TLF GT430 Club

[EGTE]

Why no surprise, out of interest?

[C8RKH]

I expect @jep was referring to the fact that it did not meet the reserve. £60k for a GT430 would have been ludicrously cheap.

[Bruss]

No surprise at all.  These are mid market offerings, not collectables for multi millionaires and recession is starting to bite. 

[C8RKH]

Not a great time to be selling a £50K - £150K toy, I agree with you there @Bruss

I believe that the middle class who would be the customer for these cars, is a bit wary at the moment of spending on them. The wealthy class, who are doing OK, are not looking at a Lotus.

[jep]

1 hour ago, EGTE said:

Why no surprise, out of interest?

Collecting Cars is totally the wrong platform for selling niche cars. And a niche of the niche like a 430 is highly unlikely to have two serious private buyers at any one time. Auction pointless for such cars.

Justin 

[DH2]

8 minutes ago, jep said:

 highly unlikely to have two serious private buyers at any one time. Auction pointless for such cars.

Tend to agree, although there were two people bidding against each other at the end.  I saw it get to about 68k, but expect reserve was a bit above this, so no surprise no sale.

Dave

[jep]

Two private end user people..... unlikely. Bids against reserve and/or dealers like Targa F. I'd happily pay £70k for it, to flip out for £80k+. But I would suspect the reserve is min £90k unless the seller is desperate.

CC is basically useless for selling Lotus for anywhere near market value. 

Justin 

[C8RKH]

36 minutes ago, jep said:

CC is basically useless for selling Lotus for anywhere near market value.

So eventually a great platform to buy a Lotus bargain

[EGTE]

Well it's all academic now, guys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just bought it :-)

Anyone looking to buy a superb-condition GT410 in Empire Green?

[C8RKH]

Congratulations. I am sure it will give you a great deal of enjoyment.

[EGTE]

Thanks very much. It already has, just by looking at it!

[Bibs]

Wait, what?! Wow, congratulations

[EGTE]

I thought I'd strike while the iron was hot, as it were.

[jep]

49 minutes ago, C8RKH said:

So eventually a great platform to buy a Lotus bargain

Yes. Ask Targa Florio. 

[EGTE]

Seriously though, guys, thanks for all the information on the car/Targa Florio/market, etc.

It really helped me know where to pitch my offer and I am extremely pleased with the deal.

Thanks to all.

[exeterjeep]

@EGTE its South West Lotus open day this coming Saturday. They also have a 430. 

Must be time for a 430 Devon party.

[chipp]

2 hours ago, jep said:

Collecting Cars is totally the wrong platform for selling niche cars. And a niche of the niche like a 430 is highly unlikely to have two serious private buyers at any one time. Auction pointless for such cars.

Justin 

Using platforms that require no or little up front cost is a good way to get it out there and attract some interest, keep the reserve high to likely acheive a no sale and someone might come along at a later date to haggle.

26 minutes ago, EGTE said:

I thought I'd strike while the iron was hot, as it were.

Through the platform or direct with the seller.

[EGTE]

Direct with seller.

[exeterjeep]

So when will you get it?

[EGTE]

Too early to say right now; currently getting the money organised and looking at options on my GT410. Would hope this week sometime, but Saturday most likely, unfortunately; would have loved to go to SWL day. If I can make it, I will let you know.

[jep]

1 hour ago, chipp said:

Using platforms that require no or little up front cost is a good way to get it out there

I think you pay for photos which is not cheap. £19.99 gets a car in eBay with a lot of eyeballs and no buyer premium.

Back on 430 topic, congratulations @EGTE, 430 a wise purchase.

Justin 

[chipp]

Different platforms attract deferent clientele. In this instance the choice of platform may have ultimately got the sale without the middleman. 👍

[EGTE]

So I have now collected my GT430 and driven it for about 200 miles. What a difference to a "normal" Evora!

       I loved my NA Evora; it was like a puppy; always happy and playful but maybe not fully developed. The GT410 was what the puppy became when it grew up; a working-line Labrador, brilliant at everything and wonderful to live with. The 430 though; it is like I've taken delivery of a pet cheetah that's permanently "hangry" .

       The engine is angrier (the pick-up is amazing at all revs), the steering is immediate (is the wheel smaller, or does it just feel that way?), the ride is a bit stiffer but again it does that fabulous Lotus thing of improving with speed, the turn-in is amazing and the grip.....oh wow.   It feels much, much quicker than the 410 on acceleration and corners bring out the g-monster in me.

        It just feels so special; much more of a race-car, but amazing on-road as well. Maybe this is why guys wax lyrical about GT3s? I don't know (never had one), but goodness me the 430 is much more than just a halo car; it's a helluva car!

I'm blown away by how different it is to both my previous Evoras, but also how much better it is, too; incredible. As you rightly described it on your excellent YouTube buying guide Dr P: "a masterpiece".

[exeterjeep]

Good to see you are impressed. 

We ought to get a pic of the 3 Devon GT430s together sometime. (+SWLC makes 4)

[EGTE]

I am very impressed and yes that would be great; hardly need an excuse to drive it