RE: PH Heroes: Lotus Carlton
Discussion
Utopia said:
Hi All,
First, apologies for delay, no internet connection.
Wasted trip on Monday - even after confirming the availability of the car, it turns out it has been sold, subject to the buyers agreements.
So... NOT happy.....
Have to continue the dream .....!
Probably read this forum before you turned up.First, apologies for delay, no internet connection.
Wasted trip on Monday - even after confirming the availability of the car, it turns out it has been sold, subject to the buyers agreements.
So... NOT happy.....
Have to continue the dream .....!Shame though I was looking forward to the review.
Still, you could always go drive an e39 M5 instead.
Utopia said:
Wasted trip on Monday - even after confirming the availability of the car, it turns out it has been sold, subject to the buyers agreements. So... NOT happy..... Have to continue the dream .....!
Probably better to dream than to own so maybe count your blessings. Owning an LC is almost certainly like owning a boat, where the two best days are the day you buy it (excitement) and the day you sell it (relief). Have to continue the dream .....!
damiwi said:
Probably read this forum before you turned up.
Shame though I was looking forward to the review.
Still, you could always go drive an e39 M5 instead.
Well rememeber I have owned a M5 - although its not up for discussion, as this is about the LC Shame though I was looking forward to the review.
Still, you could always go drive an e39 M5 instead.
What I can tell you, is that when I arrived the car looked very, very mean. Larger and darker than expected. When the sunlight started to shine on the body, you really could see the green body shine out. It really did look good. Apart from alot of stone chips on the front, it all looked to be ok.
What p***ed me off, is the fact it was ALL arranged. If I had known another buyer was purchasing the car, I would not have wasted my time. However, the questio is... has it put me off wanting a LC?
Truthful answer: Dont think so!
Seeing the car has actually made me want it more, but I would have to raise the money either via a bank loan, or partly selling one of my other cars which comes out now and again. And remember... I only wanted to drive one to get a feel for the car.There really is something about the Lotus Carlton, having seeing one right upfront now and being THAT close to it. Comparing to another car I owned as a Business car, I have to admit the LC stance and its looks certainly stand out for me.
One other point to make..... during my time being outside the car, it was very interesting to notice ALOT of people driving by looking at the car. This may or may not be a common thing with the Lotus, but I think its place as being iconic is definetely there.
If only I had the keys
However, some light at the end of the tunnel.... if the deal falls through, then I was promised next refusal.
A nice dream to have... driving one would have made my mind up for sure.
NOTE: My views on the car will obviously not be agreeable with everyone, however for those that have wanted or seen a LC, it certainly makes its presence aware
On a final thought, I won a book called "Lotus Carlton" - its a large black book, that goes into the detail and behind the scenes work on how the LC was built up. I spent most of yesterday reading it while I waited for my Internet connection to be restored. What I can say, is that its a fascinating story or what 2 companies achieved, even though the odd argument or debates appeared.
Well worth a read in my own honest opinion. But again, the LC is not for everyone....!
5 USA said:
Probably better to dream than to own so maybe count your blessings. Owning an LC is almost certainly like owning a boat, where the two best days are the day you buy it (excitement) and the day you sell it (relief).
There again, you could be right, but as mentioned in my other post, actually seeing the car seemed to attract me more.Ok, its NOT the best looking car in the world - but its presence and well known name and reputation seems to speak for itself.
And in complete honesty, I was quite amazed how many people were waiting at traffic lights, looking across and seeing the LC.
Edited by Utopia on Thursday 14th February 06:31
Quinny
Well, its not second best.... think of it as "an ideal" car to use. My experience with the "other" car was the faults and the expense, which meant as a business car, I could not wait to return it. Its not to say its bad, but I am not saying its better than the LC - because I have not driven the car yet.
There is something special about the LC - its VERY hard to explain what it is
Well, its not second best.... think of it as "an ideal" car to use. My experience with the "other" car was the faults and the expense, which meant as a business car, I could not wait to return it. Its not to say its bad, but I am not saying its better than the LC - because I have not driven the car yet.
There is something special about the LC - its VERY hard to explain what it is
Utopia said:
On a final thought, I won a book called "Lotus Carlton" - its a large black book, that goes into the detail and behind the scenes work on how the LC was built up. I spent most of yesterday reading it while I waited for my Internet connection to be restored. What I can say, is that its a fascinating story or what 2 companies achieved, even though the odd argument or debates appeared.
Well worth a read in my own honest opinion. But again, the LC is not for everyone....!
Agreed, VERY interesting read indeed for those that want a insight into what it took to get the car from development to production in such a short space of time Well worth a read in my own honest opinion. But again, the LC is not for everyone....!
damiwi said:
I thought it was 50:50 that you would actually get a test drive.
Still will always be another one in the future.
If I see our local one again, I'll ask if it's for sale for you.
YES!! You are right... .however if (and its a big if!) I had known that someone WAS going to buy the car, then I would not really have made the journey Still will always be another one in the future.
If I see our local one again, I'll ask if it's for sale for you.
But in a sort of way, I am pleased I had a good look around the outside. But as mentioned, when you actually see one for real right up close, it really does look big - I think its helped by the bodykit, the stance and of course the colour.
And when the sun shone on the body.... wow.... didnt that green show!!
Importantly, if the buyer then pulls out, I have 2nd refusal, and I will make 100% certain this is not going to be a wasted trip.
Went through finances yesterday, and with some negotiation, I could (possibly) buy one if the right one came along.
But we will see.... quite happy to take my time.
Hello, well I will say around £12 - £15k. But this maybe a little bit under and if it means I have to wait for the right one, then I will have to wait.
At the end of the day, its been a dream, but it may become reality at some point. And I am not in an immediate rush, because I think it is probably important to take my time over this.
There is also a club I discovered that helps out. Looks like i have to pay, but it could well be money well spent, if it contains LC owners who can offer guidance, support or even some free advice.
So I will keep the options open.
At the end of the day, its been a dream, but it may become reality at some point. And I am not in an immediate rush, because I think it is probably important to take my time over this.
There is also a club I discovered that helps out. Looks like i have to pay, but it could well be money well spent, if it contains LC owners who can offer guidance, support or even some free advice.
So I will keep the options open.
Utopia said:
Hello, well I will say around £12 - £15k. But this maybe a little bit under and if it means I have to wait for the right one, then I will have to wait.
That's about right (at the top end) for a half decent oneUtopia said:
At the end of the day, its been a dream, but it may become reality at some point. And I am not in an immediate rush, because I think it is probably important to take my time over this.
I agreeUtopia said:
There is also a club I discovered that helps out. Looks like i have to pay, but it could well be money well spent, if it contains LC owners who can offer guidance, support or even some free advice.
If it's the "autobahnstormers" club and you are serious about LC ownership I would say that it is the only club that truely caters for the LC/LOUtopia said:
So I will keep the options open.
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