Back to Lotus after 38 years

Back to Lotus after 38 years

Author
Discussion

Holden08rcy

Original Poster:

40 posts

103 months

Thursday 27th February 2020
quotequote all
I have just brought a Lotus LF1 Exige after a 38 year absence, I have just traded in my Holden v8
6.2 525bhp.
It will be sad to see her go 12 years of great sounding motoring.
I won’t take delivery of the Lotus for a few weeks but can’t wait.
Back in the day I have had a mark one Lotus cortina all 3 europa,s
And a s2 esprit.
My only concern with the LF1 is getting in and out of the car without damaging
the leather door sill.
I was thinking of having it replaced with carbon fiber.
Does anybody have any idea how much that is lightly to cost me.
Is it worth doing as I want to keep the car as original as possible.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts Terry.

carspath

856 posts

184 months

Thursday 27th February 2020
quotequote all
Hi Terry ,

Cant answer your question , but great to know that i'm not the only oldie getting a ''new '' lotus .

The LF1 is a dream car ( so really enjoy it ) , and I would have loved one , but I am very happily settling for a 189 bhp N/A 2010 Elise R S3 in Chrome Orange .

I bought it from Jamie Matthews at Bell an Colvill in Jan , and Phil Marking has prepared it for me , and I am hoping to collect it from B&C next week .

My first lotus was meant to be the 1989 Elan - I placed an order for one t the 1989 London Motor Show , but withdrew my order after waiting 18 months with the price appearing to rise every month !

So , i'm excited to get my first lotus after a 30 year wait .

Re the carbon fibre sills : I am fortunate enough to have 1 carbon bodied car , and 1 carbon bodied and carbon chassied car .
I would say , think very carefully about getting CF sills as they scratch so very easily , and once they do , its really difficult , if not impossible to conceal the scratch .

I am planning on putting a plastic wrap ( what kids put on the covers of their books ) on the sills of the Elise R , as I too am worried about scruffing the leather covered sills .

I see that you are in Devon , so not so far away , and maybe i'll get to see your LF1 someday .

Enjoy your toy

Rocketreid

656 posts

79 months

Thursday 27th February 2020
quotequote all
I bought a pair of Carbon inner cil covers from Elise shop for £ 250

https://www.elise-shop.com/interior-carbon-fibre-c...

Leather ones were easily removed and after having the Carbon ones Ppfd , fitted them . They looked a treat

elanfan

5,527 posts

234 months

Thursday 27th February 2020
quotequote all
Just get some clear wrapping vinyl and fit that over it, presumably it will stick.

Looks like you two will have your cars ready for Club Lotus track day at Castle Combe 23/5

Edited by elanfan on Thursday 27th February 22:49

carspath

856 posts

184 months

Friday 28th February 2020
quotequote all
Hi Elanfan ,

1) where can you buy this vinyl wrap ?
Have you used it , and any tips about putting it on ?

2) Can anyone come as a spectator to this castle Combe event , or is it members only ?

3) Maybe see you all there ?

best wishes

Carspath

Holden08rcy

Original Poster:

40 posts

103 months

Tuesday 2nd June 2020
quotequote all
At last Silverstone Lotus are open, I am now having my LF1 prepared.
Hopefully weather permitting I can pick the car up next week.

gareth h

3,763 posts

237 months

Wednesday 3rd June 2020
quotequote all
Holden08rcy said:
At last Silverstone Lotus are open, I am now having my LF1 prepared.
Hopefully weather permitting I can pick the car up next week.
They are a great bunch who will look after you (I’ve bought 2 Exiges from them), congrats on the new car.


Holden08rcy

Original Poster:

40 posts

103 months

Thursday 24th September 2020
quotequote all
Finally picked the car up at the end of June.
Every one who has seen it says it looks stunning, i have to agree it does.
Looks way better in the flesh than in a photo.
Now i have owned it for a couple of months i am getting used to it.
Loving every second i am in it, now the weather is on the change i
wont be putting to many miles on the clock.

williamp

19,560 posts

280 months

Thursday 24th September 2020
quotequote all
That looks amazing. Very, very well done!

GTRene

17,781 posts

231 months

Friday 25th September 2020
quotequote all
those look indeed good, are there only 81 of those? what number do you have?

got this picture from the web link as example.



https://www.autoblog.nl/nieuws/lotus-exige-lf1-vie...

detee

642 posts

156 months

Friday 25th September 2020
quotequote all
I have always wanted a Lotus, and after buying everything but finally got one for my 50th. I am smitten. Another thumbs up for Jamie at Bell and Colvill, top drawer service.

Gad-Westy

15,092 posts

220 months

Saturday 26th September 2020
quotequote all
detee said:
I have always wanted a Lotus, and after buying everything but finally got one for my 50th. I am smitten. Another thumbs up for Jamie at Bell and Colvill, top drawer service.
Looks great. Well worth the wait I'm sure.

Holden08rcy

Original Poster:

40 posts

103 months

Sunday 27th September 2020
quotequote all
Thanks for all your support guys.
Mine is win no 39, won by jochen Rindt in France 1970.