New 111R - Castle Lotus

[GRL]

Collected my new 111R from Castle Lotus in Stansted yesterday. Starlight black, touring pack full Armourfend. I contacted Castle about 2 weeks ago when I was looking at TVR Cerbies and Elises and was taken aback with the honest and considered advice Ian (Castle) gave me. The car is mainly my daily driver but my wife would need to feel comfortable in it as I need to take her car to load up work stuff now and again and she would not drive my supercharged Mk1 MR2.

We went to Castle's showroom 2 weeks ago and Ian told us to walk around and sit in any car to get a feel of all the different TVR and Lotus models - they had a full range BTW.As my wife couldn't even move the clutch pedal on the Cerbera :( we asked to try a 111S and 111R.

I didn't really take to the 111S so asked my wife to take the 111R out next to see if she liked it. 111R pulled back in to the showroom and wifey steps (clambers?) out looking very pleased. I take the 111R out and end up whooping and laughing manically - fab! Ordered a new 111R the next Tuesday...

The laid back, non-pushy, really helpful attitude from Ian and everyone we have met at Castle just made the whole experience even more enjoyable - I would recommend them to anyone here.

This forum was really useful in finding facts and advice about the various models (including TVR) - just gives you that bit of extra confidence when choosing what to try and buy.

[bher]

Congratulations for the choice
look at my profile and you will understand why I enquire about armourfend for a black one.
I am hesitating regarding this "option" . What is your opinion?
Any other mod or special point?
Enjoy and take care of the running in

Ben

[GRL]

Starlight black looks fab! I was going to go for red but it looks a bit toy town from a distance..

I would recommend Armourfend (full kit) but only worth having applied from new/re-spray. It has already saved my paintwork in the one day I have been using my car

No mods yet except a personal plate with the prefix L111

[bher]

You pick the good one. Dealer had also a red in stock without touring pack and I have to admit I hesitate a lot...I mean a lunch time and then go for the black with TP but without airco (I did not wanted it). Soooo much more beautifull when clean and much dicrete when seeing non-car-lovers people.

[GRL]

I wasn't sure about AC but decided not to. It's been pretty hot here last couple of days and have driven the 111 with roof on and off with no need for AC.

[rixge]

Your a lucky chap GRL, I pick up mine from Wilsons tomorrow.111R in storm, stage two and like yourself no a/c. Looking forward to the roof off and a jaunt around the Hertfordshire country side this weekend.

[GRL]

Let me know how the stage 2 sounds when you have had a chance to let rip?

I'm thinking about a Stage 1/2 with pipercross mounted in the side vent.

400 miles to go before I can experience the 2nd cam...

[rixge]

You will enjoy that shuv in the hind quarters for sure! If i can put a couple of hundred miles on this week, with a trip down to our cottage in wales planned for next weekend (another six) should be looking to book the first service in for the end of the month, then its look out back roads here i come ! I listened to a stage 2 which was fitted to an exige, it not only looked better but sounded like a lotus should sound, rather sexy i would say.....So that made my mind up there and then.
ITG induction to follow, quick release wheel and if i feel the need will fit racing belts too.
Find it hard to believe that after such a long time waiting to own such a beautiful car, my dream will finally happen.
I will savour the moment that i turn the key and listen to the engine fire up, oh yes.......

[gooby]

Supercharged Mk1 MR2 is an incredible car and short of the liz one of the best cars out there!

[GRL]

Thanks for that Gooby. I spent a small fortune on it over 6 years - lowered and stiffer springs, Koni adj dampers, vented discs/Pagid pads, Blitz SUS filter, Magnex free-flow system...

Mk1 MR2 dynamics were (legend has it) developed in conjunction with Lotus.

Just needed more (Toyota) power and tighter handling

Have noted a formal interest in any SC conversion for 111R that may or may not be forthcoming from Hethel...