2023 and new beginnings….. what next.

[Barrykearley]

2023 has gone from strength to strength already. I’m still awaiting the finality of my divorce - but that’s coming.

Work is somewhat problematic due to transporting Alice to and from her studies in Malvern some 12 miles away - so it’s just gonna have to wait until she’s got her driving license later in the year. The work diary is however filling with future prospects - and it’s possible Danny will come on board as an apprentice.

Cars….hmmmm well…….I’ve been enjoying the Evora during the autumn and winter. The spring and summer it’ll be Esprit heaven I’m sure of that. Need to sort this spitfire I’ve got sat on the patio - but school runs, work diary and general slagging has somewhat got in the way. 

I’ve always used A frames before or rented a trailer. Danny is doing more cars now as well - and well me - that’s always an issue. So a couple of days ago I added something useful to the arsenal.

[Bibs]

A caravan? Handy!

Trailers are a handy investment though in all seriousness and they seem to hold every penny when you come to sell too! 

[Barrykearley]

a simply amazing and relaxing afternoon today. Some fantastic food with great company and a romantic stroll by the river with the dog to round it all off.

next week is going to be epic.
 

[jep]

No, can't see a Lotus in any of those pictures 🙂

[Barrykearley]

Patience dear boy 😎

[Rambo]

8 hours ago, Barrykearley said:

......and a romantic stroll by the river with the dog to round it all off.
 

 

Personally, I'd prefer a woman 😉

[Escape]

16 Reason Why Dogs Are Better Than Girlfriends (from DogSpot):

1. Your dog never complains when you want to hang out with your friends, in fact they chill with you guys too. 

2. Dogs don't really mind if you by mistake call them by another name! Try doing that to your girlfriend, you'll know.

3. They don't expect calls from you while you're at work, or even texts. They're okay with giving you your space.

4. They don't shop! Yes, you can expect them to keep your wallet full for some time. Its all in your hands!

5. Dogs live with you in the present. They would never bring up the past or the future. You had another dog before them? Its all cool with them!

6. For dogs, you're the best singer ever. Unlike your girlfriends who think you're terrible at singing, they enjoy it when you sing.

7. Dogs really love when there is a lot of stuff lying down untidy on the floor!

8. Dogs don't expect you to get them gifts all the time and take them out to fancy restaurants every other day! They love a bone for a gift and their usual bowl of kibble!

9. Dogs love to be show off their love in the public. They don't mind PDAs!

10. Dogs don't compare themselves with other dogs in the magazines all the time! They're very comfortable with their bodies.

11. They're okay with how you look. They don't have anything for looks, just your heart.

12. They're okay with you peeing in the public sometimes. They're quite okay with that and will probably join you.

13. Dogs trust your driving completely. And even your sense of directions. They never ask you to check the maps. (actually, I'm not sure our dog likes driving that much, unless it's slow and off road in the Land Rover)

14. Dogs are always okay with however you smell. Even if you're sweating and smelling of oil and grease after a day in the garage. They'll love you the same!

15. Dogs don't need constant reminders that you love them. Unlike girls, they can sense your love through your actions!

16. Lastly, you enjoy a long walk without any talks? Take you dog. You know why.

Just don't cheat on them by petting the neighbor's cat!

[Barrykearley]

Well last night I discovered an issue

It’s not big enough @johnpwalsh confirmed 🤣

so today - it was panic time

get ready 

[Barrykearley]

Hmmm I’ve been bad and possibly stupid 

[Barrykearley]

[C8RKH]

Stick a big duck tail on the back and go NASCAR Truck racing with that!

[Bibs]

No words

[johnpwalsh]

So you listened to the wise old owl lol. Only one word or maybe a few to say about you finally getting the beauty. I **** H***. but not the car. It's a cracker and has my name on it.

And here's one I found earlier.

[johnpwalsh]

1 hour ago, C8RKH said:

Stick a big duck tail on the back and go NASCAR Truck racing with that!

 

1 hour ago, C8RKH said:

Stick a big duck tail on the back and go NASCAR Truck racing with that!

Andy. There will only ever be one Lotus truck, the Lotus Ekup and that's mine. 

 

[Barrykearley]

1 hour ago, johnpwalsh said:

So you listened to the wise old owl lol. Only one word or maybe a few to say about you finally getting the beauty. I **** H***. but not the car. It's a cracker and has my name on it.

And here's one I found earlier.

That was from when the car was moved many years ago.

I first saw this car in 1995 when it officially didn’t exist. There’s been lots of doubts over this car and it’s power plant - but it’s a turbo

[yeller77]

Joining the St Tropez set, eh? Party on! 🍾

[Barrykearley]

It’s been an interesting day - I’m knackered - just got back home. Now cracked open a beer.

 

[Escape]

Great buy Barry! I was very tempted when the yellow one came up for sale a few years ago. This is an actual St Tropez, right?

Best of luck and keep us posted (I'm sure you will 😉 ).

[TAR]

Wow, Love it.

It appears to have a slightly different engine cover to the original St Tropez and it's a NA body. Do you know if it was an official conversion?

 

[Barrykearley]

So - yes this is an official st tropez.

it was purchased by the guy whom previously owned it direct from Mark Irwin from South-end-on-sea.

I have known of this car since I first saw it in 1995 and tracked it down in 2020 during covid after an in-depth conversion with @johnpwalsh over these cars and there not being a red turbo.

This car is a turbo - it has NA rear light clusters, what looks like federal front and rear bumpers. It is listed on the St Tropez webpage as Turbo look http://www.lotusespritconvertible.de/sttropez456.html#Red - this is categorically incorrect. 

I have a full set of parts lists and sketches with the car from PBB designs as well. I think most bits are present and it has not run since around 1993. I saw it in 1995 when it was off it’s chassis.

I’m exhausted today - it’s been a mammoth task recovering her from her slumber. Putting her in the barn tonight I was impressed at how nice she does look. I shall really enjoy putting this bastard love child back on the road.

[johnpwalsh]

You know you really hate it and don't want it taking up space. I can come and take it away out of the way tomorrow. You wont have to cry in the mornings when you get up and see it sitting there. 

 

[Steve V8]

You only live twice Mr kearley. Fair play and great find. Are you still out in the garage pinching yourself?

That is a stunning looking peice of automotive history right there. 

Well done sir🍾

[Barrykearley]

Thanks @Steve V8 - I’m elated tonight. I know these are either loved or hated - but like them or loathe them they are a real part of the history of the esprit (good or bad - upto the beholder) 

This is going to be one fun investment 

[tim_marra]

I'm not a fan myself but I will look forward to your updates getting it back on the road 

[eeyoreish]

Very cool indeed Barry, love ‘em. Well done 👍 

Look forward to reading about your progress with it.