R35 on the road

[3rtt]

So, after a 12 month wait, I'm now the very proud owner of build number R35.

Joust has kindly promised to to post the pix here (as I'm bit of a numpty with these things) so you can share the look of the Crystal Topaz colour.

Mark, I know yours is due. You will love it. Rob, It's well worth the wait and some.

Have picked up the car from the factory, via Gordon Lamb and had the best drive back to the North East in my life. Kept to 4,000 revs for the 500 miles or so, then taking it up to 5,000 through the first 4 gears.

Gearbox is very positive, first 4 gears very close, then 5th and 6th ideal for motorway. Engine makes some fantastic noises from overboost hiss to deep LeMans car style growl under acceleration.

Driving position for me at just over 6 foot is nearly perfect. Throttle pedal could be slightly closer to the brake for heel-and-toe, but there is a mod to come for this.

When I was making a decision last October, it was between the new Porky GT3 or the Noble 3R. I am overjoyed with the decision (not just from last weeks Autoexpress) and would encourage any potential customers to take a test drive. You will be hooked.

First service due on Wednesday, then time for a little play at Rockingham on Friday. Hope to see you there.

Cheers,
Ian.




>>> Edited by 3rtt on Monday 13th October 13:20

[bradders]

Hi Ian,

Can't wait. Picking it up on Thursday all being well from G.L. If all goes well, will be at Rockingham on Friday. See you there.

Cheers, Mark

[joust]

Here you go.

Full size ones available at the link under the picture


www.lotus-elise.org.uk/IanHR35/P1010008.JPG




www.lotus-elise.org.uk/IanHR35/P1010009.JPG




www.lotus-elise.org.uk/IanHR35/P1010015.JPG




www.lotus-elise.org.uk/IanHR35/P1010029.JPG




www.lotus-elise.org.uk/IanHR35/P1010039.JPG




www.lotus-elise.org.uk/IanHR35/P1010048.JPG




www.lotus-elise.org.uk/IanHR35/P1010053.JPG




www.lotus-elise.org.uk/IanHR35/P1010057.JPG

[joust]

Second one down is a lovely shot - great colour!

J

[amg merc]

Ian, good looking motor and a great colour; goes Titanium-looking in some light!

I had some surprising news last week - that my R77 would be ready late November - apparently the factory is going for double-build output (32/month from 16/month) - I do hope they are not cutting any corners!

[joust]

Interesting Rob. At the last Autocar the Man Genius (chief tea maker) said that they were training up additional staff, and that they would be paired up with expierenced people until they got to expert level.

With a doubling of volume these things are going to get as common as 911TTX50's!!!!

J

[3rtt]

I think the only corner cutting will be from the owners

I have to say the build quality is first class. I have shown the car to many friends, including some in the trade. They have all commented on how well the car is bolted together.

Photographing the car is always interesting, as the colour changes with different light.

Just, thanks for posting the pix. I have more but I don't want to overload your disc space.

Cheers,
Ian.

[joust]

3rtt said:

Just, thanks for posting the pix. I have more but I don't want to overload your disc space.

Send them over! Either send me them 10 at a time in emails, or I can email you an FTP server to stick them on.

I have about 7 Terrabytes of space here at work - hosting space is *not* a problem

J

[goodlife]

joust said:

With a doubling of volume these things are going to get as common as 911TTX50's!!!!

But not as quick eh Joust!

[3rtt]

That sounds like a lot of space. Those little terra's get everywhere!!!!

[amg merc]

joust said:

Interesting Rob. At the last Autocar the Man Genius (chief tea maker) said that they were training up additional staff, and that they would be paired up with expierenced people until they got to expert level. J

Well, this is the thing Justin, those lads that the Tea-maker mentioned at Bedford that day have all been sent home long ago so who in the factory is putting this much kit together?!

BTW chaps (and chapesses!)- I propose that we all agree to set "that" smoker chap's name down once and for all time as "TetLee" - any seconds?! :-)


>> Edited by amg merc on Monday 13th October 15:06

[joust]

amg merc said:

Well, this is the thing Justin, those lads that the Tea-maker mentioned at Bedford that day have all been sent home long ago so who in the factory is putting this much kit together?!

Donno then? I did see a couple of primary school age "littleuns" running around the last time I was up there that I assumed were Mr Chief's daughters - perhaps he's trained them up????

amg merc said:

BTW chaps (and chapesses!)- I propose that we all agree to set "that" smoker chap's name down once and for all time as "TetLee" - any seconds?! :-)

GROAN - that's terrible.

J

[joust]

goodlife said:

But not as quick eh Joust!

Nope - funny how Daz hasn't taken to my bait over on the other threads!

J

[pesty]

[s3am]

amg merc said:

I had some surprising news last week - that my R77 would be ready late November - apparently the factory is going for double-build output (32/month from 16/month)

Excellent news, my dealer (kerridges) has insisted all along that my car (R87) will be ready at some point in Nov. When did you order yours Amg? I ordered mine at the end of april?

Lets hope these rumors are true!

Sam

[pwig]

When did the headlights change?

[amg merc]

Excellent news, my dealer (kerridges) has insisted all along that my car (R87) will be ready at some point in Nov. When did you order yours Amg? I ordered mine at the end of april?

Lets hope these rumors are true!

Sam[/quote]

Sam, I ordered R77 sometime in June so the numbers are out somewhat (may be due to colours being done in batches?!).

I still think that 32 cars a month would be too high an output target for a small volume manufacturer and am concerend over potential quality issues!

Would the factory like to comment?

[amg merc]

pwig said:

When did the headlights change?

Pwig, the headlights were restyled for the latest model, the M12 GTO 3R. They are Xenon.

[bradders]

Ian,

Hope all goes well on Friday - take some piccys for me - not going to be able to make it, as R36 is not due for delivery to G.L. until Friday morning, and then needs a tracker fitting!!

Cheers, Mark

[3rtt]

Hi Mark,

Sorry to hear there is a slight delay, you will love the car.

There will be plenty more places to meet up. Have a great weekend with the car.

I'll snap away as much as I can with the camera at Rockingham.

I'm booked in for first service Wednesday at the factory.

Cheers,
Ian.



Ch