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69 FHC back on the road

PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2017 2:45 am
by SENC
My dad bought 9207 almost 30 years ago from its 2nd owner. Dad restored the car over the following 5 or 6 years, including an engine rebuild to get to SE specs. He used it as a semi-regular driver and periodic rally car for years before starting work on a 65 Morgan. That and life got in the way for a number of years, and eventually health made the little Lotus less viable for him - but it was always his favorite car, and one I always loved, too. When he shared with me last year that someone had approached him about buying it, I told him no-way, that one needs to stay in the family. So I bought it last March or April.

This weekend it finally got back on the road (needed some caliper rebuild and other odds and ends to get it roadworthy), and with our 60-70 degree weather the last few days I got to put some miles on it before storing it ahead of tomorrow's weather change. Damn, it's fun! And I don't think dad could be any happier it stays in the family!

It will need a good restoration at some point - maybe to celebrate it's 50th in a couple years - but my plan for now is to drive it as conditions allow, tweak and tinker, create a list of todos, and begin to acquire pieces and parts... and mainly enjoy!

20170214_175949.jpg and

Re: 69 FHC back on the road

PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2017 11:30 am
by rgh0
Great to see another Elan back on the road.

Hopefully my 16 year old son will one day do the same to my Lotus when I can no longer enjoy them myself - Currently understand historic sporting cars but he wants a Datzun 240 or 260Z or a BMW 653 coupe because he thinks they are cooler than a Lotus ( perhaps this is reflected in the debates of Elan values) . I still have a few years to convince him otherwise. He is currently learning to drive and if I can be brave enough to get him into the Esprit for some of his teaching I think I can change his mind :lol:

cheers
Rohan

Re: 69 FHC back on the road

PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2017 7:02 pm
by collins_dan
I bought the elan when my son was 6. Within the first days of owning it, it broke down. I suspected the electric fuel pump in trunk, so had him crawl in the trunk to listen if it was pumping. He say no in that sweet 6 year old voice. We switched positions and he sat behind the wheel and twisted the key while I listened. He was right. No sound. I told him he could get out, if he wanted to. He said OK, but didn't move. Hands at 10 and 2 looking out the windshield. You could see the gears turning in his head. He bought a miata when he turned 16 and we are having a great time with it, although he has been very clear that he wants a really go behind the wheel of the elan. Good memories. Dan

Re: 69 FHC back on the road

PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2017 1:20 am
by SENC
I bet you're right Rohan! Hoping my son will take a similar liking to this one one day.

Great story Dan, thanks for sharing.

How about a few more father/son/daughter stories folks?

Re: 69 FHC back on the road

PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2017 2:04 am
by The Veg
SENC wrote:How about a few more father/son/daughter stories folks?


My stories of enjoying cars with Dad involve no Loti, just Alfas and Sunbeams and an old Plymouth and a few other odds and ends. In fact the one thing for which I'll never forgive dear old Dad (Whom I will always love and miss otherwise) is that he sold the last of his Sunbeams and all the stuff to do a great restoration of it without offering it to his car-nut son first. Not that I could have dealt with it at that particular point in life, but I would have appreciated the gesture.

Re: 69 FHC back on the road

PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2017 2:09 am
by yvesmontreal
My 22 year old daughter is looking forward to the day the Elan will be running.

Her dream is to own a car that bears her name... Elyse.

She's got experience driving funny fiber bodied cars, as well as my other weird old cars (Alfa and DS).

depart_esteban.jpg and

Re: 69 FHC back on the road

PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2017 9:14 am
by rgh0
yvesmontreal wrote:My 22 year old daughter is looking forward to the day the Elan will be running.

Her dream is to own a car that bears her name... Elyse.

She's got experience driving funny fiber bodied cars, as well as my other weird old cars (Alfa and DS).

depart_esteban.jpg



Is she coming to Australia to compete in the annual solar challenge race across Australia from Darwin to Adelaide held each October ?

Re: 69 FHC back on the road

PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2017 10:06 am
by yvesmontreal
rgh0 wrote: Is she coming to Australia to compete in the annual solar challenge race across Australia from Darwin to Adelaide held each October ?


No. Their team did a few years back but they are not at this level. They do the annual American Solar Challenge, and she did both the 2014 and 2016 intercity races. Only a few of the teams are advanced/funded enough to visit you.

Still a lot of fun and experience. And along the way she developed an interest for mechanical and fabrication work.