLF, there's a video of a mate of mine spinning one at Goodwood!

Thanks Will! I always appreciate attention being drawn to that one!??

maxgas

176 posts

174 months

Tuesday 14th February 2017
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Congratulations on your purchase, you will not be able to sleep the week it is due!

I am sure it will be awesome, love driving my 2 11 . Just have to keep a eye on the sky and make sure you
dress warm!

Looking foward to a full report on it,

Have fun !!

baronbennyt

Original Poster:

915 posts

103 months

Wednesday 15th February 2017
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maxgas said:
Congratulations on your purchase, you will not be able to sleep the week it is due!

I am sure it will be awesome, love driving my 2 11 . Just have to keep a eye on the sky and make sure you
dress warm!

Looking foward to a full report on it,

Have fun !!
Thank you. My brother used to own a JPS liveried Lotus 2-Eleven. He threw me the keys one weekend and I drove it to Goodwood and back. What an awesome drive! I couldn't stop grinning under my lid. smile

Lagerlout

1,810 posts

243 months

Wednesday 15th February 2017
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Sounds like this one! biggrin


baronbennyt

Original Poster:

915 posts

103 months

Thursday 16th February 2017
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Lagerlout said:
Sounds like this one! biggrin

Yup, that's the one!



maxgas

176 posts

174 months

Tuesday 21st February 2017
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The thing I find about driving these cars is that wearing a helmet tends to dull the experience
a bit. I prefer wearing just my sunglasses (bullet proof ) by the way , the sensation of speed
and the noise are greater and it justs feels like sensory overload. That is the best thing travelling
at 70 mph feels a lot faster then it would in a normal tin top, you would probably need to be doing
a 1000 kleptons in too get the same buzz.

Saying all that I do sometimes drive with a lid if I want a bit more comfort, or I have been driving
on track all day.

Was hoping too get out in mine last weekend but picked up man flue!!

baronbennyt

Original Poster:

915 posts

103 months

Tuesday 21st February 2017
quotequote all
maxgas said:
The thing I find about driving these cars is that wearing a helmet tends to dull the experience
a bit. I prefer wearing just my sunglasses (bullet proof ) by the way , the sensation of speed
and the noise are greater and it justs feels like sensory overload. That is the best thing travelling
at 70 mph feels a lot faster then it would in a normal tin top, you would probably need to be doing
a 1000 kleptons in too get the same buzz.

Saying all that I do sometimes drive with a lid if I want a bit more comfort, or I have been driving
on track all day.

Was hoping too get out in mine last weekend but picked up man flue!!
Have you ever taken your 211 to the Nurburgring on a private track day? I'm still deciding whether to take the 311 or not. In any event, I will book myself a spot on the Bell & Colvill track day at Castle Combe on 15 June, and at Goodwood in August.

Delivery of the 311 is scheduled for 4 March. I can't wait. Also crossing every finger for a decent summer!

I'll also get some goggles. Do you recommend a particular brand?

Stephanie Plum

2,792 posts

218 months

Tuesday 21st February 2017
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Took mine to the first BaT organised track day at The Ring. And jolly good fun was had smile

RichEuropaS

37 posts

126 months

Tuesday 21st February 2017
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I saw my first 3 Eleven at the weekend... lovely car. Please upload some photos when you get yours and let us know what they are like to drive.

Photo from the w/e

DaveGB

1,671 posts

188 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2017
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Firstly congratulations on such a great car. You can't beat these type of cars for raw fun.

I've done the Atom, XBOW, couple of caterhams and the 2-11 SC over the last 5 years. The XBOW I actually took on track at Spa and Nurburgring. Great fun.

Also always drove with sunglasses and a beanie if a bit cold. On the 2-11 and XBOW I invested in a motorbike wind deflector to offer a bit of protection, as per below





alicrozier

556 posts

244 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2017
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I've taken my 2-11 to the 'Ring on private trackdays (DN events) and it's great fun and massively fast, sub 8 min full laps comfortably. I can only imagine a 3-11 would be even more fun but arriving at traffic even quicker. Normally the closed trackday events feel very quiet though as the circuit is so long so I wouldn't worry.

I also wear sunglasses on the road whenever possible (helmet needed if it rains). I'd recommend Wiley X ballistic glasses or goggles with seals to keep out wind and dust but my Oakleys are more comfortable, especially if it's hot. I've tried changeable lenses in the past but to be honest you're better with two pairs to save messing about (you ideally want a set with clear or night vision lens for low light conditions).

Also think about hearing protection, minimum is disposable ones and ALWAYS wear them as the wind noise is so high that you're probably only 10 mins from lasting damage.
If you want tunes or comms I recommend these:
https://www.acscustom.com/uk/products/communicatio...
You get custom ear molds done at Boots and they are really comfortable even with a helmet.