Sunbeam Lotus road test

[jonwat]

We take to the road in a rallying legend that still impresses today

[Veloce_Rosso]

That's lovely 

[DarrylV8]

You appear to becoming a bit of a fan of this Lotus (type) following your very good spot last week?

[Veloce_Rosso]

Indeed, it's practical for the family and still has the lovely Lotus soundtrack under the bonnet.

Edited March 18 by Bibs

[Veloce_Rosso]

Also like Lotus Cortinas but the MK1 versions are selling for silly money, the MK2 a little more palletable. However, anything from the 1960s has rust written all over them.

The Sunbeam Lotus falls beautifully within my brief: A modern classic with a modicum of rust protection. And there's no silly convertibles.

[MPx]

7 hours ago, Veloce_Rosso said:

The Sunbeam Lotus falls beautifully within my brief: A modern classic with a modicum of rust protection. And there's no silly convertibles.

The operative word there being "modicum".    Mine was fully restored (and very shiney!) on purchase and would probably have gone on for at least another couple of years when I sold it three years later.  Obvs depends how well its done and how much effort goes into the anti corrosion measures.  Some of the good ones are now north of Mk2 Cortina money, though few compete with the Mk1 or in period Escorts.

I had intended to just keep my Lotus fleet forever once aquired but that turned out to need more dedication and outlay than I was prepared to make.  My perfect garage was Turbo Esprit for high days, M100 Elan for sunny days, Carlton for family days, Sunbeam for our town car.  Was wonderful for a while...

[Veloce_Rosso]

I'm used to checking on rust protection having owned Alfas since 2006. I've been lucky with my current bundles.

Edited March 19 by Bibs