New member, Hampshire UK

Post by: **67CWB** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 10:59 pm

Evening All,

I?m Chris, and delighted to be here!

I am very fortunate to be the proud new owner of a 1966 S2 Elan.... or at least I will be when it finally lands at Southampton, having completed the return leg of a journey it first made in 1977 when it was apparently sold at auction, and exported to the US.

I purchased the car on the addictive US website Bringatrailer.com I believe/ am hoping it?s in fine fettle, albeit there is a question mark over one of the cylinders which might be down on compression.... and so to my first question....

I?m keen to get the car looked over when it arrives, so is anyone able to recommend a reliable garage or specialist based in the South who I can trust my new toy with? Ideally I am aiming to deal with routine maintenance myself and I?m looking forward to getting to know the car, but equally I?d really like to have a trusted all round specialist who I can call on. Equally if the engine does need work then who would be the go to guy or garage? I?m based in North Hampshire, so someone based in Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire or similar would be perfect.

Thanks v much, and looking forward to getting to know you all... and I believe there are a couple of former owners on this site, so again looking forward to learning more about the car and it?s history.

Post by: **Concrete-crusher** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 7:59 am

Hi Chris , welcome to the world of Elans , I have just about completed most tasks on my S3 and like everyone here am happy to share the experience.

I currently have the engine in bits and am using Saunders Motor works in cadnam for the engine machining.

For parts I have used Paul Marty , Sue Miller and Burton Engineering all excellent.

I think you might have to go some distance to find a specialist garage but in my view most tasks are fairly straight forward.

Regards Steve

Post by: **Mazzini** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 8:32 am

Welcome to the forum :-)

Post by: **JonB** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 8:47 am

If you want an assessment of the car, you might take it to Miles Wilkins who is near Arundel on the south coast.

http://www.fibreglassservices.com/

Post by: **richardcox_lotus** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 9:27 am

Need the get there soon though, as he is going to be a parts supplier only in the new year.

Regards
Richard

Post by: **Elanman68** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 9:30 am

Well I live on the Dorset/Hampshire border and work in Hampshire and Surry so probably pass within range of you on a regular basis.. I've had my '68 S4 since 1984 and have more or less completely rebuilt it in that time. Happy to share experience and anything that might be considered useful. My current plan is to pass the MOT again in Jan and take the car to Le Mans in Jun (I go every year but this car hasn't yet).

Post by: **paddy** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 9:39 am

Hi, and welcome.

67CWB wrote:I?m keen to get the car looked over when it arrives, so is anyone able to recommend a reliable garage or specialist based in the South who I can trust my new toy with? Ideally I am aiming to deal with routine maintenance myself and I?m looking forward to getting to know the car, but equally I?d really like to have a trusted all round specialist who I can call on. Equally if the engine does need work then who would be the go to guy or garage? I?m based in North Hampshire, so someone based in Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire or similar would be perfect.

I've not used them but there's been positive feedback on here about Lakeside Engineering in Woodham: lotus-talk-f50/lakeside-engineering-recommendation-t37416.html

The Max mentioned in that post has since left seemingly and set up Max500 in Guildford, also doing classic Lotus and twincam work:

http://www.max500.com/

Anyone here used them?

Paddy

Post by: **Stevie-Heathie** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 10:11 am

Congratulations on the new purchase! Nice Christmas present!

Highly recommend Max at MAX500 in Guildford. He has been looking after my S3 for 2 years, initially when he was at Lakeside and now at his own place.

For tuning and rolling road I also recommend Rawles in Alton. They are a Healey specialist but their tuner definitely knows his stuff.

Let me know if you fancy going for a drive sometime - I?m in Thames Ditton.

Best
Steve

Post by: **JohnP** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 10:33 am

Another vote for Max at max500 and Tim at Lakeside. Both decent, understated, experts.

Post by: **440HUU** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 10:49 am

Hi

I am near Basingstoke and can vouch for Max who has done work on a couple of my Elans.

If you ever feel like coming over for a chat please let me know

Charles

Post by: **pauljones** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 3:19 pm

South Hants based here, i can reccomend Saunders too, ive used them for Ford v8 stuff in passed. All good. Also Slark racing in Amesbury, just of A303 at Soltice Services.

Good luck with the car

Post by: **Europatc** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 12:47 am

Welcome Chris

Post by: **The Veg** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 4:02 am

Welcome Chris!

Being in USA I can't help with your question, but I look forward to hearing more about your car!

Post by: **661** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 7:22 pm

Welcome and congratulations on your purchase.
Half the beauty of these cars is having one that is not necessarily perfect and needs a bit of fettling.

Post by: **67CWB** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 8:39 pm

Gents

Thanks very much for all the replies and suggestions, very much appreciated. I?m not familiar with this site yet so I hope I?m replying the correct way...

The boat is due in Southampton between Christmas and the New Year so I?m guessing I?ll get to pick it up shortly after (and once I?ve paid my taxes)!

I will use the time to check out the guys who have been suggested but I really do appreciate the warm welcome.... bring on the summer!

New member, Hampshire UK

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