Lotus Exige LF1: PH Carpool
We're driving a new Lotus this week; to get us in the mood here's the view of one passionate Exige owner
Car: Lotus Exige LF1 #1/81
Owned since: August 2014
Previously owned: "In the Lotus marque - Excel SE, Elise Mk1, Esprit S3, Elise 111S, 2x Elise S and Exige S."
David's Lotus with like-minded pals
"After having my latest Lotus, the Exige S, for four years, I was starting to get itchy feet about something different. I went to my local Lotus dealer, Murray Motor Company in Edinburgh, when I saw them advertise a Exige Cup in my favoured white colour. However, I was greeted with a SOLD sign sitting on it when I arrived. The next day, the dealership phoned and asked if I was interested in something 'a bit different'. Not only would they be able to get me in a new Exige V6 but it would be an LF1 and, on top of that, it would be number one of 81 being made. Given the package offered, there really wasn't much else to say but 'OK!'"
What I wish I'd known:
"It's a bit early to answer that due to the newness of the car. I knew what I was getting into with the Lotus as I had had a previous test hour long 'test' drive from a friend that already had one - thanks Andrew Laing for the wee push to change into the V6 arena!"
LF1 latest in a long line of Lotuses for David
"It's almost a night and day sensation from the Exige S2 into the V6, just like the Elise was to the Exige. The main thing that gets me now is the torque and the so much softer ride. No more doing a few hundred miles and thinking that was a wee bit hard and rattly, the V6 has a totally superior ride over the old Exige. The Exige V6 is a unique enough car to see on the road, so having an LF1 version certainly makes it more of a head turner to own.
"On close inspection on the interior, it has an even more uniqueness about it. This car is to celebrate the very first Lotus Formula 1 victory which was at Monaco in 1960 - the driver of said race being Sir Stirling Moss. Through some Lotus forum activity I managed to get in touch with Sir Stirling and a few weeks later was sitting in his flat in Mayfair and getting his autograph in the car - he has signed just under the build plaque.
"Having a Lotus in Scotland is probably one of the best locations in the UK to have such a vehicle. It doesn't take long to leave the city to get yourself on some brilliant driving roads with even superior scenery. There's a very active Lotus social scene in Scotland with Lotus Ecosse, LEGS, Scottish Elises and Club Lotus to keep any die-hard Lotus fan satisfied."
Moss signature sits alongside build plaque
"Though you may hear of the odd niggle with Lotus, I must be lucky! The 'Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious' scenario has never really applied to any of the modern Lotus cars that I had - as seen on the latest Top Gear Patagonia Special. Long may this continue."
Costs:
"At the moment, the only extra costs have been the petrol consumption. However, with the petrol prices tumbling at the moment, there's a smile appearing on my face as it means more chances to get out and use the car.
"Insurance, after shopping around, was actually cheaper that what I was paying for my 2008 Exige S. One thing on the near horizon will be tyre replacement. The LF1 comes with Pirelli Trofeos as standard. These were an optional extra over the original Exige V6. I am led to believe that for Trofeos a full set is a bit over £2,000. However, with double the mileage available and at a third of the price, I probably will go to the standard Corsa tyres."
One very cool car, one very happy owner
"The month after picking her (Elfie) up, she was with the usual group of Lotus enthusiasts and off to Angouleme for the yearly Circuit de Remparts event in the Poitou-Charentes region. There we meet up with Club Lotus France guys and have a great time with enjoying the French countryside, foie gras, creme brulee et vin over a two/three week period. 3,000 miles within the first six weeks of ownership!"
What next?
"No upgrades or work to do to the car and at the moment, there is no intention to sell. However, I will be visiting the Lotus stand at the Geneva motor show in March so let's see what it has in the pipeline..."
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