Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I intend to export my Elan to France soon and needed some LHD headlamps. Sue Miller was kind enough to bring a pair to Donington the other week for just over 10 pounds each - very reasonable.

Yesterday I phoned Subaru for a set of lamps for my Legacy which is also going to France. I was staggered to be quoted 465 pounds plus VAT each !!

I don't tend to talk to my wife too much about the money I spend on the Lotus, as it can be a sensitive topic and lead to lots of new shoes.......but this time I made full advantage of the relative cost of running an Elan.

I only wish I could spend the money on more Lotus bits instaed. Perhaps I'll just try some 'beam benders' and see if I can get away with it.
Steve.

steve.thomas wrote:
I don't tend to talk to my wife too much about the money I spend on the Lotus, as it can be a sensitive topic and lead to lots of new shoes.......but this time I made full advantage of the relative cost of running an Elan.

We're not married to the same woman by any chance, are we?

No,I'm Spartacus..

John

I happened to mention to Mrs T that we averaged 46mpg over the donington weekend expecting her to be pleased with this superb level of economy her reply was as follows

Darling the Mini averages 68mpg, therefore you have wasted at least 5 gallons of fuel over the weekend

Needless to say a shopping trip to Fenwicks department store followed later that day where Mrs T showed me how to properly waste money

Tell me Alan, what sort of engine do you run in your Mini? And then tell me what sort of engine you would like to run in your Mini.

Just an idle thought, you know ......

Tim

Peugeot / BMW collaboration 1.6 Diesel with 115bhp officially. unofficially 145bhp and more torque than a Cooper S Works due to a modified ecu.... can't resist a tweak economy figure is real world according to the onboard computer and simple maths at the pump.

Ideal modified engine economy aside would be BBR converted Chrysler/BMW supercharged unit with 280BHP and 260lb /ft torque.

It's a modern car and meant for everyday use and fulfills that role perfectly just the way it is. I have no interest in pioneering any radical engine swaps for a Mini, far too common and un-special and not enough people bothered for me to upset in any way

Can't beat the real thing!

http://mk1-performance-conversions.co.u ... on_nwl.jpg

Tim

PS This is a great site with wonderful history of the Downton Coopers - go on, waste some time, it's Friday after all!

Tell me about it.. BMW want ?285 for a replacement glass for the wing mirror on my 'other' car... One time when buying parts of eBay has actually proved cheaper than from a dealer!

Once upon a time a guy, with some time on his hands, was wondering:

"How much would a *Ford Anglia* cost me if I bought it over the parts counter".

As you can deduce, it was loooooong time ago. I can't recall the figures in detail, but the ratio between car list price & parts list pricing was eyewatering at the time.

Not too different today, it would seem

Cheers - Richard

*105E*

ardee_selby wrote:Once upon a time a guy, with some time on his hands, was wondering:

"How much would a *Ford Anglia* cost me if I bought it over the parts counter".

As you can deduce, it was loooooong time ago. I can't recall the figures in detail, but the ratio between car list price & parts list pricing was eyewatering at the time.

Not too different today, it would seem

Cheers - Richard

*105E*

They did a similar thing with a Morris Minor back in the day and came to a similar conclusion

I think if you priced most modern cars from the parts bin, not only would your eyes water but your nose would run, your ears would ring and I suspect you would also be blessed with loose stools

[quote="I think if you priced most modern cars from the parts bin, not only would your eyes water but your nose would run, your ears would ring and I suspect you would also be blessed with loose stools [/quote]



Note to self: Keep loose tools tied down in the boot!

"They did a similar thing with a Morris Minor back in the day and came to a similar conclusion "

As I recall it was some old guy who wanted a new Morris Minor despite the fact that they were no longer in production.
The final cost would have bought him a new XJ6 Jag.

Talking of eye watering prices. Lawyer I know with a 2 year old Merc in need of a replacement new front strut due to a small oil leak.
Strut, $4000, fitting $2000. i.e. GBP 3000.

However. once they realised they were dealing with a, ( not unsuccessful...), lawyer all was made good. Surprise, surprise...

Cheers
Ralph.