The Lotus Grand Tourers

Can I ask, if buying one of the "cheap" models from Europe, do we have to factor in a tax hit from HMG ? I'm sure I can fix the badges. Thanks, Jeff. The model cost just over the £135 threshold, so I expected to pay 20% VAT, but the parcel cleared customs non-stop. Was it a result of a mistake, cha...

I found a Dutch dealer selling this model at £145 - it arrived yesterday, and is impressive, but there has been a serious oversight in the quality control department: the Lotus badges on the Bonnet and B-Pillars are all upside down. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bhuuuujtvgn79rw7h4u8p/IMG_20231112_0...

Have you seen these? https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004403461590.html

They certainly look to be able to cope with fibreglass panel thickness.

They work out at just under £14 for four, including VAT, delivered. So I've ordered some to try.

I hope this won't sound (too) patronising, but I spent 30 years working around aircraft, and learnt that it's not just about using twisted pairs (or more), it's about proper screening, and proper earthing (or grounding, depending which school you went to). The key points are: Keep the unscreened len...

I'm also considering using the Emerald ECU for my project - I'll be interested in how you get on with it. It's a good price and extras like a pigtail loom aren't ridiculously expensive. I spoke to them a while ago and they are hoping to include knock control later this year as well. Pete I've fitte...

Sounds very interesting, some quality but reasonably discreet upgrades. It would be fascinating to see it half-finished at the NEC Resto Show (in March 2025, we've already got Pete's car booked for the next show in '24), but I appreciate it's a bit of a hike from Wiltshire! Which half would you pre...

TonyL wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 10, 2023 15:18

The SWL version is £71.35 by the time you've paid for delivery. The ad says it includes the steering section.

Yes, indeed, it does contain section HA.

Great to hear of another one being saved! Lots of photos needed :D Pete I'm happy to provide photos just as soon as I figure out how to attach them to posts. Good luck with the resto, keep us posted, and do ask for any advice/help! Where are you based? There may be someone on here who lives nearby,...

So... nine years later, and I've finally got one to restore: a 1990 car with a genuine 64,000 miles on the clock (I've spoken to previous owners to confirm), but hasn't been driven since 2006. It's looking very sorry for itself with lots of lacquer having peeled off its BRG paint, and a filthy engin...

If the bidding goes crazy on the original version on eBay, then you can do as I did, and get a re-print version from South West Lotus Centre for £60 here: https://www.thelotuscentreonline.co.uk/ ... vice-Notes

Many thanks for the replies gentlemen and sorry for the tardy response on my part – the broadband has been u/s since last Friday. Regarding my search for a “minter”: not really; I’m happy to do as much mechanical work on the car as is required, because I’m fortunate to have a decent workshop with a ...

Thank you for all those answers. Frankly the condition hardly accords with the dealer’s description of “as nice as it gets and in stunning show quality condition throughout”. If that really is as nice as it gets in Excel terms then I'm unsure if I want one. I’ve searched the registration but come up...

Hello Gentlemen, I wondered whether I might pick the brains of the assembled to ask a few questions about what to expect of a late 1980s Excel… I’ve just returned from a visit to a dealer who has an interesting example in stock, and claims that the previous owner regularly showed it, and it has a Cl...