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New member in Essex

PostPosted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 1:10 am
by JohnM
Hi all
I'm John, a new member living in Essex England. Recently started looking to buy a +2 and my research led me to this forum. Joined hoping it will help with my quest..
I have always admired Lotus cars for their looks and engineering, with the Europa and Elan +2 particular favorites.
I am retired and aside from classic cars, one of my other interest is sailing.
Currently I am the custodian of a MGB Roadster and a 29 foot sailing yacht. Both of these take up a fair amount of my hobby time. However I recon I have room for one more passion in the shape of an Elan +2 and if it came to a choice, the MG will definitely give way to a Lotus.

Re: New member in Essex

PostPosted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 8:31 am
by RichC
welcome John! we have an MG midget as well as +2 .
Bought the first many years ago to teach my sons welding practise... they are now experts
Second was to teach them fibreglassing and rewiring practise .... both rewarding but in different ways :wink:

Re: New member in Essex

PostPosted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 8:53 am
by trw99
Welcome John.

Like you I too am also an avid sailor, living in Essex: Keels & Wheels!

Tim

Re: New member in Essex

PostPosted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 9:01 am
by JonB
Hello John

I recently joined too, and have found the Forum a great resource with friendly, knowledgeable members.

My first thread was asking what I should look for when buying an Elan +2. You might start there.. lotuselan-plus2-f51/looking-buy-what-look-for-t40681.html

Last Saturday I went to see another member's car, which gave me enough knowledge to feel confident about viewing a car that was for sale the following Sunday. Long story short, I viewed the car and bought it on the spot (despite being advised not to buy the first car I saw). This particular car was very good value and so far I have not had reason to regret the decision.

That is despite the mounting cost of stuff that I want to do to it (CV joints in particular for the back end). That said, with a few low cost repairs - tighten front wheel bearings, new throttle cable, some relays for the headlights, adjustment to the clutch - it is turning into a really good drive. As with any 40+ year old car, there is always more to do... and I have not retired yet...

Regarding sailing, I had long wanted to buy a small yacht but had never been in one. I had looked at a 25 ft Listang and a Westerly Centaur, but didn't take the plunge as I couldn't really afford it at the time. Then, last year, I finally got the chance to go out on one of these small boats with a friend. We took off from Brighton Marina into fairly choppy seas and I was sick as a parrot. So that dream is dead and buried, due to me being a die-hard land lubber, arr!

Regards
JonB

Re: New member in Essex

PostPosted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 11:15 am
by billwill
Many people get sea-sick first time, and get over it with more trips.

Don't give up yet.

Re: New member in Essex

PostPosted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 1:26 pm
by JohnM
billwill wrote:Many people get sea-sick first time, and get over it with more trips.

Don't give up yet.


2nd that. I've been sea-sick many times.

Re: New member in Essex

PostPosted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 7:51 pm
by Europatc
Welcome John, happy hunting for the Lotus
all the best
Stuart

Re: New member in Essex

PostPosted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 8:47 pm
by Jason1
Welcome John

Whereabouts in Essex are you?

Jason

Re: New member in Essex

PostPosted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 9:37 pm
by JohnM
Jason1 wrote:Welcome John

Whereabouts in Essex are you?

Jason


Jason...I'm in Epping.

Re: New member in Essex

PostPosted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 9:50 pm
by friedy
Hi John.
Welcome to the forum. You'll find it a great source of info you can't do without.
I am just outside Southend and also have a +2.

Alan.

Re: New member in Essex

PostPosted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 11:13 pm
by The Veg
Welcome John!

Re: New member in Essex

PostPosted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 8:43 am
by JohnM
Hi All

Just to say thanks to everyone for the messages of welcome.

It?s looking unlikely that I will be getting my own Lotus any time soon, but for when I do it?s reassuring to know this site is available for information and support. In the meantime I?ll just continue learning as much as possible about Lotus Elans and hopefully avoid buying a lemon.

Re: New member in Essex

PostPosted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 4:57 pm
by JohnM
Just like to add a special Thank You to Vince. Who kindly invited me to look over and under his beautiful yellow Plus2 ?Toad?.
It was certainly worth the visit and I learned more in a couple of hours than if I had viewed half a dozen prospective purchases.

Re: New member in Essex

PostPosted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:16 am
by tcsoar
Hi John and welcome to the forum.

I am in Hornchurch and was going to say that you are welcome to come have a look at my +2 but see you have already had the chance to view another, offers still there though if you fancy it, any excuse to get the Lotus out!!

Good luck with your search and don't be afraid to ask for any kind of advice on here regarding a potential purchase.

Chris.