RISEN FROM THE ASHES

In a way, my Lotus Elan story starts with a Triumph Spitfire 1500 that I did not really like. I’d had the Spitfire for many years after buying it cheaply and then slowly restoring it to a drivable condition. However, the bonnet didn’t fit properly, it vibrated badly, the axle needed overhauling – it was OK to drive, but I never really enjoyed it. I had made up my mind to sell it anyway, but then in 2003 a work colleague told me he was selling a Lotus Elan before emigrating to Australia. The Elan was in pretty good condition and had been resprayed, so how could I resist a test drive?

I knew immediately that I wanted the Elan – it was great to drive, had brilliant road-holding and lived up to all the expectations I had developed after reading reports from the motoring press. For a small car of this vintage, it was very well appointed too with electric windows, a good heater, powered brakes, comprehensive instrumentation and a nice wood-grained dashboard. The result was inevitable – I sold the Spitfire and bought the Lotus.

With that famous 1558cc twin cam engine, the Elan was very quick – although I was never one for tearing around the countryside, because of its brilliant handling the country lanes were a joy. Compared