DNK
Great Pumpkin
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Should I pull the string ,Doc
- Thread starter DNK
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ecurie_ecosse
Luke Skywalker
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Don,you need one of these like you need a hole in the head. 
I imagine Doc would like it!
Stuart.
I imagine Doc would like it!
Stuart.
coldplugs
Darth Vader
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If it's ok I'll jump in with my impressions & I'm sure Doc will correct me and/or add his own.
I had a similar car (sold it a few years ago - not one of my better decisions) that was built shortly before the eBay car. It was also one of the early Type 36 "Elan Coupe's". These non-extractor cars came between the Series 2 and 3.
The eBay car looks great. I presume the "S/E" emblem was added by a previous owner since that model wasn't available when this car was built. I think the price is currently a bit high but not too far out of line for a really good Elan. I'd suggest driving it if at all possible, especially if you've never driven one. These are <span style="font-style: italic">small</span> cars and big folks have trouble managing simple things like hitting one pedal at a time. I couldn't drive it when I wore normal shoes.
But if you fit, I don't know of a better LBC for keeping up with modern traffic.
I had a similar car (sold it a few years ago - not one of my better decisions) that was built shortly before the eBay car. It was also one of the early Type 36 "Elan Coupe's". These non-extractor cars came between the Series 2 and 3.
The eBay car looks great. I presume the "S/E" emblem was added by a previous owner since that model wasn't available when this car was built. I think the price is currently a bit high but not too far out of line for a really good Elan. I'd suggest driving it if at all possible, especially if you've never driven one. These are <span style="font-style: italic">small</span> cars and big folks have trouble managing simple things like hitting one pedal at a time. I couldn't drive it when I wore normal shoes.
But if you fit, I don't know of a better LBC for keeping up with modern traffic.
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The licence plate is wrong - took me awhile
to figure out how he got a Black/Yellow plate like
that.California plates (Black/Gold)were always three-
letters,followed by three numbers (for cars).
The plate shown is a personal plate painted Black/-
Gold.A good reason for a cop to pull you over.The car
does look nice,but coupes have normally gone for a lot
less than convertibles.
- Doug
to figure out how he got a Black/Yellow plate like
that.California plates (Black/Gold)were always three-
letters,followed by three numbers (for cars).
The plate shown is a personal plate painted Black/-
Gold.A good reason for a cop to pull you over.The car
does look nice,but coupes have normally gone for a lot
less than convertibles.
- Doug
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ecurie_ecosse said:Don,you need one of these like you need a hole in the head.
Stuart.
I reckon that, like the rest of us, he already has that "accessory", Stu...
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I saw that car in another thread. I'd have it in an eyeblink if I were able.
It has CV rear axles so no need to learn th' "Lotus Hop". :wink:
John cover'd it like a rug. To expound on a few of his points, he said 'small'... it measures 13' LOA. It has electric windows because once you're wearing it there's not enuff room to move your arm thru what a window winding mechanism would require. The thing can be made to DANCE thru traffic or autocross cones. Little children are compelled to maul it. Men will condemn it for being too small, and condemn <span style="font-style: italic">you</span> for driving it in public. Old ladies will call it "cute".
Strap any of the above into it and wring 'em out well and they'll think you've the spirit of Satan in ya. It has to be driven to understand.
GET IT, DON!!!
Oh... and they are fragile. Keep big people well away from it.
It has CV rear axles so no need to learn th' "Lotus Hop". :wink:
John cover'd it like a rug. To expound on a few of his points, he said 'small'... it measures 13' LOA. It has electric windows because once you're wearing it there's not enuff room to move your arm thru what a window winding mechanism would require. The thing can be made to DANCE thru traffic or autocross cones. Little children are compelled to maul it. Men will condemn it for being too small, and condemn <span style="font-style: italic">you</span> for driving it in public. Old ladies will call it "cute".
Strap any of the above into it and wring 'em out well and they'll think you've the spirit of Satan in ya. It has to be driven to understand.
GET IT, DON!!!
Oh... and they are fragile. Keep big people well away from it.
ecurie_ecosse
Luke Skywalker
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Mickey Richaud said:ecurie_ecosse said:Don,you need one of these like you need a hole in the head.
Stuart.
I reckon that, like the rest of us, he already has that "accessory", Stu...
An obvious "truism" Mickey. :thumbsup:
Stuart.
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I am a poor apologist for it anyhow: 5' 10", hoverin' around 150 lb and size 7.5 feet. The car was built for my frame. Heel-n-toe is almost instinctual, wrist flick and change cogs. It's truly a grand thing to drive for the right folks. It can be a pure horror for others. Finesse, not force, is a prerequisite.
Another truth I've held for decades is: if you DO buy one and manage to survive six months' worth of piloting it, you're gonna keep it as long as possible.
Passenger ingress/egress can be entertaining, too: There's NO way for a woman in a skirt to do it "demurely". Opening the door for her can be more than simple Chivalry.
A good ice breaker (or an immediate indicator you're with th' wrong one). 
Another truth I've held for decades is: if you DO buy one and manage to survive six months' worth of piloting it, you're gonna keep it as long as possible.
Passenger ingress/egress can be entertaining, too: There's NO way for a woman in a skirt to do it "demurely". Opening the door for her can be more than simple Chivalry.
A good ice breaker (or an immediate indicator you're with th' wrong one).
coldplugs
Darth Vader
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DNK said:
That's pretty much why I sold the Elan. She wanted a roadster so we replaced the Elan with another LBC. The Elan was an impossible act to follow & the "new" car felt like my father's Oldsmobile. I sold it after a year and still haven't replaced it. The Lotus spoiled me.