New member from Germany

[ClassicLotus]

Hi together,

my name is Raphael and I am a German Lotus enthusiast.
I am 29 years old and working as an industrial engineer at an automotive supplier. Apart from this I am a trained car mechanic and in parallel to my job I am studying for my Master's degree.

I can also be found in the Lotus Europa community, as bought an Europa S1A as a project car last year. I am thrilled working on the Europa as soon as I have finished my studies in spring / early summer next year. My other "fun"-cars are currently a '58 Triumph TR3A and a '97 Lotus Elise S1. I am also happy to be a member of the Historic Lotus Register (HLR) which aims to preserve the early history of Lotus.

The reason why I have joined your community is that I am currently considering to replace the Elise by an Elan sometime next year as I feel I am in love with the Lotuses out of the 50s and 60s and not that much with the newer ones (and new cars in general) anymore. I've always loved the Elan, and for me it's the only car I'd put in the place of the Elise right now.

Regards
Raphael

[TBG]

Good man - good luck - D

[gherlt]

Hello Raphael ,
welcome. Good choice of cars !
Regarding changing the Elise to the Elan, you will not regret that but one thing to consider:
now you got one project and one car that is working.
You change to "two projects" and - unless you have lots of time (a student?) and fundings - you will need time and €€€ to have one car driving again. And classic car projects can be tiresome, costly and frustrating.
Enjoy at least one car while working on the other...

I also would like to mention that current Elan Coupe offerings in Germany seem to be miserable (bad shape and therefore expensive), know from a source who is looking for one since 12 months and has visited all Coupes in Germany. In any case, looking for Elans in Germany, you will need time, and better to learn a lot about the car and what to look for before you buy one.

Lot's of information here available, a few Germans also present, this is a very helpful community.
Ask if you need help !

[TBG]

You are young so you don't need a Coupe!! DHC is the only way for those under 85!! D

[ClassicLotus]

Thank you for your reply.
I am not willing to buy another project car for the moment, that's for sure. So it should be a solid runner.
And I am aware that I have to add some money to the amount the Elise will bring me. Luckily there is no need for hurrying on this decision for the moment.

In any case it should become a convertible. To be honest my dreamcar would be a S1.

[gherlt]

You are young so you don't need a Coupe!! DHC is the only way for those under 85!! D

I would just say the other way around. The old bones (or belly) make entry to a Coupe more difficult than a DHC.
Same applies to Elise / Exige

[billwill]

Welcome.

[pharriso]

Welcome!!

[smo17003]

Willkommen

[ClassicLotus]

Thanks to you all!

[berni29]

Hello there

Hello and welcome!

Great that you have a Europa. I fancy one of those one day perhaps.

The Elise is a great car, but I can certainly understand wanting an Elan more!

All the best

Berni

[TBG]

Damn - I said "You are young so you don't need a Coupe!! DHC is the only way for those under 85!! D"
and I meant quite the opposite! Coupes are not for the young or young at heart!! D

[ChrisD]

Welcome Raphael,

feel free to contact me if you need some Elan Information.
I live in Germany too and just rebuilt and modified an Elan.

Regards Christian

[phil1800]

Welcome Raphael,

feel free to drop by to have a look and a drive in my S3. It will be very difficult to find a drivable Elan in Germany, unless you have very deep pockets. I finally found mine in Canada…….

Philipp
01781060680

[ClassicLotus]

Thank you all for your warm welcome and also for offering your help.

Phillip, that sounds great! When it gets warmer, I would love the opportunity to take a test drive. So far, I have not been fortunate enough to receive such an offer.

I will get back to you separately, at the latest when things become more concrete.