....... And another Elite on Ebay..... a S2.2 tho.

[lostcause]

Another pointer,the gear stick on the Getrag boxes is much thicker and black on S2.2 cars, the window switches are either side of the hand brake like the esprit, on S1 they are in the central dash switch panel, Heater controls are rotary on the S2.2(slider on S1) and the clock is a small digital affair at the top of the center dash switch panel(analogue in the middle on S1). there should also be world champion constructor badges atop the B pillar trims as opposed to 501/2/3/4 of the early cars. The pictures on ebay seem to show S1 interior (dash, centre console and chrome gearstick). Probably the hardest thing to change would be the rear wiper position, as mentioned earlier its in the top of the tailgate , mounted in the glass on S2.2 cars and on the body shell below the tailgate on S1 cars. Instument panel lay out is different with the warning lights along the bottom of the cluster either side of the steering column on the S2.2.

Before travelling ask for some instrument, centre dash, seat tilt mechanisms and some rear end pictures showing the wiper position and the bumper/lights ( rear bumpers are interchangeable though)

Contact Andy graham at th Lotus Archive AGraham@lotuscars.co.uk with the chassis number, he'll confirm the build date and the original engine number, it should start along the lines of DZ912 (thats how mine starts, the 912 bit indicates 2.2, earlier engines are 907).

Good luck

Regards

Mark

If MK elite and some other guys could post up pictures of the switch/instrument panels, then you'll clearly see the differences (mines all in boxes and spread around the house/garage/shed!)

Edited May 8, 2010 by lostcause

[Emmerg]

this is the S2.2 centre console if it helps

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu101/gjmoemmerson/Nov08Eliteinterior1.jpg

[Simon350S]

What an odd place for an interior mirror?

Fingers crossed for you when you go to look at the car, although I think the seller is a little dillusional from what everyone has said on here.

I hope she's a good un though and your happy with what your parting your hard earned on!!

[Elite7]

@JLMarsh:

condolences for having bought a total unoriginal clone. i would not even travel to the seller, as i would cancel the purchase immediately.

also you said yourself that you have no clue about cars and lotus...so thats exactly the client which this dealer needs!!!

There's a sucker born every minute.

unfortunately you have found this forum after your purchase...but who cares...its an ebay purchase...as ebay is a dodgy place, its not uncommon for canceling deals.

you have read all the opinions of the experts over here.... and therefore its definately clear that the car is a S1 model...and with a bit of luck you might get a S1 car where a galvanized chassis has been fitted as replacement (but i doubt that).

by the way: S2 cars with a galvanized chassis did not come with a Bitumen coating.

the chassis in original cindition should be "nacked" so you could clearly see a grey, silver surface which proves the galvanization process.

any coatings, like waxoyl or bitumen should switch on the warning light that is "only" a S1 chassis, therefore in this case a S1 car.

Edited May 9, 2010 by Elite7

[esprit s2]

Good god you are a negative man! Post some pics of your car up, really want to see how perfect it is.

[Guest mkelite]

for the record my S2.2 is totally original with 64k on the clock. not prestine but awaiting its reno this year. as for the 'bitumen' coating. my car has this thin layer sprayed all over the chassis and has flaked in places revealing the galv underneath. this has been confirmed by Lotus themselves to me that this was done to my car at production. it is also confirmed in the last car press autotests of the period too. if its 'bitumen' or not i dont know BUT i do know is was definately done at the factory for my S2.2 car. DC.

Edited May 9, 2010 by mkelite

[Elite7]

i had one S2 elite, two S2 eclat and none of them had this bitumen.

if you wold have asked lotus "can you confirm that bitumen was never used on a S2 car" they would also have replied with "yes"...depends how you ask....they will often confirm things to make the customer believe that they know what they are talking about.

but i can confirm that i have seen bitumen (not waxoyl) covered chassis on S1 cars.

[Guest mkelite]

my 'question' to Lotus was more specific than that.................... regards. DC.

[matk]

if you wold have asked lotus "can you confirm that bitumen was never used on a S2 car" they would also have replied with "yes"...depends how you ask....they will often confirm things to make the customer believe that they know what they are talking about.

but i can confirm that i have seen bitumen (not waxoyl) covered chassis on S1 cars.

It's a little sad that this thread seems close to descending into a debate about whether a nigh on 30yr old car chassis was originally sprayed with bitumen or not. What a great way to make a potential new owner feel welcome.

Ax I would personally appreciate hearing some substantial reasons as to why you have formed the opinion quoted above, which implies that Lotus will often lie in response to queries from individuals, just for convenience. To balance your views my own personal experience is exactly the opposite, but if you'd care to post some actual factual experience you have enjoyed then I'm perfectly prepared to accept your point. Otherwise it's just pure speculation on your behalf, and damaging to the company's reputation.

Just my 2p................

[Guest mkelite]

curiously is your chassis/subframe sprayed with 'black stuff'. i never intended to be negative at all. hence why i wasnt coming back on the forum anyway. comments get out of hand. regards. DC.

[mikemellymel]

Amazing - how to make friends and influence people AX way.... You can see the likes of Meguires selling 'Concours Bitumen' for that perfect chassis finish... C'mon guys get a life and stop being so anal.

[esprit s2]

I like you Mike.

DC - your car looks lovely, am looking forward to seeing it in the flesh one day. I'll bring my Esprit up to MK (in June?) and we'll take lots of photos.

Jason - did you buy the blue Elite in the end? Hope you did.

[Guest mkelite]

i would just love to see one great big annual, (at least ), gathering of all Elite / Eclat and Excel cars at an agreed location thats not arranged by all the big chiefs n clubs just by the owners themselves. you know they are special cars and dont get enough recognition dont u guys? regards. DC.

[Loose Cannon]

It happened once or twice about 8 years ago, there were 17 Elites/Eclats, that's the reality unfortunately. Much better to be part of a larger fraternity than be a niche amongst a niche.

[Guest mkelite]

totally. want all Lotus to be together BUT want Elite/Eclat/Excel owners to get the cars on the road, help each other to get them to survive and be acknowledged as part of Lotus history, which we all know has not really happened until recent renewed interest - especially the Elite. no, im not into niche or special groups at all. not what i meant. uh, uh. DC.

[Advantage]

Get organising. There's an "Events" section on the forum, pick a location and a date. If you sort it, they will come.

I'll bring my camera.

[Leigh Greenham]

Don't forget the informal gathering of Elites and Eclats that will meet at Castle Combe on Saturday 29th May. Those that fancy taking part in a convoy to get there can meet at the Newbury M4 service area (junction 13), ready to depart at 10:00am. But get there earlier for a breakfast before we set off.

At Castle Combe there's always a lot to watch (free) and we will be allowed to do some parade laps of the circuit over the lunchtime period (also free). There has been a professional photographer there for the last few years, recording the on-track action.

Leigh, Oxford.

[Dunc]

I'm going to Castle Coombe...

Will be the first proper family/weekend outing for my wife and my daughter in this eclat...

Looking forward to it immensley.

D

[jlmarsh]

Right guys - it's update time.

Read all the comments on the thread before posting. I must say - it's a well diverse bunch of guys on here! Anyhow, between all the preening etc that some members seem to do, there does seem to be a wealth of experience of owning Elites which is great to see and I am always pleased to take advice from those who are well versed in the Marque and model.

So I went up to the wilds of Scotland to view the Elite in question and after a 4 hour train journey and another 45 minutes drive, we finally arrived at the garage.

The car is indeed an S1, with all of the tell tale signs that you guys helpfully told me to look for. The logbook states that it is an S2 registered in 1982. Strange - but a mystery to resolve another day.

My main decision then was whether or not this S1 was worth £2050.

The engine was my first starting point - and what a beauty! It has had a top end rebuild by Willie Greig, who is a technical commissioner and scrutineer for the UK Motor Sports Association. This guy knows a thing or two about engines!

The engine fired up with spot on oil pressure and sounded fabulous through the new stainless steel exhaust. The twin Dellortos had been balanced to perfection. Bills galore for the engine dating back to 1986.

Now for that chassis. It has a fully galvanised chassis. This was done following a full restoration in 1996. There are bills for 8000 quid that year.

The bodywork was good with no crazing anywhere and the chrome looks in pretty good nick. Needs a few bits doing but nothing major.

The interior is where the car started to look tired.

The carpets were cheap and nasty replacements and an awful shade of blue. The leather dirty and very creased, although with no rips or tears anywhere. It was obvious that the seats would be coming out for a good clean up and the carpets replaced if I were to buy it. On a positive note the headlining was good if in need of a good clean.

The dashboard was old and shite but certainly had a wealth of patina!

So to decision time.

It's a no brainer - car bought and driven back 200 miles to home with no drama and no fuss.

Everyone strained to get a look at the car on the way back and both petrol stops got me into half hour conversations with interested people who loved the car.

2 grand for so much fun and putting a smile on everyones face including my own!

No doubt it will cost me packets to get it how I want and maintain it but who cares. What price this level of exclusivity?

This car will not be a pampered concours car but a car that will be used and - yes - abused with some hard driving and fun days in the sunshine! Oh and all the electrics and the period radio work too ;-)

Thanks for all the advice and now I just need to find a Lotus specialist in the North Lincs or South Yorkshire area to keep her in fine fettle. Any ideas?

[Guest mkelite]

glad to hear your happy with the Elite. Lotusbits and SJ Sportscars are your best bet for parts. (both have websites if your not familiar.) good luck with the car. hope to meet u at a meet sometime then. best regards. DC.

[Emmerg]

good for you - well done. I love the colour and look forward to more photos if you have time and general progress updates over the coming months.

Forums attract all sorts and whilst that brings diversity and breadth of knowledge it also brings a few "odd" posts but they are thankfully few and far between and totally eclipsed by the people out there who are always ready to help and share experiences.

I think £2k is cheap myself but someone always has an opinion on value. At the end of the day it is worth whatever you are prepared to pay for it. I almost always pay top money for cars but don't let the odd £500 or £1,000 that may be "too much" bother me. I have not got lots of money but I have only got one life and there are more important things to worry about !

Keep us updated won't you !

[esprit s2]

You lucky git Jason! Sounds like a really good car.

Post some pictures up when you get the chance.

Paul.

[Dunc]

Well done Jason.

Sounds like it has the makings of a very usable car. Sounds like the difficult things have been done. Carpets are incredibly easy (and cheap) to sort out.

It is not difficult to turn a 907 into a 2.2, and there are a great number out there that got the longer crank and other mods at the time of the first rebuild. Just because it has 907 stamped on the block, doesn't necessarily mean its still a 2 litre, but on the balance of probabilities, it may be.

A useful site for identification of chassis numbers is this one:

http://www.belchamber.org/techhistory.html

if you have a look at the chassis number on the documents, you can decode it using the information on that site. It might help you clarify build dates and ages.

As your car has had a galvanised chassis fitted, its main achillies heal has been more or less remedied. It sounds like it is a good car. I hope you like it.

Best wishes

D

[lostcause]

congrats on the purchase Jason, I hope you enjoy the experience.

The comments made above regarding value are sound, a rebuilt engine and replaced chassis alone make the car a good buy,

regards

Mark

[Simon350S]

Glad your happy with it mate, would have been a shame to travel all that way and be dissapointed.