Cohort poster scoo68 caught an unlikely scene: two white Lotus Elites, sitting back-to-back, and both with their headlights up (I suspect that alone is not a good sign). The Elite was a somewhat bold departure for Lotus, a more serious step into the world of four-seaters, although they did already make a 2+2 version of the Elan. Arriving in 1974, the Elite was undoubtedly influenced by the Lamborghini Espada. But unlike that car’s V12, the Elite had a four, the first use by Lotus of the 907 engine, which got its rough beta-testing in the Jensen-Healey. Some 2535 Elites were made, until 1982. These two probably represent a not insignificant percentage of the remaining ones. Or maybe I’m being a bit pessimistic, since I haven’t seen one since I left LA.
At least they are close to a bus stop, so you can still get to work……
I always thought these looked like perfect props for some futuristic movie from the 1970’s thats supposed to be set in 1997.
These two did sit for a long time off 3rd St in San Francisco, no evidence of anyone using them other than for display purposes. And I totally agree with Carmine about the campy futuristic look of these cars. Everything about then, from the square recessed door handles to the funky rims reminds me of the 1960s view of the future. When i saw these it thought “That’s the car George Jetson would drive if he didn’t have a flying vehicle”, one for George, one for daughter Judy. These two are either a goldmine or completely worthless, not sure which.
I always thought these were really cool, but not really beautiful. There was a guy in my neighborhood who had one, and I would ride my bike back and forth in front of his house, checking it out, along with his other funky cars, like a Citroen SM and Triumph TR7. I think he bought them when they were each a few years old, as I remember they were never really new looking. Now that I think about it, wow, was this guy a glutton for punishment.
Nothing a Ford 2.3 turbo or Cologne V6 with T-5 swap couldn’t fix 🙂 .
Very difficult in this car. Also, the body, suspension, and steering aren’t that good. Not very comfortable either. Of course, with enough money, everything can be sorted.
Of course, the campy futuristic square recessed door handles were borrowed from one of the least campy and futuristic Brit-cars of all time, the “please kill me now” Morris Marina.