Drive shaft manufacturer in Leigh or WestCliffe in Essex UK

[pharriso]

I lived in Essex from 1980 to 1985 & from 1982-985 had a +2 130/5 (RHT900M.)

Now I remember visiting a manufacturer of Elan drive shafts than had a small store front in either Leigh-On-Sea or Westcliffe. The shafts consisted of 2 UJs & a sliding spline joint.

Anyone remember the manufacturer & whatever happened to them?

[pharriso]

Google is my friend... http://www.lotus-europa.com/literature/Classic%20and%20Sportscar%20Lotus%20Europa.pdf published in 1985 lists Performance Unlimited at 290 Westborough Rd, Westcliff-On-Sea; I wonder if that was them?

[garyeanderson]

Maybe these?

[pharriso]

Maybe, what is the background to the shafts & Picture Gary?

[garyeanderson]

Hi Phil

I believe that they were nos performance unlimited shafts that my friend had and I sold them. The picture is dated May of 2002 so thats about all I remember. I was surprised that I could find the photo in three search tries as I didn't remember the name of the .jpg

Gary

[twincamman]

Gary ...these are the same rear axle set up on my car -----ed

[tcsoar]

Done a quick Google search and it looks like that Performance Unlimited are still going, sort of

Performance Unlimited. Markets & Car Boot Organisers in Westcliff ...
http://www.touchsouthend.com/business/list/bid/927625 - Cached
Performance Unlimited. View Telephone Number. 290 Westborough Road,
Westcliff On Sea, Essex, SS0 9PX. Look for more Markets & Car Boot Organisers
in ...

Chris.

[trw99]

They advertised a lot in Club Lotus News back in the late 1970s, early 1980s. Here's one for you.

Tim

[pharriso]

Thanks guys, mystery solved, I wonder what happened- Car Boot Sale organisers indeed!

[garyeanderson]

Thanks guys, mystery solved, I wonder what happened- Car Boot Sale organisers indeed!

Nice to see that this topic has solved your memory from years past. I have this coupe with this bronze casting on the console and this topic got me to go and look as the names are some what similar,

does anyone remember them and the dates that they were in business? It may help identify when my Coupe came over, and maybe explain why it had an L reg and Andy knew nothing about it when I asked agout it several years ago.

The chassis tag states its 7004090078E

[trw99]

I knew we had seen that before: elan-f15/researching-the-history-26r-t19992.html

See also: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=882374

I also dug out my old Motor Sports and found an ad for you:

Tim

[garyeanderson]

Hi Tim

Thanks for digging out the old ad, my Coupe was unfortunately not advertised. I got it in 1993 I think and it was said to be sitting on a corner lot in Newport, Rhode Island for a number of years where the seller found it, he worked in a body shop in Cranston and lost interest I guess. Lots of great info to be had and thanks again for giving of your time so freely.

Gary

[trw99]

No probs, my pleasure, Gary.

Tim

[Doylie]

Hi,i found this discussion thread via a Google search and decided to register just to provide a bit more information about Performance Unlimited.This company was set up in the 1970's by my uncle,Derek Sibthorpe,and he ran it until about 1988 when he sold it to a guy that worked for him.He only sold the business as he was emigrating to South West France where he still lives,dividing his time between there and his home on the Wirral.He is currently in the final stages of finishing the restoration of an MGTC he has owned since the early 1980's.Visitors to his premises may remember him owning a Green Triumph Stag which he still had until two years ago when i bought it from him.I am not fortunate to own a Lotus Elan so i hope you don't mind me intruding on your forum.I will mention to Derek that the parts he designed and manufactured are still being mentioned,i'm sure he'll be most impressed.

[Jason1]

Welcome Doylie

Ask your uncle if he has any old photos of the business? We love old pics on here.

Jason