2006 West Coast Lotus Meet - trip report & photos

[mr50bmg]

One month late, but here it is:

Elise and Esprit cover 2000 miles to attend the West Coast Lotus Meet

by Simpson Balaclava / Sweaty Helmet Racing, Club Lotus Northwest

During the Saturday evening dinner at the 2006 West Coast Lotus Meet in Morro Bay, Kiyoshi Hamai, while presenting awards, mentioned that there used to be the day when you dare not drive your Lotus any further than you were willing to walk back home. This was amusing to most of us, but with over 140 people at the meet, many people driving hundreds of miles to attend, it was obvious we were a group of drivers and those old days were gone.

In my first years of Lotus ownership (a 1984 Turbo Esprit bought in 1991), I was always anxious of something failing and being left stranded. Over the years my philosophy has changed with the realization that the more you drive the car, the better it gets. Not only does driving the car keep it in shape, but you find and fix the weak spots and the car gets better. Plus, you have the pleasure of driving it. In the months prior to this meet, I had driven the car regularly, taken the car on several hundred-mile trips, and had numerous things fixed. So it was that I was ready to take my 22 year old Giugiaro styled Turbo Esprit on its longest trip since I

[USAndretti42]

Thanks for the great report and phots.

I must make sure my car is running so I can go next year. I feel a twit for missing it.

[fmxa]

Great read, many thanks! I was meant to be there, but alas fell victim to the "bird flu" and spent the weekend in bed

[mr50bmg]

I believe next year's event is in Colorado, so a bit more of a drive for you California folks.

It was a wonderful event. The Elise and the Exige are so popular in the western states (Washington, Oregon, California), I think the people back at Lotus Cars would be elated to see how much these cars are loved.

The older Lotuses received a good deal of attention also. Having an S2 Esprit show up would've been superb -- well, something to look forward to next time!

-Dave

p.s. my thanks to the moderator for getting the photos to appear!

Edited June 26, 2006 by mr50bmg

[JRTurbo909]

The older Lotuses received a good deal of attention also.  Having an S2 Esprit show up would've been superb -- well, something to look forward to next time!

-Dave

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

well you can count on my S2 to be at this next one. Colorado is quite a drive but I will not have a family member graduating so I wont let anything else stand in my way!

Shah