Lotus Elan +2 on Ebay

[CraigFL]

Is it just me or does this owner need to reconsider the rear view of his car?

https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lotus-Ela...1QQcmdZViewItem /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

That rear muffler is almost as big as the car...

 

[JamesWilson]

That's got to be one of the most DPO things I've seen. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonono.gif

The muffler itself is just vulgar, /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
but bashing the bodywork to get it to fit is criminal.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif

 

[coldplugs]

I think its size is exaggerated by the extreme wide angle lens, but the muffler really needs to be replaced. I also think any bodywork that may have been altered was probably due to the minimum ground clearance under the thing.

 

[kennypinkerton]

Stil, it's a good looking car!

 

[Nunyas]

I'd buy that for a dollar! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

 

[Nunyas]

However, if it were my car I would have opted to find a *different* muffler rather than bang up the body panels to make that one fit...

 

[coldplugs]

[ QUOTE ]
However, if it were my car I would have opted to find a *different* muffler rather than bang up the body panels to make that one fit...

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree re the muffler but I don't think any body panels are "bashed" on that car. First of all, it's fiberglass, which would break in this area rather than bend, and second the orignal car had a relief moulded in that area for the original exhaust system (which I think was a lateral muffler which was further forward). I suspect the muffler that's there probably hits the body, though, and must resonate and rattle.

 

[DrEntropy]

"Trust the Midas Touch!"

John's right. The cut-out is ~almost~ like it was from Hethel. Looks a bit "curled" at the inboard edge but that could just be lighting. The "sin" is the MUFFLER. Looks like somethin' off'n a Pinto. A twin pipe Ansa end would be the easiest and cheapest fix. Not a cut up body there, rather a BAD choice of silencers.

 

[Nunyas]

looks a little sootie to the left of the exhaust

 

[DrEntropy]

BTW: it's one of the most undervalued Lotus cars on-planet. Drag coefficient of 0.27 IIRC, and handles like it was tied to the rails... FIRST car ever to have been wind tunnel designed to reduce drag, first car offered from Lotus as a complete car (never sold as a "kit"). They're EXCELLENT touring cars, handle like a Lotus should, look (still) like a slippery thing...

Do I sound a *bit* prejudiced? It's only because I KNOW.

If I had the "lolly" I'd be IN that bidding... alas, I've a full complement already. SWMBO would be my next "EX."

 

[GB1]

Always wanted one also.

Must have been a two for one deal on the muffler, the other one he put on the rice burner.

rat-tat-tat-tat

 

[Guest]

I think you chaps must be confused. This fine automobile doesn't have an exhaust.

The lucky owner must have spent a fortune strengthening it to cope with the JATO on the back too. I bet it's a real winner at the drag strip.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Sad what some people do. This is a hate crime.

 

[DrEntropy]

Mine has the Ansa tip. Sounds and looks great.

 

[kennypinkerton]

I think it's probably the easiest fixable thing that car has wrong. Rest of the car looks great.

 

[DrEntropy]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif

Too bad ya spent yer tax refund already, man. I'd recommend THAT over the Alfa, fer sure.

 

[coldplugs]

[ QUOTE ]
BTW: it's one of the most undervalued Lotus cars ...

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed. If I were to buy another Lotus, I'd look for a +2 convertible conversion. These were done very professionally "in period" and look factory-made. I don't think the integral roof added much rigidity to the +2 and the 2 or 3 conversions I've seen look great and transform the car.

This is the only car I can think of where I'd tolerate cutting the roof off. I doubt that either function or value would suffer.

Strange - I like the baby Elan coupes better than the roadsters. Just contrary, I guess.

 

[DrEntropy]

JOHN!!! Buy a coupe, cut the top off neatly and I'll give you the address to send it to! I WANT a hardtop for the S3! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


...nevermind...

 

[kennypinkerton]

Yeah, I'd buy it, but the deal Tony gave me on the Alfa... I couldn't pass up. Less than half the current bid of that Lotus. Plus I ONLY had that much to spend. Also, the Alfa was really so we'd have 2 convertible sportscars (Julie really wanted it) to drive.

 

[Nunyas]

hafta agree with all else here... even *with* that hideous canister in the back... that Lotus would make one heck of a grocery getter and commuter /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

just wish I had the money to get it and ship it to Cali... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

ah well... some day .... some ..... day ....

 

[JamesWilson]

[ QUOTE ]
just wish I had the money to get it and ship it to Cali...

[/ QUOTE ]

At current exchange rates I too wish I had the capital to re-patriate it.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif

But then, I say that every other day whenever I see something appealing.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif