Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

To sell or not to sell, that's the decision. Many things have happened in the last year from health issues to possibly moving. Health issues are now behind me and I'm feeling excellent, however the opportunity to move to the Big Island of Hawaii has me thinking. If, and it's a big if, should I take the Elan? 55 mph max speed limit, the famous VOG that can rust and destroy everything, the possibility I won't have a garage because I can't afford one, etc. The postives are numerous, so if this happens, 25% chance, I need to be prepared one way or another. I know there are many classic cars in HI including some Lotus, but is it worth it. They do have an SCCA chapter and they do autox, etc., but my car is morphing back to stock, so I had no plans of competition. In Tahoe speed limits are low (55max) as well, but the number of lonely twisting roads around here makes up for it. This area is Elan heaven in my mind, in Hawaii it's not so much, and slow with much local and tourist traffic. Having been there many times I know I'll love it, but will I go through Elan withdrawl? Don't want to ship it there, and find out it won't work out and then try and sell it 2500 miles from anywhere. I know I'm rambling, but this is weighing heavy on my mind. I have my dream Elan, a type 26 series 1 1/2, tonneau cover, like new soft top, factory hard top, slowly getting it back to stock. Yes it needs a total body and paint restoration but it drives great. Fould my close ratio box, and tons of missing original parts. Still have some parts I need to find, but nothing I can't eventually find. I'd hate to not finish this car some day, and I would miss it, but not sure taking it would be the right decision. Oh well, plenty of time to think about it, I still have a few months to decide on the Elan and the opportunity, which could possibly not work out anyway. One positive, is I could drive the Elan all year long instead of only 6 months out of the year.

Good luck with your life-changing decision, Russ.

Since so much would be changing for you, it might be nice to have the certainty of your Elan still with you. It sounds as if doing the work on her is as therapeutic for you as driving the car.

On balance I think I'd say keep the Elan!

Tim

Hi Russ,
read your own post, I think the decision is already made

Delle

Russ, I can imagine you regretting nottaking it, but can't imagine you regretting taking it. You've put so much of yourself into it's restoration you just have to finish it. Stop dithering and just TAKE IT! You know you will

Russ

If you go there - take it. There are quite a few back roads there with minimum traffic. Remember that when the last taps are played, you, like me, can make the FINAL decision!

That is; Hmmm.

Should I use it as my coffin?

And take it with me.

Aloha

Wild Bill

You have your health back, everything else will full into place.
I just think you'd regret not having it, wherever your own personal journey takes you.

I have a friend who lives on the big island, and he doesn't seem to tire of riding his motorbike around there. That should tell you something.

Russ,

Find something else to worry about - like the high prices for everything!

Of course you must take the Elan. At the very worst, garage it in CA for a year and then decide.

I never experienced vog during my short visit to the Big Island but, however bad it gets, surely it can't be worse than a British winter for rust generating capability? Anyway, it's only south west of the mountain, right?

Break the speed limit by 15mph or so. That's what they were designed to do.

Nick

Russ, I've been going to Hawaii for more than 25 years (primarily Kauai, not the big island). I would not bring a sports car to the island unless I knew I could keep in in a garage. Buy a cheap used car, drive it without concern and enjoy the lifestyle change. Store your Elan for a year on the mainland and then decide. Cars rust faster than is almost believable if exposed to the weather on the islands.

Hi Russ

Having owned my S2/SE for 42 years and laying it up within the first 9 months, I have had many life changes and been very close to selling it while in bits. But I'm pleased to say that I stuck with it and finally completed the restoration last year. All I can say is I'm so pleased I completed a life long project. Having owned many cars in between that have come and gone, I do have regrets about letting some of them go. Good luck with whatever choices that you make.

Phil

Hin Russ, I have never been to that part of the world so know nothing about the climate and it's problems - however living in Ulster presents challenges (usually wet) for Lotus owners. Got to say that having read this thread I agree with other replies - you really want to keep the Lotus so do so.
I also think that you might try to leave it safe and garaged with friends on the mainland whilst you go on ahead to sort out a house and find a garage; you can do that at your leisure without the panic of having the car sitting outside whilst you try to find suitable garaging.
Just my thought....good luck

Martin

I agree with those who have suggested storing the car and making the decision in a year or so.

I made a decision to move in my 20's, ended up deciding it was not the right choice and moved back "home" in less than a year. Not a good career move, but ultimately the best move for my mind.

Roger

Storing the car does make sense, it gives us time to settle in. I will have enough other things to take care of making a move like that. Selling is a last resort. Having been to all the Major Islands several times I knew going in a garage was a must if you care about keeping it presentable. The Subaru can take all the abuse and stay outside, and my wife's car would do best in a garage as well. This plan seems to be accelerating hourly, but it could all fall apart in a minute. We decided that if it works out we send one car, some personal items, and the dog. The other 2 cars can come later, and we'll try and rent out the house first and try and store our old RV for awhile. If we have to move back we don't want to start over. One thing that scares me to death is the high cost of living, but there are ways to minimize that. I'm thinking get some land and build a 3 car garage with a 1 bedroom, 1 bath, tiny house on top. Seriously though, other than my life long addiction to cars, I need very little. An SUP, kayak, hiking shoes, and a place to sleep works for me, and of course a 3 car garage! Hopefully in as short as a few days we'll know more.

Russ, there's one flaw......it's an island! You run out of new roads to drive!

Kurt.