The Case For Under Restored Cars

[casalunge]

Following on from the case for over - restored cars for which there clearly is the following may be of interest.

Please find a couple of photo's attached of a late Series 2 Elan in remarkably original condition to the extent that total restoration would not be beneficial.

A LHD car from California, One owner from new, 45K miles which its condition would tend to support.

It still bears its original Quality Foreign dealer sticker (Dale Shoupe of San Diego was one of a dozen or so original US Lotus distributors) along with original trip reset sticker on the Speedometer.

The seats are unmarked as is dashboard which still sports the VIN number in felt pen on the rear of the radio blanking plate.

The paint original is virtually devoid of star cracks or crazing.

Apart from rectifying a conversion to electric fuel pumps (I believe not uncommon Stateside) and some attention to the rear bumper along with the obligatory perishables - rubbers,seals and fluids.

Watch this space.

Colin

[Elanintheforest]

That looks rather special, and whilst they are out there...they are pretty rare!

Is it yours, and looking at the snow, I guess that it's not in California? Lots of detailed photos required!!

Mark

[ardee_selby]

<snip> total restoration would not be beneficial.

Absolutely!...and think Tims' previous report could stand another airing:

"I've just found this observation on the current classic car market place:

"So let?s go back to considering supply and demand, and consider that it?s not just usability and enjoyment that has defined this market. We have definitely noticed that the market has become more discerning, as it focuses on the naturally restricted pool of available cars. We find buyers today seek cars that are absolutely as original as possible. This has become ever more important. We continually find that, for these most original cars, demand never dips, and values steadily increase. The best of this already elite group soar above the fluctuating values of mediocre examples? or cars whose stories are too fruity to be credible! For many years, good original bodied cars were pulled apart to create racy specials. There is now a great ground swell fighting this mentality with real value being put on original cars. There is now an emphasis on preservation and conservation, rather than replacement, and that is something to be encouraged ? and cherished ? without getting too precious about it." Courtesy Fiskens"

Richard (Watching this space)

[casalunge]

Mark

Yes its mine (VIN plate and Spare below).

A dilemma in many ways as it was its stablemate a 1961 Cosworth Seven Series 2 tucked away in San Diego that led me to acquiring it - it was the 7 I was after ( I already have an identical S2,white LHD with less than 30K but horror of horrors 3 owners) but this was too good to leave behind.

I have an avid contributor of this site to be grateful too for pointing me in they're direction. One I will keep for European sorties but both have much going for them in terms of provenance and originality.

Even I'm watching this space

[prezoom]

Thanks for the pictures Colin. I remember the PO's used 3" link latch lap belts with competition type shoulder harness, the two attachment points on the rear bulkhead. Always scared the stuff out of me when I would see the two brothers driving the car without a roll hoop.

Rob Walker
26-4889

[stugilmour]

Looks great Colin. Thanks for posting and starting the thread.

RD's snip from Tim really sums things up very well. It's great when someone with resources and appreciation for an unmolested example 'volunteers' to steward the car for posterity. IMHO they deserve all that the market will deliver if and when they part with it. Make sure you continue drive the pants off your other treasures!

Any help explaining to my wife the subtle benefits of a second unmolested Lotus are of course most welcome.

[trw99]

Good thread!

How very prescient of me to have posted that last year!

It does, of course, throw up an obvious question; how much should you as the owner of such a car use it?

If it were me I would drive it often and regularly, enjoying replicating the contemporary driving experience. Any replacement parts needed would have to be as close to original as possible.

On the other hand, I would guess that others might buy such a car as an investment and keep the poor thing mollycoddled in a garage and never drive it.

Tim

[gino1]

Hi Colin,

Nice find !!
What's that glass tube thingy under the dash glove box ??

If you swap the steering over that dash could be useful to someone

Ciao
Gino

[casalunge]

Ciao Gino

From the other end of Lago di Como.

The thingy to which you refer is nothing more than a map reading lamp. That is of course the Lady sitting there can read a map

Someone nicked all the snow from Madisemo and dumped it in Toscana

A presto

PS. Tim, if I keep it will get used in all weathers

[pereirac]

Does this count as 'under restored'?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/270915185561? ... 578wt_1278

Carl

[Mazzini]

Such a pretty car. makes me want to paint my S2 white.

[gino1]

Yes White is nice

Gino

Colin..no snow in Milano neither !!

[bast0n]

Mazzini, Gino, Casa

Such a pretty car. makes me want to paint my S2 white.

It really is a very pretty car - what luck.

Join the club of white Elan owners - you know it makes sense

And I won't even mention black bumpers and clear indicator lenses.................Oh damn - too late

David

Anarchy Elan S3

In Montefalco in honour of our Italian friends.

[gino1]

Very Nice David.. didn't know there was a White Elan owners club

Can't wait for some warm weather to set in so I can do some sightseeing myself with my Elan.

Maybe Tuscany when Colin's over again

Ciao
Gino

[Mazzini]

Mazzini, Gino, Casa

Such a pretty car. makes me want to paint my S2 white.

It really is a very pretty car - what luck.

Join the club of white Elan owners - you know it makes sense

And I won't even mention black bumpers and clear indicator lenses.................Oh damn - too late

David

Anarchy Elan S3

In Montefalco in honour of our Italian friends.

Italy2007 (57).JPG

That is very kind of you, but I hail from north London. 'Louis Mazzini' or more formally The Duke of Chalfont was played by the late Dennis Price in Kind Hearts and Coronets, which is possibly the funniest film I have ever seen.

We all agree that white Elans look pretty, I don't really mind black bumpers or clear indicator lenses, but a lack of wheel arch indicators on an SE is unforgivable