Big Esprit drivers...
Discussion
-Astute question of you, -well at 6'3"-ht. I had to drop the seat down 1.-"front/1.5"-rear, via some judicious fiberglass-work there (radical, but all turned-out excellent); -plus, owing to the absurd manner in which the clutch/brake/throttle-pedals are set way to close together (inept Lotus engineering), I always have to drive barefooted!! It appears one could do some judicious tweeking of the pedal-arms to alleviate this absurd condition, -but as yet that remains to be seen. Amazing to think that a car-maker would neglect these vital areas of design, as though wanting to sell cars to those of smaller-stature only... Bob vH [from California, -the land of fruits & nuts]
i have a S3 Esprit.... i am 6ft 2ins... 104 kilos
it is a technique.... though once mastered... its a piece of piss.... especially when you are about to get in ... on a main road and approachibg at a great rate of knots towards you is a truck..... you learn real quick ..... apart from that .... a bit trying to get in a E-TYPE Jag.....first time is the hardest .... though with females you dont care how they get in ... especially wearing short skirts.
I have a friend that uses a removeable wheel that is on the dash when he gets in and out. The seat rails have been removed to lower the seat and a glass roof installed to give another inch there. Can't do much about the pedal box, good for me to heel and toe. I am a Colin Chapman type physical stature 5'8"ish and 165lbs. So it seems I am a perfect fit and even have to move the seat up one click to fit correctly.
Calvin
Calvin
read about a guy named dave nickless (in the UK i think) that had the pedal box modified... it has the footrest removed and the pedal box widened so he can drive in boots... check it out using the link below:
www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EOwners/nickless.html
he also had a cool aluminium dash made and adjusted the steering wheel with a boss that raises the wheel higher in the straight ahead position and gives a bit more legroom...
u could probably email him and find out how/where he got all this done...
rgds,
ant
www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EOwners/nickless.html
he also had a cool aluminium dash made and adjusted the steering wheel with a boss that raises the wheel higher in the straight ahead position and gives a bit more legroom...
u could probably email him and find out how/where he got all this done...
rgds,
ant
I am 5'11 and I usually hover around 280lbs/127kg (not fat - professional bodybuilder). I am very wide in the shoulders, but I still find the Esprit roomy compared to the Elise. Getting in and out is a matter of practice if you are large or small. Once mastered though, it's easy.
The pedals are pretty bad though. I can't drive it wearing any kind of dress shoe. I can only drive wearing either summer boat shoes or Ottomix shoes (www.ottomix.com) I actually find the Ottomix perfect for driving it - feels like you are wearing nothing at all.
The pedals are pretty bad though. I can't drive it wearing any kind of dress shoe. I can only drive wearing either summer boat shoes or Ottomix shoes (www.ottomix.com) I actually find the Ottomix perfect for driving it - feels like you are wearing nothing at all.
I think all of us onwers have mastered the Lotus hop.
Don't even think of sitting and swinging both legs in or you will scuff the door. Always enter the car leading with one one foot, sit and then swing in the other foot. Also any one ever open the passenger door for a female getting in or out with a skirt or a dress, while the door is open stand near the hinge area?
Don't even think of sitting and swinging both legs in or you will scuff the door. Always enter the car leading with one one foot, sit and then swing in the other foot. Also any one ever open the passenger door for a female getting in or out with a skirt or a dress, while the door is open stand near the hinge area?
while you open the door for a female in skirt of a dress and stand by the door hinge. After all we Lotus owners are gentlemen and always open the door for a nice looking lady. 
I'm 6' 1", and 200 pounds. Though I was 230 when I bought it, and for most of the summer. Then and now, the car fits like a glove...no troubles at all getting in or out. Pedals close together, so I drive barefoot, but I'v ecome to enjoy the feel of that quite a bit.
Gentleman hopefully coming to look at the car this weekend...hopefully soon will be Lotus-less, but only for a couple years, when I get a V-8.
Wish me luck...
Gentleman hopefully coming to look at the car this weekend...hopefully soon will be Lotus-less, but only for a couple years, when I get a V-8.
Wish me luck...
Well actually it was one of my wife's friends. I didn't notice at first. But hey thong underwear in a short skirt. I really had to keep a straight face for such a long time as she struggled to get out. I try and keep my sense of humor. I don't know if you were on the forum when someone asked about if the car he had recently purchased had been re-painted does it loose any value. Well I replied with only "Oh no the car has lost half it value". I of course sent another messsage saying "just joking" You are fine as long as it is a good job. Life is good. I only wish you spent more time with us at LOG. I noticed a few different groups at LOG. I'll tell those guys Sanj, Pfeffer, Scotty, and the others we were hanging out with were a hoot exchanging stories. Next LOG at Niagra Falls we will have to spend more time with each other. I do have a good Niagra falls story that I have to tell everyone one of these days.
Calvin 90 SE
Regards,
Calvin
Calvin 90 SE
Regards,
Calvin
I have a friend, actually the co-driver who travelled down to pick up my Esprit with me. He is about 6'3" and likes Kentucky Fried, and weighs 300lbs. Needless to say, when I took him for his first ride (and all rides thereafter) we 'must' raise the sunroof. He needs that extra 2 inches, otherwise he has to cock his head sideways. Interestingly enough, another friend at that same height fits fine, but only weighs in at 155lbs. It was determined that the additional 2 inches required for the heavier friend was all due to the size his butt. It's unfortunate that he cannot appreciate the swiftness of a full boost acceleration the same as the lighter friend. It's definately noticeable to me, but still impressive to my heavier friend.
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