RE: Lotus Elise S1: Spotted
Discussion
Probax seats very comfortable. even as a pre-pensioner i can go for hours (and no, they're not blue...)
Earplugs essential however, so that's dedication.
LewisR hasn't said what he does like though?
While Elise or Caterhams may not be for everyone's full-time garage, i fail to understand how a petrolhead could simply 'not get them'
Earplugs essential however, so that's dedication.
LewisR hasn't said what he does like though?
While Elise or Caterhams may not be for everyone's full-time garage, i fail to understand how a petrolhead could simply 'not get them'
I agree, lovely motor, but needs to be driven!
I use mine weekly http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l... , just don't tell my 5yr old its going as he says he wants it when he can drive!
I use mine weekly http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l... , just don't tell my 5yr old its going as he says he wants it when he can drive!
I so wanted one of these at launch (alas my buying power at the time was no where near where it needed to be). However, by the time I did manage to get to the point it was financially within reach a Mrs had come along, then er middle age followed by Mrs friendly prerequisites it all slipped away..
But I always remember the <750 Kg weight and 120 bhp seeming other worldly.
But I always remember the <750 Kg weight and 120 bhp seeming other worldly.
Robert Elise said:
Probax seats very comfortable. even as a pre-pensioner i can go for hours (and no, they're not blue...)
Earplugs essential however, so that's dedication.
LewisR hasn't said what he does like though?
While Elise or Caterhams may not be for everyone's full-time garage, i fail to understand how a petrolhead could simply 'not get them'
The reason I kept it for so long after the 9 month period after I was fed up with it was to see if i would come round to it but I didn't.Earplugs essential however, so that's dedication.
LewisR hasn't said what he does like though?
While Elise or Caterhams may not be for everyone's full-time garage, i fail to understand how a petrolhead could simply 'not get them'
I bought an E39 M5 3 years ago.
LewisR said:
Robert Elise said:
Probax seats very comfortable. even as a pre-pensioner i can go for hours (and no, they're not blue...)
Earplugs essential however, so that's dedication.
LewisR hasn't said what he does like though?
While Elise or Caterhams may not be for everyone's full-time garage, i fail to understand how a petrolhead could simply 'not get them'
The reason I kept it for so long after the 9 month period after I was fed up with it was to see if i would come round to it but I didn't.Earplugs essential however, so that's dedication.
LewisR hasn't said what he does like though?
While Elise or Caterhams may not be for everyone's full-time garage, i fail to understand how a petrolhead could simply 'not get them'
I bought an E39 M5 3 years ago.
The Elise is for country lanes and B roads. It's not about grunt. It can't be because it doesn't have any.
The Elise is archetypal for the powerfully built company director type where as the M5 is far more suited to the balding, over weight middle managers.
Got my S1 new in 98, still have and love her, they did run out of legs at 90 (not 60) but a VHPD engine sorted that out. Happy birthday Elise.
Got my S1 new in 98, still have and love her, they did run out of legs at 90 (not 60) but a VHPD engine sorted that out. Happy birthday Elise.
Dixy said:
The Elise is archetypal for the powerfully built company director type where as the M5 is far more suited to the balding, over weight middle managers.
Got my S1 new in 98, still have and love her, they did run out of legs at 90 (not 60) but a VHPD engine sorted that out. Happy birthday Elise.
she'll be coming of age next year!Got my S1 new in 98, still have and love her, they did run out of legs at 90 (not 60) but a VHPD engine sorted that out. Happy birthday Elise.
while some don't get it, many many keep them for many many years.
Dixy said:
The Elise is archetypal for the powerfully built company director type where as the M5 is far more suited to the balding, over weight middle managers.
Got my S1 new in 98, still have and love her, they did run out of legs at 90 (not 60) but a VHPD engine sorted that out. Happy birthday Elise.
What a pathetic and baseless comment. We're talking about the cars, not the owners but if you want to go into childish insults, then pick another forum.Got my S1 new in 98, still have and love her, they did run out of legs at 90 (not 60) but a VHPD engine sorted that out. Happy birthday Elise.
LewisR said:
I just wanted to add a counter-point.
I really don't rate the cars at all; they don't provide what I want in a car.
Nothing wrong with that. The Elise is, by its very nature, a car that focuses on some elements of the driving experience and the expense of others - it's never going to be for everyone. I've had my S2 as a daily driver for 8 years now and can't see myself ever changing it unless circumstances force me to. I really don't rate the cars at all; they don't provide what I want in a car.
kambites said:
LewisR said:
I just wanted to add a counter-point.
I really don't rate the cars at all; they don't provide what I want in a car.
Nothing wrong with that. The Elise is, by its very nature, a car that focuses on some elements of the driving experience and the expense of others - it's never going to be for everyone. I've had my S2 as a daily driver for 8 years now and can't see myself ever changing it unless circumstances force me to. I really don't rate the cars at all; they don't provide what I want in a car.
The roof leaked.
The radio reception was often non-existent.
The ventilation wasn't up to heating the car or clearing condensation/ frost from the screen.
Refilling the washer bottle required the front panel to be un-bolted and removed.
The front-end nod when driving on undulating roads.
I certainly do prefer GT cars to track-day ones.
Edited by LewisR on Tuesday 4th August 14:44
Edited by LewisR on Tuesday 4th August 18:13
Blackbird425 said:
Got it. Either way, not enough though.
As ever, it depends what you want. I had an early S2 with 120ish and I now have a later (heavier) SC with ~220ish. The supercharged car is more refined and much faster, especially once you're over 40mph. It's a much better track car, but I don't really find it any more fun on the road, and it doesn't have as much feel as the old car, primarily because it's around 120kg heavier.In fact, opposite to what you'd expect, the SC is really only better on mildly congested roads, as the extra oomph from 40mph allows you to overtake in places where the less powerful car simply wouldn't have had the space. However, on a less-trafficked road, the SC does have less flow than the old K-series car. You can't often drive the SC flat out without it being irresponsible, whereas you could with the less powerful machine.
So yes, 120hp is "not enough" for overtaking in the busy south-east . But if you live somewhere less peopled, it's quite sufficient for an Elise on the road, IMO.
Edited by herebebeasties on Tuesday 4th August 14:54
[quote=herebebeasties]
As ever, it depends what you want. I had an early S2 with 120ish and I now have a later (heavier) SC with ~220ish. The supercharged car is more refined and much faster, especially once you're over 40mph. It's a much better track car, but I don't really find it any more fun on the road, and it doesn't have as much feel as the old car, primarily because it's around 120kg heavier.
In fact, opposite to what you'd expect, the SC is really only better on mildly congested roads, as the extra oomph from 40mph allows you to overtake in places where the less powerful car simply wouldn't have had the space. However, on a less-trafficked road, the SC does have less flow than the old K-series car. You can't often drive the SC flat out without it being irresponsible, whereas you could with the less powerful machine.
So yes, 120hp is "not enough" for overtaking in the busy south-east . But if you live somewhere less peopled, it's quite sufficient for an Elise on the road, IMO.
Largely agree. I had an 02 111S which was great to drive but it only ever felt rapid accelerating from very low speeds to about 60. We can all go on about the lovely steering feel, handling etc all day, but for such an overtly sporting and compromised car it's nice to have some real poke to back it up with. And as an aside, every time I got my out for a run, the bloody indicator would fall out the front. It even happened on the way back from a main dealer who just fixed it!
As ever, it depends what you want. I had an early S2 with 120ish and I now have a later (heavier) SC with ~220ish. The supercharged car is more refined and much faster, especially once you're over 40mph. It's a much better track car, but I don't really find it any more fun on the road, and it doesn't have as much feel as the old car, primarily because it's around 120kg heavier.
In fact, opposite to what you'd expect, the SC is really only better on mildly congested roads, as the extra oomph from 40mph allows you to overtake in places where the less powerful car simply wouldn't have had the space. However, on a less-trafficked road, the SC does have less flow than the old K-series car. You can't often drive the SC flat out without it being irresponsible, whereas you could with the less powerful machine.
So yes, 120hp is "not enough" for overtaking in the busy south-east . But if you live somewhere less peopled, it's quite sufficient for an Elise on the road, IMO.
Largely agree. I had an 02 111S which was great to drive but it only ever felt rapid accelerating from very low speeds to about 60. We can all go on about the lovely steering feel, handling etc all day, but for such an overtly sporting and compromised car it's nice to have some real poke to back it up with. And as an aside, every time I got my out for a run, the bloody indicator would fall out the front. It even happened on the way back from a main dealer who just fixed it!
I have had mine for nearly 19 years purchased new in March 1997. It was about a 9 month wait from placing the order. It was one of the very first with aluminium boot lid aluminium matrix discs and lighter body. I have only ever used it during the summer as using it during a cold wet winter held no appeal!
The car was purchased to compete in the British Sprint Championship and also for summer road trips. The first road trip of many was down to the bay of Naples in the summer of 1997.
The performance issue was addressed in 1999 with a 197 bhp engine conversion and a close ratio box.
It was retired from competion use in 2002 when I went circuit racing.
It has down many road trips around Europe including 4 trips to Corsica (the most perfect place to drive an Elise) in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2014.
It has shared its garage over the years with many daily drivers and supercars including an Esprit V8 GT, a 997 Turbo, a 430 Spider, a Lambo LP560 and this year a 458 Speciale. They have all come and gone (apart from the Speciale) but the Elise has stayed. It is the one car I will never sale (apart from the 458 Speciale). After all these years it still brings smile to my face when I take it out on a sunny day down a quiet country road.
The car was purchased to compete in the British Sprint Championship and also for summer road trips. The first road trip of many was down to the bay of Naples in the summer of 1997.
The performance issue was addressed in 1999 with a 197 bhp engine conversion and a close ratio box.
It was retired from competion use in 2002 when I went circuit racing.
It has down many road trips around Europe including 4 trips to Corsica (the most perfect place to drive an Elise) in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2014.
It has shared its garage over the years with many daily drivers and supercars including an Esprit V8 GT, a 997 Turbo, a 430 Spider, a Lambo LP560 and this year a 458 Speciale. They have all come and gone (apart from the Speciale) but the Elise has stayed. It is the one car I will never sale (apart from the 458 Speciale). After all these years it still brings smile to my face when I take it out on a sunny day down a quiet country road.
martisracing said:
I have had mine for nearly 19 years purchased new in March 1997. It was about a 9 month wait from placing the order. It was one of the very first with aluminium boot lid aluminium matrix discs and lighter body. I have only ever used it during the summer as using it during a cold wet winter held no appeal!
The car was purchased to compete in the British Sprint Championship and also for summer road trips. The first road trip of many was down to the bay of Naples in the summer of 1997.
The performance issue was addressed in 1999 with a 197 bhp engine conversion and a close ratio box.
It was retired from competion use in 2002 when I went circuit racing.
It has down many road trips around Europe including 4 trips to Corsica (the most perfect place to drive an Elise) in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2014.
It has shared its garage over the years with many daily drivers and supercars including an Esprit V8 GT, a 997 Turbo, a 430 Spider, a Lambo LP560 and this year a 458 Speciale. They have all come and gone (apart from the Speciale) but the Elise has stayed. It is the one car I will never sale (apart from the 458 Speciale). After all these years it still brings smile to my face when I take it out on a sunny day down a quiet country road.
Sounds good. Just to be clear though, it's the one car you wouldn't sell, apart from the other car you have?!The car was purchased to compete in the British Sprint Championship and also for summer road trips. The first road trip of many was down to the bay of Naples in the summer of 1997.
The performance issue was addressed in 1999 with a 197 bhp engine conversion and a close ratio box.
It was retired from competion use in 2002 when I went circuit racing.
It has down many road trips around Europe including 4 trips to Corsica (the most perfect place to drive an Elise) in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2014.
It has shared its garage over the years with many daily drivers and supercars including an Esprit V8 GT, a 997 Turbo, a 430 Spider, a Lambo LP560 and this year a 458 Speciale. They have all come and gone (apart from the Speciale) but the Elise has stayed. It is the one car I will never sale (apart from the 458 Speciale). After all these years it still brings smile to my face when I take it out on a sunny day down a quiet country road.
Dixy said:
The Elise is archetypal for the powerfully built company director type where as the M5 is far more suited to the balding, over weight middle managers.
Got my S1 new in 98, still have and love her, they did run out of legs at 90 (not 60) but a VHPD engine sorted that out. Happy birthday Elise.
Same here. Went on a Jonathan Palmer corporate jolly thing back in 98 on the Wednesday walked into the Lotus dealer on the Saturday and placed a deposit.Got my S1 new in 98, still have and love her, they did run out of legs at 90 (not 60) but a VHPD engine sorted that out. Happy birthday Elise.
Love ours. Sits in the garage and has a run every so often. Kids have their eye on it. Almost part of the family now. It's got a few minor battle scars from the odd track day over the years and as a consequence could do with a little bit of TLC but being so basic there's so little to go wrong and when it has it's always been cheap to fix.
It todays world of modern electronics is so good to get in a car occasionally devoid of intervention. Yes its Raw but always an occasion.
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