Stupid Hick Sees Lotus....just have to vent this
Discussion
Some time ago, I posted a topic on some guy at a gas station who spotted my '90SE and said..."Does Ford make that?".....wow....some people. Well, here is a new story for you, hope you enjoy cause sometimes I need to vent the stupid things people say to those in the know.
Yesterday, my '93.5 turned 28K miles, so I changed the oil/filter, tightened the motor mounts, tightened up the passenger side mirror, replaced a window relay in the drivers side, and took it out for mildly spirited run (80 MPH) to the gas station. I passed Doctor Van Zanten on the road and his son Eric in their Miata Conv. Had to pass them a little hard. Anyway, we get to the gas station, Doc pulls next to me and we chat about sports cars for about a half hour. He is a Porsche addict, but loves the Esprit. I must admit, the car was looking fine and getting the attention of everyone. Some kid the day before yelled, "That Car is PIMP..." and he kept repeating the word "Pimp"...about 10 times...
Anyway, we finish our chat at the gas station, I go for 3/4 tank of gas and I am walking in when I spot 4 red necks repairing the roof of the gas station...One of them, which I have now named "Scarry Deliverance Guy" yells, (get this), "Is that a McFarlin?" Yes, you read it right, McFarlin!!! I don't believe he had any idea that he meant to say "McLaren". I simply looked up at Scarry and said "It's a Lotus".
And once they start talking to you, they think they can say anything. He wanted me to burn the tires as I left the station...so I left the station just as gently as I always do....which leads me to my top 5 pet peaves about about strangers and the Esprit:
1) They All want to Race me...which I always decline.
2) They All want me to burn the tires, of course at my expense for their viewing pleasure.
3) They All try to Guess the name of the car. And when I correct them they say:
4) Who makes Lotus?
5) or they demonstate their stupidity further by comparing it to their Mustang, Camero, or any other car they are familiar with (a few weeks ago, it was a guy in his crown vic wanting to race me).
Yesterday, my '93.5 turned 28K miles, so I changed the oil/filter, tightened the motor mounts, tightened up the passenger side mirror, replaced a window relay in the drivers side, and took it out for mildly spirited run (80 MPH) to the gas station. I passed Doctor Van Zanten on the road and his son Eric in their Miata Conv. Had to pass them a little hard. Anyway, we get to the gas station, Doc pulls next to me and we chat about sports cars for about a half hour. He is a Porsche addict, but loves the Esprit. I must admit, the car was looking fine and getting the attention of everyone. Some kid the day before yelled, "That Car is PIMP..." and he kept repeating the word "Pimp"...about 10 times...
Anyway, we finish our chat at the gas station, I go for 3/4 tank of gas and I am walking in when I spot 4 red necks repairing the roof of the gas station...One of them, which I have now named "Scarry Deliverance Guy" yells, (get this), "Is that a McFarlin?" Yes, you read it right, McFarlin!!! I don't believe he had any idea that he meant to say "McLaren". I simply looked up at Scarry and said "It's a Lotus".
And once they start talking to you, they think they can say anything. He wanted me to burn the tires as I left the station...so I left the station just as gently as I always do....which leads me to my top 5 pet peaves about about strangers and the Esprit:
1) They All want to Race me...which I always decline.
2) They All want me to burn the tires, of course at my expense for their viewing pleasure.
3) They All try to Guess the name of the car. And when I correct them they say:
4) Who makes Lotus?
5) or they demonstate their stupidity further by comparing it to their Mustang, Camero, or any other car they are familiar with (a few weeks ago, it was a guy in his crown vic wanting to race me).
Yip people can be real prats sometimes. Some people assume that if you pull up in a bright shiny supercar you are instantly labelled a w*anker or a b*tch in my case. So I always just say to myself I got something they will probably never have makes me feel so much better.
I usually take my daily run about down to the local self service BP station and fill it up myself, pay and drive off nothing ever said apart from the odd hello, thats it. I pull in there the same day in the Loti and all the guys come out like insects and offer to fill it up, I always say no I like to do it myself, one day I went there and they kept pestering me to fill it up in quite a harrassing way like trying to grab at the pump, I ended up swearing at them for all to hear telling them to bugger off and fill up the poor old lady at the pump next to me. Its like they wanted to look cool or something as though it were their car? I never support their station anymore. I told Simon he was go down there and sort them out
I have been tempted some days to go back and see what they say to me, how could they forget what came out of my little mouth 
I usually take my daily run about down to the local self service BP station and fill it up myself, pay and drive off nothing ever said apart from the odd hello, thats it. I pull in there the same day in the Loti and all the guys come out like insects and offer to fill it up, I always say no I like to do it myself, one day I went there and they kept pestering me to fill it up in quite a harrassing way like trying to grab at the pump, I ended up swearing at them for all to hear telling them to bugger off and fill up the poor old lady at the pump next to me. Its like they wanted to look cool or something as though it were their car? I never support their station anymore. I told Simon he was go down there and sort them out
I have been tempted some days to go back and see what they say to me, how could they forget what came out of my little mouth 
Do we all (Esprit drivers) get this type of thing everywhere? I guess so. USA, England, New Zealand, and I hear even Brazil. Still, more often I get...
"I didn't know Lamborgini doors opened normal" or...
(The well known) L-O-T-U-S... hey, who made that?
Still, usually I don't care. Although, I do take the time to "educate" /those people/ if I'm in the mood! Hahaha... I know what it is and I love driving it! I especially like the fact that (of the folks I pal around with driving) it is the on Esprit in a feild of Ferraris. It really is a beautiful car... (For those who know)
Drive topless!!!
(and be happy with the knowledge you have an ESPRIT!
Cameron
"I didn't know Lamborgini doors opened normal" or...
(The well known) L-O-T-U-S... hey, who made that?
Still, usually I don't care. Although, I do take the time to "educate" /those people/ if I'm in the mood! Hahaha... I know what it is and I love driving it! I especially like the fact that (of the folks I pal around with driving) it is the on Esprit in a feild of Ferraris. It really is a beautiful car... (For those who know)
Drive topless!!!
(and be happy with the knowledge you have an ESPRIT!
Cameron
When I bought my Esprit it was a non-runner, and I trailered it back from the other end of the country (that's about half a county away, for you US readers ).
So there I was unloading it, and of course the local kids have to come and gawp.
'Nah', says one expert to his mates, 'It's just one of those old American cars...'.
Ian
). So there I was unloading it, and of course the local kids have to come and gawp.
'Nah', says one expert to his mates, 'It's just one of those old American cars...'.
Ian
Ryan: Can't say you didn't warn me...The car's been on the road about 2 weeks... I've had 3 burnout requests, 1 whats a Lotus, and "who in town has the black Ferrari?" I guess the last one is somewhat of a compliment. Oh, and the one that really burns me, "let me take it for a drive" Yea, right!
Thank God for dark tinted windows.
I have gotten a lot of nice remarks on how pretty the Lotus is. That makes up for the a--holes I've run into.
Talk to ya soon.
Dave
90SE
Thank God for dark tinted windows.
I have gotten a lot of nice remarks on how pretty the Lotus is. That makes up for the a--holes I've run into.
Talk to ya soon.
Dave
90SE
Hey Dave, Looks like you have been initiated into the Esprit club! I have not had anyone ask to drive the car, good thing, I am not letting that happen.
I took it out the other night for a cruise through town, the tinted windows are a MUST for these cars. When I got back, there was a white truck in my driveway, had no idea who it was. I was getting home at dusk, just when the car is looking its finest. Turns out, it was a couple of friends visiting from 26 miles away, just wanted to see what I was up to. They wanted me to pull it back out of the garage for another look, and then they wanted to go for a ride so bad, so I took both of them (one at a time of course). They are in their early twenties. They both fell in love with the car, as most people do. It is such a rare sight. It amazes me how timeless these cars are, they never go out of style, and they never fail to evoke response from complete strangers. Driving an Esprit is far more interesting than driving any other car because you never know what reaction a stranger will have. I have had women flash me, offer me sexual favors, strangers come talk to me as though I were their best friend, I have had distant aquaintences pull in to talk to me at the gas station (that would otherwise pass me by if they saw me in anything else), I have hooked back up with old friends who just wanted to see what kind of car I was driving, and had complete idiots approach me flaunting their stupidity. I guess the positive reactions outweigh the negative! Their is something satisfying about the ability of an inexpensive Esprit to steel the eyes away from todays lookers. It is as though I have cheated somehow, and no-one knows it. I hope you are enjoying yours as much as I am mine...I am so in love right now, I don't think I will ever be able to let her go.
P.S. Did you get the CD I sent you with manuals?
I took it out the other night for a cruise through town, the tinted windows are a MUST for these cars. When I got back, there was a white truck in my driveway, had no idea who it was. I was getting home at dusk, just when the car is looking its finest. Turns out, it was a couple of friends visiting from 26 miles away, just wanted to see what I was up to. They wanted me to pull it back out of the garage for another look, and then they wanted to go for a ride so bad, so I took both of them (one at a time of course). They are in their early twenties. They both fell in love with the car, as most people do. It is such a rare sight. It amazes me how timeless these cars are, they never go out of style, and they never fail to evoke response from complete strangers. Driving an Esprit is far more interesting than driving any other car because you never know what reaction a stranger will have. I have had women flash me, offer me sexual favors, strangers come talk to me as though I were their best friend, I have had distant aquaintences pull in to talk to me at the gas station (that would otherwise pass me by if they saw me in anything else), I have hooked back up with old friends who just wanted to see what kind of car I was driving, and had complete idiots approach me flaunting their stupidity. I guess the positive reactions outweigh the negative! Their is something satisfying about the ability of an inexpensive Esprit to steel the eyes away from todays lookers. It is as though I have cheated somehow, and no-one knows it. I hope you are enjoying yours as much as I am mine...I am so in love right now, I don't think I will ever be able to let her go.
P.S. Did you get the CD I sent you with manuals?
I have an "idiot story" that will top all so far. I was driving my brand spanking new Lotus in May of 2003 along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, a stunning scenic drive in Northeast USA, when I got stuck behind a minivan. The speed limit is 35mph. I was following the minivan at a good safe distance as I didn't want the driver to feel he had to speed up. This is a relaxed scenic drive after all. I was being patient and just waited until the double yellow line became dashed and would pass if the opportunity was right. The moment arrives and I accelerate to pass. I notice as I am passing, out of the corner of my eye, the minivan trying to block my passage by pulling into my lane. I am at the point of no return so I follow with the pass even faster so as to avoid being forced off the road. As I look into my rear view mirror the idiot is flashing his lights and honking his horn and is still in the middle of the road! Here is the kicker; the minivan driver had 3 kids and his wife in the car. And to make this even more harrowing, my pregnant wife was sitting next to me during this whole experience. I can't understand what would possess someone to do something so ridiculously dangerous. Honestly, people like this ass*ole deserve to die a fiery death. And they will... I just hope when they do, they don't take anyone else with them.
Chasevdr,
That does take the stupid award so far, glad no-one was hurt or property damaged. I can't understand why anyone would do this...but then again, my dad is the county coroner, we have seen a lot of accidents that involve someone doing stupid things. Just always remember, there is a very high population of stupid people doing stupid things, getting innocent people hurt and killed. I hate to be like this, but in this part of the country, you can tell the stupid ones by the age and make of their vehicles...sometimes, they have a KTTS bumper sticker on their car that is a shure sign of stupidity (really, this is not a joke). KTTS is a local country music radio station, and a perfect identification badge for someone you should pay close attention to when near you in traffic.
That does take the stupid award so far, glad no-one was hurt or property damaged. I can't understand why anyone would do this...but then again, my dad is the county coroner, we have seen a lot of accidents that involve someone doing stupid things. Just always remember, there is a very high population of stupid people doing stupid things, getting innocent people hurt and killed. I hate to be like this, but in this part of the country, you can tell the stupid ones by the age and make of their vehicles...sometimes, they have a KTTS bumper sticker on their car that is a shure sign of stupidity (really, this is not a joke). KTTS is a local country music radio station, and a perfect identification badge for someone you should pay close attention to when near you in traffic.
Yeah, it's unbelievable the risks people take to prove themselves to you. Funny how it only seems to happen when driving the Lotus. A couple of weeks ago, I was travelling casually down a empty straight road at the limit of 40mph. The guy behind was fairly close to the Lotus but I find most people tend to be, now bear in mind that the road was empty and this guy could have overtaken at any safe point, but he decided to overtake literally within metres of a roundabout! This meant he had to cut in quicker than usual due to the curb in the center of the road neally taking my front with him! W*nker! The only thing he proved was that he was one. Sorry, but I get very ****** off with people like this.
CAM,
I have seen many instances where people follow too close. There is a double lane road where I drive the most, so they can drive next to me and pass at leisure. I have seen many times where they have come up on me fast, gone to pass, and then just stay in my blind spot....it seems they like to stare at the car, then go around me. When I first purchased the my Esprit, I drove it 5 hours from Beatrice NE to Osceola MO, When I got to Kansas City, about 3 hours into my trip home, some guy pulled up next to me and refused to go around. He stayed there, staring at the car for the better part of 15 minutes...safe driving all! By the way, if you get a chance, go to this web site, lots of exotic mishaps: www.wreckedexotics.com/ it is interesting, but in many cases, very sad. Most wrecks are due to driver irresponsibility.
I have seen many instances where people follow too close. There is a double lane road where I drive the most, so they can drive next to me and pass at leisure. I have seen many times where they have come up on me fast, gone to pass, and then just stay in my blind spot....it seems they like to stare at the car, then go around me. When I first purchased the my Esprit, I drove it 5 hours from Beatrice NE to Osceola MO, When I got to Kansas City, about 3 hours into my trip home, some guy pulled up next to me and refused to go around. He stayed there, staring at the car for the better part of 15 minutes...safe driving all! By the way, if you get a chance, go to this web site, lots of exotic mishaps: www.wreckedexotics.com/ it is interesting, but in many cases, very sad. Most wrecks are due to driver irresponsibility.
Hi Ryan,
Yeah, I've been to the website a few times, mainly to look at new cars that have been smashed, I don't know why. It's seems strange how a new Lambo or Ferrari can end up in that way so soon perhaps because if it was mine I would keep it under wraps, and also perhaps it makes me feel better as I spent a lot less and would be considerably more gutted if I had spent say £400,000 or so on an Ferrari Enzo, or more if today it was my Esprit. Sure, driver error, say myself, I would have to accept it, but if someone else was involved, God be with them, because I would be far from happy. I would be gutted if somebody had smashed up my Esprit, more so if they were only trying to prove something, I'm not the agressive type but they might not be living today - if you catch my drift. It would break my heart.
CAM.
Yeah, I've been to the website a few times, mainly to look at new cars that have been smashed, I don't know why. It's seems strange how a new Lambo or Ferrari can end up in that way so soon perhaps because if it was mine I would keep it under wraps, and also perhaps it makes me feel better as I spent a lot less and would be considerably more gutted if I had spent say £400,000 or so on an Ferrari Enzo, or more if today it was my Esprit. Sure, driver error, say myself, I would have to accept it, but if someone else was involved, God be with them, because I would be far from happy. I would be gutted if somebody had smashed up my Esprit, more so if they were only trying to prove something, I'm not the agressive type but they might not be living today - if you catch my drift. It would break my heart.
CAM.
Civics and Integras and such with clear taillights try to "race" me all the time. In other words, pulling up next to me at a stop light and trying to take off as fast a possible. Sad thing is, sometimes I manage to get ahead of them simply by driving normally. My best story so far: Old seventies Trans Am pulls up next to me at a red light, girlfriend in the passenger's seat. She rolls down the window and tells me, "nice car." It's a long light, and she talks with me for a while. I can see her boyfriend's face turning red, and after letting this go on for a while he shouts "F- you!" gives me the finger, and peels out into the intersection. By the way, the light was red. Then again, I've actually had bouquets of flowers left on my windshield with notes like "love your car, here's my number", and I've become accustomed to the conversation "What's that?" "A Lotus." "Who makes that?" "Lotus". At least people show interest. I can laugh about most of the comments people make about the car. And then the inevitable, "How do the doors open?" from 13 year old boys, and the disappointment on their faces when they see they open like any other car. Anyways, if anything the car is a great conversation starter... Everyone's interested in it.
Dan
Dan
I've had my share of stupid comments and questions as well, but I have learned one thing...when they ask what it is, don't say Lotus. They WILL ask who makes it.
Say "Lotus, Esprit". If you give them the make and model, they put 2 and 2 together most of the time and don't ask the second part of the question. I don't mind people asking what it is, or who makes it...I mean, we love the fact that our cars are rare, right? Educate folks.
However, I had one lady actually tell me my car would be "cooler" if the doors opened like a lambo. I felt like knocking her teeth out, but alas I was too late as most were missing already.
Say "Lotus, Esprit". If you give them the make and model, they put 2 and 2 together most of the time and don't ask the second part of the question. I don't mind people asking what it is, or who makes it...I mean, we love the fact that our cars are rare, right? Educate folks.
However, I had one lady actually tell me my car would be "cooler" if the doors opened like a lambo. I felt like knocking her teeth out, but alas I was too late as most were missing already.
Folks,
I've said it before, there is only one proper answer when asked the dreaded question. If you get asked "Lotus, who makes that?" just say: "the British".
Cheers,
Karl-Franz
www.espritfactfile.com
I've said it before, there is only one proper answer when asked the dreaded question. If you get asked "Lotus, who makes that?" just say: "the British".
Cheers,
Karl-Franz
www.espritfactfile.com
Funny stories guys! Alot of people who know me, know my obsession and interest with these cars. And so from time to time, they will ask me questions about them. Why I dont know. But nontheless, they do. I even get the 'who makes Lotus' question!! Imagine that! But the best is when some of my family members say to me, "So Paul, hows the 'Locust' dream coming?" LOL I just shake my head and go, you mean 'Lotus', its going good. 
I'm in a similar boat to LotusACBC below. I don't own an Esprit (ended up with a Europa, whole 'nother story), but I did look at a few. There was one in town for sale, a '89 SE, just like I want, except this one was in rough shape and he wanted waaay too much for it.
Anyway, at a party, I was telling some guys about it, and they were so stupid, it boggled my mind. Things like - 'It sounds like a 4 cylinder' Maybe because it is! and 'You should buy the 6 cylinder model' - yeah, lots of 6 cylinder Esprits around...
I went on to give them every spec of both the 4 cyl and 8 cyl engine - displacement, power, torque, configuration, on and on... afterwards, he just said 'I'm sure they made a 6 cylinder one'... ARGGHHH.
LOL, anyway, I should be getting used to the whole 'Lotus? who makes that?' thing this summer when I get my car done. Already had it a bit while buying parts, but have actually had more people say stuff like 'Oh wow, I haven't seen one of those for years...' and go off on a story about one they had, or knew of... it's pretty cool.
Gary
Anyway, at a party, I was telling some guys about it, and they were so stupid, it boggled my mind. Things like - 'It sounds like a 4 cylinder' Maybe because it is! and 'You should buy the 6 cylinder model' - yeah, lots of 6 cylinder Esprits around...
I went on to give them every spec of both the 4 cyl and 8 cyl engine - displacement, power, torque, configuration, on and on... afterwards, he just said 'I'm sure they made a 6 cylinder one'... ARGGHHH.
LOL, anyway, I should be getting used to the whole 'Lotus? who makes that?' thing this summer when I get my car done. Already had it a bit while buying parts, but have actually had more people say stuff like 'Oh wow, I haven't seen one of those for years...' and go off on a story about one they had, or knew of... it's pretty cool.
Gary
karlfranz said:
Folks,
I've said it before, there is only one proper answer when asked the dreaded question. If you get asked "Lotus, who makes that?" just say: "the British".
Cheers,
Karl-Franz
www.espritfactfile.com
lol, I like it. I've not found the 'Who makes that?' a problem over here. Probably as the Elise is so common.
chasevdr said:
I have an "idiot story" that will top all so far. I was driving my brand spanking new Lotus in May of 2003 along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, a stunning scenic drive in Northeast USA, when I got stuck behind a minivan. The speed limit is 35mph. I was following the minivan at a good safe distance as I didn't want the driver to feel he had to speed up. This is a relaxed scenic drive after all. I was being patient and just waited until the double yellow line became dashed and would pass if the opportunity was right. The moment arrives and I accelerate to pass. I notice as I am passing, out of the corner of my eye, the minivan trying to block my passage by pulling into my lane. I am at the point of no return so I follow with the pass even faster so as to avoid being forced off the road. As I look into my rear view mirror the idiot is flashing his lights and honking his horn and is still in the middle of the road! Here is the kicker; the minivan driver had 3 kids and his wife in the car. And to make this even more harrowing, my pregnant wife was sitting next to me during this whole experience. I can't understand what would possess someone to do something so ridiculously dangerous. Honestly, people like this ass*ole deserve to die a fiery death. And they will... I just hope when they do, they don't take anyone else with them.
Two words.....
BOND MODS!!!
That's correct sir... for your driving pleasure (and dealing with /theeeessee/ people, we can go the Bond mod rout!
Smoke... no problem. Four or five smoke canisters can be wired up and set off for about 15$ USD each at the local Army Navy store.
Spikes...no problem. electrical cabinate wired up to a model car remote doubles nice as "flip can" spilling nails and spikes behind you as you pass the poeple pissing you off! 25$ USD
Oil... Hey! don't tell the EPA, but the same type set up used for dropping out road spikes works great for dropping oil filled balloons! 25$ USD
But Wait! There is more! (there is always more)...
for those of you out there... you know who you are... that need to really get by those mini van road hogs...
Nothing like our below the front bumper mounted M1A1 7.62X51 automotaic riffle. That's right... a stock removal and a custom mounting, all wired to an electric trigger! This baby is sure to get the attention of that 'slow doer' in your way. Runs about 1250$ USD (Tracer and AP rounds sold serately)
HAHAHA!!! Just kiding!
Hmmmmm... or maybe not?
Drive topless!
Cameron
>> Edited by autocross7 on Wednesday 21st April 02:22
>> Edited by autocross7 on Wednesday 21st April 02:24
chasevdr said:
I have an "idiot story" that will top all so far. I was driving my brand spanking new Lotus in May of 2003 along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, a stunning scenic drive in Northeast USA, when I got stuck behind a minivan. The speed limit is 35mph. I was following the minivan at a good safe distance as I didn't want the driver to feel he had to speed up. This is a relaxed scenic drive after all. I was being patient and just waited until the double yellow line became dashed and would pass if the opportunity was right. The moment arrives and I accelerate to pass. I notice as I am passing, out of the corner of my eye, the minivan trying to block my passage by pulling into my lane. I am at the point of no return so I follow with the pass even faster so as to avoid being forced off the road. As I look into my rear view mirror the idiot is flashing his lights and honking his horn and is still in the middle of the road! Here is the kicker; the minivan driver had 3 kids and his wife in the car. And to make this even more harrowing, my pregnant wife was sitting next to me during this whole experience. I can't understand what would possess someone to do something so ridiculously dangerous. Honestly, people like this ass*ole deserve to die a fiery death. And they will... I just hope when they do, they don't take anyone else with them.
In a situation like that, You would be suprised at the view in your rear mirror when a hand full of peanuts or M&M's are tossed upwards from the open sunroof of an Esprit.
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