The Lotus Grand Tourers

This thread has a bit more info. on engine numbers : http://www.lotusexcel.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1609

BTW, What is a 'Wickens' model? Is that a specific trim level ? Thanks.

Thank you! I'll check the engine number if possible.

Sirclip wrote:BTW, What is a 'Wickens' model? Is that a specific trim level ? Thanks.

It's the one with the "squashed" green & gold or black badge. There's nothing special about it except for the badge - and some say that that badge detracts from it.

(After ACBC's death, David Wickens was put in charge and his first noticeable act was to re-design the badge and remove ACBC's initials from it. Outcry from the owners forced him to reinstate them pretty quickly, but the squashed "christmas pudding" badge remained in use for a while).

Ahh....I see, Much appreciated. It sounds as if the engine number is the sure-fire proof though, so I'll see if I can get this info from the chap tomorrow.

I personally think the gold and black design and the earlier green and gold crimbo pudding is very attractive.
Controversial badges in some circles increase value not degrade
Its a bit like coin collectors who go nuts for misprints, if enough people hate something it makes it rare and then desirable when there are very few left.

fueltheburn wrote:I personally think the gold and black design and the earlier green and gold crimbo pudding is very attractive.
Controversial badges in some circles increase value not degrade
Its a bit like coin collectors who go nuts for misprints, if enough people hate something it makes it rare and then desirable when there are very few left.

I like the rarer gold and green too

Hi again. Apparently the air con doesn't work. In your view, what are the most likely problems that cause this and how easy are they to fix?

Sirclip wrote:Hi again. Apparently the air con doesn't work. In your view, what are the most likely problems that cause this and how easy are they to fix?

Possibilities :
* lost gas due to lack of use and age (most likely) - regas required (Tech. Article covers conversion to use a legal refrigerant). Not really a DIY job as you need a vacuum pump to do it properly.
* Hole in the condenser - needs recored and replaced, then regassed.
* Leaky receiver/drier - needs replaced (new units are available), then regassed.
* Failed pump - needs replaced or repaired then regassed.
* leaky hose somewhere - needs replaced then regassed. This may be tricky due to corrosion at the joints and will likely result in another component needing to be replaced.

Thank you again. Like a lot of things, it sounds as if it could either be quite simple (Cheap) or more complex (expensive) to fix.

amarshall wrote:

Sirclip wrote:Hi again. Apparently the air con doesn't work. In your view, what are the most likely problems that cause this and how easy are they to fix?

Possibilities :
* lost gas due to lack of use and age (most likely) - regas required (Tech. Article covers conversion to use a legal refrigerant). Not really a DIY job as you need a vacuum pump to do it properly.
* Hole in the condenser - needs recored and replaced, then regassed.
* Leaky receiver/drier - needs replaced (new units are available), then regassed.
* Failed pump - needs replaced or repaired then regassed.
* leaky hose somewhere - needs replaced then regassed. This may be tricky due to corrosion at the joints and will likely result in another component needing to be replaced.

Grounds for a serious reduction in price if AC is a key factor in your choice of vehicle. If not...disconnect and take it out.

Thanks. Air con is a nice-to-have, but not essential in the choice. However, I'm the sort of person that, if it's fitted, then I would want it to work. The car is on sale for £4750. My biggest issue is that it's on a SORN, so testing it will be a problem. ANy comments?

Maybe go with one of us, who could bring their Excel along, so you could compare the two.
Tony

Hello Tony, That's a very generous & kind thought, thank you. I'm planning to talk to the chap tonight & I'll decide the next step thereafter.

Hi Gents, I spoke with the chap selling the SE last night. Apparently he's only had it about a year, so he's probably not the chap that went to Weston Park. From our discussion it seems that the body is in 'good condition", but I'm looking for that 'special' car. So.. still looking